“Prince Paul – A Prince Among Thieves” is a concept album by renowned hip-hop producer Prince Paul, released in 1999. This critically acclaimed album is often regarded as one of the most innovative and cinematic hip-hop projects ever created. The album weaves a compelling narrative about an aspiring rapper named Tariq who gets entangled in crime as he tries to make it in the music industry.
Featuring an impressive lineup of guest appearances including De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Kool Keith, Chubb Rock, and Everlast, the album functions like a musical movie, with each track advancing the storyline. The production is characterized by Prince Paul’s masterful use of sampling, diverse beats, and seamless transitions, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.
“A Prince Among Thieves” delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, and the pitfalls of the music industry, making it both a thought-provoking and entertaining album. Celebrated for its originality, storytelling, and production quality, the album solidifies Prince Paul’s reputation as a visionary producer and remains a landmark in hip-hop history.
| A1 | Tariq’s Dilemma (Intro) | 0:37 | |
| A2 | Pain |
2:13 | |
| A3 | How It All Started | 1:19 | |
| A4 | Steady Slobbin | 2:54 | |
| A5 | Just Another Day | 2:18 | |
| A6 | What U Got (The Demo) | 2:29 | |
| A7 | The Hustles On | 1:37 | |
| A8 | MC Hustler | 3:51 | |
| A9 | The Call | 0:52 | |
| A10 | The Other Line | 2:51 | |
| B11 | Crazy Lou’s Hideout | 1:49 | |
| B12 | Weapon World | 3:27 | |
| B13 | My Big Chance | 1:54 | |
| B14 | War Party | 3:10 | |
| B15 | Count Macula | 0:22 | |
| B16 | Macula’s Theory | 2:35 | |
| B17 | Mr. Large | 1:06 | |
| B18 | Can You Handle It” | 0:21 | |
| B19 | Put the Next Man On | 3:45 | |
| B20 | I Was In | 0:40 | |
| C21 | My First Day | 2:28 | |
| C22 | More Than U Know | 4:23 | |
| C23 | Room 69 | 1:48 | |
| C24 | Mood For Love | 3:16 | |
| C25 | The Bust | 0:44 | |
| C26 | The Men in Blue | 3:32 | |
| C27 | Central Booking | 2:03 | |
| D28 | Handle Your Time | 3:53 | |
| D29 | The Rev | 0:28 | |
| D30 | Sermon | 1:00 | |
| D31 | Showdown | 2:55 | |
| D32 | You Got Shot | 3:07 | |
| D33 | Every Beginning Must Have an Ending | 1:43 | |
| D34 | The New Joint (DJ’s Delite) | 0:55 | |
| D35 | A Prince Among Thieves | 4:42 |
