A Prince Among Thieves Turns 25: Retrospective
Celebrate a quarter century of storytelling in hip-hop with Prince Paul's A Prince Among Thieves.
Prince Paul Huston is a true iconoclast. He made history with his early work in Stetsasonic and his groundbreaking contributions to De La Soul, followed by collaborations like the Gravediggaz and his eccentric solo projects. But even with a resume packed with classics like 3 Feet High and Rising and 6 Feet Deep, his 1999 masterpiece A Prince Among Thieves stands apart.
What makes this album exceptional is its ambition. A full-fledged concept album, A Prince Among Thieves, unfolds a complete narrative. The songs and even the interstitial skits are essential components of the story. This project was Paul’s passion, carefully crafted over countless $20/hour studio sessions and endless hours in his home lab, painstakingly assembling dialogue and music. That dedication shines through, a triumph of artistry and a standout in his prolific discography.
The album’s genesis runs through Paul’s unique talent. He explained in a podcast interview how A Prince Among Thieves sprang from the unlikely success of his quirky 1996 album “Psychoanalysis: What Is It?” Despite his expectation that it would be his final release, “Psychoanalysis” developed a cult following. Fans included Chris Rock (who’d later collaborate with Paul on Grammy-winning comedy albums) and the staff at Tommy Boy Records, where Paul had seen early success.
Sensing their enthusiasm, Paul pitched A Prince Among Thieves, a project he’d been developing, to the label. Tommy Boy reissued a slightly altered “Psychoanalysis” and signed on to distribute the new album. They approached the project with creative freedom, recognizing its potential to break fresh ground.
The story of A Prince Among Thieves is a battle of good vs. evil and a thinly veiled metaphor for personal turmoil. It follows Tariq, a naive young rapper working at Boston Chicken, struggling to finish his demo tape. He’s desperate to land a record deal with the Wu-Tang Clan but lacks the $1000 needed to complete the project. Seeking help from his friend and co-worker, True, he’s drawn into a dark underworld of crime and ultimately loses everything. Paul later revealed that he was channeling the pain of a contentious divorce and custody battle during the album’s creation.
Choosing the cast was key. Breeze Brewin, frontman of the Juggaknots, brings vulnerability and street-smart grit to his role as Tariq. Brewin’s distinctive smoky delivery makes him a compelling storyteller, equally adept at intricate narratives and sharp battle rhymes. Paul knew he was perfect for the role after hearing the Juggaknots’ work.
For the role of True, the album’s unscrupulous antagonist, Prince Paul sought the ideal vocal tone and persona. He initially envisioned Chino XL and even Biggie Smalls before ultimately selecting Big Sha. Sha’s Long Island background (as a solo artist and member of Horror City) and his no-nonsense delivery were a natural fit for the character.
The album boasts a diverse roster of contributors, including up-and-coming rappers alongside established names like Big Daddy Kane, Kool Keith, Everlast, Xzibit, Chubb Rock, Sadat X, Biz Markie, Don NewKirk, and Breeze’s sister Queen Herawin. Special Ed, Buckshot, and RZA lend their voices to connective skits, further developing the sonic world of the album.
Prince Paul maintained a protective stance regarding the album’s overarching concept. Breeze and Sha were the only collaborators given access to the complete narrative structure. This strategic approach, where contributors received isolated lines and scenes without the full context, added a unique element to the final product.
Driven by budgetary constraints, Paul recorded A Prince Among Thieves in the most cost-effective studios available. This allowed him to invite contributors for extensive recording sessions, capturing raw takes he would later meticulously sample and integrate into the story’s framework.
Paul’s process fostered creative freedom; he rarely provided pre-written verses for the guest rappers. Instead, he would offer thematic direction, allowing artists to contribute authentically to the album’s narrative.
The result is a compelling concept album with a focus on the character development of Tariq and True. The narrative flows smoothly, even with a slightly extended introduction, as it establishes its wide range of characters.
The album opens with “Pain,” finding Tariq and True facing their potential demise. It then flashes back to Tariq, voiced by Breeze, recounting the events that led to this violent culmination. “Steady Slobbin’” reimagines Ice Cube’s “Steady Mobbin’” as Tariq’s anthem, showcasing his early days hustling with a touch of self-deprecating humor.
Breeze and Sha establish a captivating dynamic, evident on tracks like “What You Got” (Tariq’s rough demo) and “Put The Next Man On” (their pitch to join Mr. Large’s Organization). Their tension-filled encounter on “You Got Shot” foreshadows the album’s violent climax.
Tracks featuring other artists showcase Prince Paul’s enduring production prowess. “The Other Line” with Queen Herawin offers a nuanced and relatable look at Tariq’s romantic struggles, all anchored by a Portishead sample.
A Prince Among Thieves is packed with surprises! It brought back familiar faces like Chubb Rock, who shines on “Mr. Large” with his outlandish gangster rhymes over Biz Markie’s beatboxing. But the biggest comeback was Big Daddy Kane’s. He drops gems like a true kingpin on “Macula’s Theory,” proving he’s still got it.
Then there’s Kool Keith… well, he’s Kool Keith. As the deranged Crazy Lou, he takes you on a wild ride through his bizarre weapons collection in “Weapon World.” It’s a shame this was the limit of his and Prince Paul’s collaborations; their chemistry is off the charts.
And hey, Paul’s not afraid to revisit his roots, either. “More Than U Know,” his reunion with De La Soul, channels that classic “Say No Go” vibe, except this time it’s crack addicts played by Pos and Dave. And Chris Rock’s intro as a New Jack City-era Pookie? Pure comedy gold.
Ever wondered what a Prince Paul take on a classic love song would be? Well, here’s Don Newkirk belting out “Moody’s Mood for Love” for the album’s steamy scene. Initially, they wanted Lou Rawls, but his manager wasn’t feeling Chris Rock. Newkirk delivers, though, giving the song his fantastic spin.
Though initially met with a lukewarm reception from Tommy Boy Records, the album’s complex narrative, star-studded cameos, and Paul’s deft production steadily won over a dedicated audience. Big Daddy Kane delivers a standout performance on “Macula’s Theory,” while De La Soul returns for the captivating “More Than U Know.” Chris Rock’s comedic cameo adds a touch of levity to the darker themes. Intriguing newer voices also shine, including Everlast’s portrayal of a corrupt officer, Xzibit and Sadat X’s portrayals of convicts, and even a surprise appearance from Kidd Creole.
The title track subverts expectations by casting the protagonist in a negative light. This perspective reflects Paul’s later work, such as Politics of the Business, which directly critiques the music industry. Ultimately, the album’s enduring appeal lies in its intricate storytelling, Paul’s mastery of production, and its potent blend of humor and darkness. A Prince Among Thieves deserves recognition as a hip-hop concept album that rewards multiple listens and continues to resonate today.