The back cover features a dedication to the memories of Rakim's father William and producer Paul C., who had worked on many of the album's tracks before his murder in July 1989.

[12] Paul's protégé, Large Professor, completed his work; however, neither receive credit in the album's notes.

Large Professor confirmed that Paul produced the songs "Run for Cover" and "Untouchables" in full.

[15] Regarding his contributions, Large Professor confirmed that he did all of "In the Ghetto" (based around a sample Paul had given him) and "Step Back" as well as the drum programming for "No Omega" and co-production on the title track.

[15] The rest of the production is assumed to have been handled by Rakim, his brother Stevie Blass Griffin and the album's engineer, Patrick Adams.

Because of his involvement in the production, Large Professor was chosen by Eric B as a ghost producer for Kool G Rap & DJ Polo's second album, Wanted: Dead or Alive.