It was released on Dogday Records on November 10, 1998.

It peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart,[10] as well as number 51 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

[11] The album's title is a nod to Steal This Book (1971) by social activist Abbie Hoffman.

In 2015, Fact placed it at number 13 on the "100 Best Indie Hip-Hop Records of All Time" list.

[12] The 2002 digital re-release is titled Steal This Double Album, and contains bonus tracks.