It was released on April 23, 1996 through EastWest Records America/Elektra Music Group.

Production was handled by Alan Fouse, Bass Mechanics, Bryce Wilson, Carl Roland, Charles Jordan, Darren Lighty, Daz Dillinger, Easy Mo Bee, Jermaine Dupri, Livio Harris, Miles Goodman, Mobb Deep, RZA, Sergio, Tony Pizarro, and KayGee who also served as executive soundtrack album producer along with Merlin Bobb, Queen Latifah, Sha-Kim and Sylvia Rhone.

In addition to Latifah, it features contributions from 2Pac, 69 Boyz, Aaliyah, Adina Howard, Big Mike, Ghostface Killah, Groove Theory, Junior M.A.F.I.A., MC Lyte, Mobb Deep, Onyx, Quad City DJ's, Raekwon, Spank D, Tha Dogg Pound, Xscape and Miles Goodman.

On June 18, 1996, it was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

[2] In 2012 Complex magazine listed the album #8 on its 'The 25 Best Hip-Hop Movie Soundtracks Of All Time'.