Gordon Parks, the film's director, composed the score for this film and its drastically different than the one written by Issac Hayes for the original film. Parks's influence on this film is based on the work of the legendary jazz pianist Duke Ellington and it is noticeable in several cues, including the one written for the film's climactic chase sequence which runs nearly 20 minutes.
This would be the final Shaft film starring Richard Roundtree to be shot primarily in New York City because MGM wanted to turn the character into more of a James Bond like character, starting with "Shaft In Africa" which, despite positive reviews, was a disappointment financially. The 2000 update would return the franchise back to its New York City roots.
Like the original film, this sequel was shot in the middle of winter. Shaft began shooting in January 1971, and sequel in February 1972.
The shotgun used by John Shaft in the last part of the film is the High Standard HS-10B designed circa 1970, originally a law enforcement only firearm.
Isaac Hayes did not return to reprise his iconic score because he had had a major falling out with director Gordon Parks Jr..