Was originally supposed to be directed by Martin Scorsese. Rocco Klein would have been the main character, played by Robert De Niro. Scorsese changed his mind, opting instead to direct Casino (1995), and De Niro went with him. Scorsese then asked Spike Lee if he wanted to direct. Lee accepted (and decided that Strike, not Rocco, would be the primary character), and Scorsese was given an "Executive Producer" credit.
Spike Lee wanted John Turturro to play Detective Rocco Klein, and Michael Imperioli to play Detective Larry Mazilla. The studio balked at Lee's request, and Martin Scorsese suggested Harvey Keitel for the role of Rocco, with John Turturro sliding into the role of Mazilla.
Spike Lee's previous film, Crooklyn (1994), featured the song "Crooklyn" over the end credits. This film features a remix of the same song during the opening scene in the courtyard. While the original version of the song was nostalgic and wistful, matching the tone of Crooklyn (1994), the version featured here is grim and pessimistic, in keeping with the mood of this film.