A Prince Among Thieves

As the ultimate endpoint-slash-penance for introducing the concept of the skit to the hip-hop world, comedic wizard and funk alchemist Prince Paul pulled things to their logical conclusion: the first widely recognized “rap opera,” an all-star cautionary tale centered around shoulda-blown-up Juggaknots great Breeze Brewin’ playing an aspiring rapper whose luck keeps finding innovative new ways to run out. Turns a jaundiced eye to the hip-hop industry that’d prove all too true for its headlining producer and showcase MC alike — but it still resonates decades later.