To train for his part, John Leguizamo hung out with a gang of drug dealers and gangsters for a few days. They told him how to spot surveillance vans and deal drugs.
Franc. Reyes originally wanted John Leguizamo to play Jimmy. John Leguizamo liked the part of Victor so much that he got the director to give him that part. Leguizamo used his star power to help bring bigger names (such as Fat Joe, Isabella Rossellini, Peter Sarsgaard and Denise Richards) to the project.
Shot in 22 days.
John Leguizamo and Nestor Serrano previously worked together 11 years prior in Hangin' with the Homeboys (1991).
Vincent Laresca and Anthony 'Treach' Criss made their film debuts 10 years prior in Juice (1992).