Word of the album originally surfaced in 1998 with a different title "Book of T.H.U.G.S.", but due to Flesh-n-Bone's incarceration the album wasn't released until two years later with a new name and a new label. Also due to Flesh's incarceration the album was left unfinished. Despite all difficulties, 5th Dog Let Loose is considered by fans and some critics as his crowning achievement.