Spike Lee's previous film, Crooklyn, featured the song "Crooklyn" over the end credits. Clockers 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, the version featured here is grim and pessimistic, in keeping with the mood of this film.
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.
After speaking with Det. Rocco Klein outside the police station, the shadows of the buildings change size, and the position of Rodney's car is different in each of the three shots showing Ronald approaching the car and getting on.
When Detective Mazilli is walking up to the back of the Mercedes Benz to talk to the kids inside his badge/shield is that of an NYPD Detective. However when he shows it to the driver of the car it is the shield of a NYPD Sergeant.
Det. Rocco Klein: [suspects Victor took the fall for Strike]
You're the fuckin' king snake. You're a low-down, cold-blooded evil junkyard nigger like I've never seen.