Waka Flocka's "Hard in da Paint", like his previous hit "O Let's Do It", was originally a mixtape track. It first appeared in his fourth mixtape titled LeBron Flocka James released on October 17, 2009. An early remix featuring French Montana was released on April 19, 2010, and appeared in the latter's ninth mixtape titled Mac & Cheese 2 released on May 6. The track was produced by up-and-coming producer Lex Luger, and went on to become an underground hit before being released as a commercial single on May 13.

The music video was released on July 19, 2010. During the music video the production was shut down by gang activity and police presence due to the Black P. Stones Bloods gang injunction. The music video was directed by Benny Boom. It was shot on Palmwood Drive in Baldwin Village, Los Angeles occasionally known as the Jungles, a neighborhood made infamous courtesy of the Denzel Washington movie "Training Day."

In August 2014, Pitchfork listed the track #41 on their "The 200 Best Tracks of the Decade So Far (2010-2014)."

An official remix featuring French Montana was released on April 19, while a second remix featuring Gucci Mane was released on June 22.

R&B singer Ciara released her own remix of the song on June 2, 2010. Rappers 2 Chainz, Young Jeezy and Pusha T released a version of the song titled "Hard in the Kitchen" on February 11, 2011. Several rappers released freestyles over the production, including Rick Ross, Vado, Lil Flip, Haystak, Young Jeezy, Tyga, Lil Chuckee, Curren$y, Jay Rock, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Meek Mill and Slim Thug.

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