Da REAList was released to more mixed and lukewarm reviews among critics than his previous albums.

The rapper re-entered recording studios shortly after the released of his preview album The Real Testament to begin working with producers Drumma Boy, Mannie Fresh, DJ Infamous and many others.

Plies also collaborated with R&B newcomer Chris J, Sean Garrett, and was originally supposed to be released on Definition of Real but didn't make the final track listing.

[13] For me, being where I'm from, understanding the legal system and the culture I'm a part of, I felt it was a statement record, we got a lot of cats…they had a situation in Riviera Beach, Florida, not too far from my hometown.

A music video for the song "Pants Hang Low" featuring Mannie Fresh was released on December 15, 2008.