It was released on November 24, 1992, by MCA Records, and featured production from Teddy Riley and Ty Fyffe, as well as Riley's engineers Franklyn Grant and David Wynn.

This marked Wreckx-n-Effect's first album following the death of member Brandon Mitchell, who was fatally shot in 1990.

Hard or Smooth became the group's highest entry on the Billboard 200, where it debuted and peaked at number nine.

Its lead single, "Rump Shaker", peaked at number two on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks charts, as well as number nine on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play.

The fourth single, "Wreckx Shop", peaked at number 11 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.