"Hot Stuff" was recorded in March, October and December 1975 during the Black and Blue sessions, and is heavily influenced by the disco/funk sounds of the day, with Charlie Watts laying down a heavy drum pattern accompanied by Ollie E. Brown on percussion, Bill Wyman adding a funky bassline, and extensive use of the Mutron III pedal by guest guitarist Harvey Mandel, formerly of Canned Heat.

Mandel plays the lead guitar parts on the song and was one of the guitarists in consideration for replacing the departed Mick Taylor's slot as the Stones' lead guitarist, a position eventually filled by Ron Wood.

Billy Preston plays piano on the recording and contributes backing vocals along with Richards and Wood.

Cash Box said that it "is a hot disco tune, with driving, fleshed-out R&B overtones.

"[5] The song was released as a US promo single from Black and Blue (following the worldwide top 10 hit "Fool to Cry").