The song was intended as the lead single from the 50 Cent's debut studio album Power of the Dollar, which was ultimately shelved by the label due to controversies surrounding the artist.

[2] The song features statements in quick succession about robbing and mugging numerous prominent figures in the urban music scene.

Sticky Fingaz, who is also mentioned, had collaborated with 50 Cent the year before, as part of the group Onyx, on the song "React" from their 1998 album Shut 'Em Down.

Of the other celebrities mentioned in "How to Rob", 50 Cent has worked with Jay-Z, Diddy, Mase, Busta Rhymes, DMX, Missy Elliott, DJ Clue, Juvenile, Joe, Lil' Kim, R. Kelly and Timbaland since the song's release.

The comments made towards the Wu-Tang Clan were responded to on the Ghostface Killah album Supreme Clientele on a track called "Ghost Deini" and even more directly on a skit called "Clyde Smith" which included one of the Wu-Tang Clan members talking about how they intended to harm the rapper, which is identifiable as Raekwon when the track is sped up.

A supposed diss song, "Who the Fuck Is 50 Cent", which circulated the web in the beginning of 2001 was rumored to be by the Clan, but was proven to be recorded by Polite of American Cream Team (Raekwon's then-side project).

And that'll be the name of the motherfucker: 'That's Why I Had To Beat Your Motherfucking Ass', featuring Tony Sunshine.Kurupt also responded to the track with "Callin Out Names": Now it's 50 mc's that ain't worth shit Get ya ass kicked 50 times, beat to 10 centMissy Elliott however responded in a humorous way, in the liner notes for her 2002 album Under Construction, on which 50 Cent appears: I don't know you that well except when you told me to put them hot dogs down (haha).