The ensemble cast includes Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson, Paula Jai Parker, Elise Neal, DJ Qualls and Ludacris.

Produced by John Singleton and Stephanie Allain, the film tells the story of one man's struggle to turn his life around through music.

Hustle & Flow was released on July 22, 2005, by Paramount Classics, and received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances—particularly those of Howard and Henson—as well as Brewer's direction and the film's soundtrack.

DJay hustles to secure the necessary equipment and recording time, even going so far as to offer Nola, his top prostitute, to a microphone salesman in exchange for gear.

As the group finishes recording, DJay learns that Skinny Black, a successful Memphis rapper, will be attending a Fourth of July party.

In the DVD extras, Singleton expressed his frustration with the industry's reluctance to recognize the film's potential, stating that he ultimately decided to fund the project himself because he believed it deserved the chance to be made.

[3] In a review for The Boston Globe, the film was noted for evoking different reactions: "Some will find it chicly inspired, recalling blaxploitation's heyday with its grimy urban realism.

"[5] The phrase "Whoop That Trick", which was prominently featured in Hustle & Flow, became a rallying cry for fans of the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team during the early 2020s.

[6][7][8][9][10] The chant gained widespread popularity and was used by fans to energize the team during games, further solidifying the cultural impact of the film and its music within the city of Memphis.

The album primarily focuses on Southern hip hop, reflecting the film's Memphis setting and the music culture that plays a central role in the story.