[2] The left side of the album cover has a picture of Hüsker Dü, friends of the band and labelmates at SST Records.

was a tribute to the alternative rock band R.E.M., who had invited Firehose's predecessor Minutemen to join them on the tour to support the 1985 album Fables of the Reconstruction.

organized a benefit concert for Boon's family and remained friendly with Minutemen Mike Watt and George Hurley, who would go on to form Firehose with singer/guitarist Ed Crawford.

Critical reviews of If'n were mostly positive, describing the album as more focused than Firehose's debut.

[6] A review in Spin said "If'n realizes the promise of their auspicious debut, Ragin', Full On, and ups the ante, proving once and for all that these dudes live in the shadow of no one.