Contributions to the album's production came from a variety of producers and songwriters, including DJ Bosko Stix Baby, J.R. Rotem, and Versatile.

The planned lead single, "PopoZão", was produced by Disco D in a style influenced by Brazilian funk carioca and cowritten by Spears.

The romance received intense attention from the media, since Federline had recently broken up with actress Shar Jackson, who was still pregnant with their second child at the time.

[5] Spears also composed two tracks with Federline titled "Y'all Ain't Ready" and "PopoZão"; however, neither was ultimately included on the album.

According to Chuck Arnold of People, "the frenetic dance track (its title refers to a bootylicious posterior) taps into the favela funk sound popular in Rio de Janeiro and features production by Disco D, who keeps things popping with breakneck beats."

[8] On September 27, 2006, it was announced that "Crazy", featuring Spears, would be included on the album instead of "PopoZão",[9] and that "Lose Control" had been chosen as the lead single instead.

[11] In early October 2006, Federline commenced the Playing with Fire Tour at Webster Hall in New York City; out of a total seating capacity of 1,500, he performed to an estimated audience of 300, of which two-thirds left before the end of the show.

"[23] A critic from Now commented that "his flow is generic and instantly forgettable and his lyrics are trite, inconsequential and full of self-importance",[14] while Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly gave the album an F, stating that the concept of it is "about squandering Britney Spears' fortune.

"[10] In a rare positive review, Ron Harris of Associated Press called Playing with Fire "a credible, entertaining debut", praising the tracks "Privilege", "Kept on Talkin'" and "Crazy".