The song was first performed in 2001 by "General" Larry Platt in the streets of Atlanta during many campaigns for elected municipal officials across the city, and he had professionally recorded it as early as 2002.

[3] It was reported that Platt's former manager intended to promote the song, servicing radio stations to gain exposure, which is a common music industry practice.

[6] The song was performed at the American Idol finale by Platt, accompanied by William Hung, and a crew of dancers who dropped their pants as part of the act.

Additionally, Canadian MLA T. J. Burke performed a rendition of the song in criticizing Progressive Conservative opposition leader David Alward, during a session of the New Brunswick provincial legislature.

"Pants on the Ground" was also sung during WWE's 2010 Royal Rumble PPV event, in a backstage segment between Theodore Long, Cryme Tyme, Ranjin Singh and The Great Khali.