Production was handled by Emile Haynie, J. Cardim, Lil' Fame, Arnold Mischkulnig, Bob Perry, DJ Premier, Face Defeat and Statik Selektah.

It features guest appearances from Fresh, Big Pooh, Jha-Jha, M.O.P., Phonte, Ralo, and Samson.

The album's lead single is its title track, "The Format", produced by DJ Premier, with "Vendetta" as its B-side.

[8] The Format also features the bonus track "Royal Salute", a retaliation to 50 Cent's song "What If", which included a line aimed at AZ.

On October 7, 2007, Quiet Money released The Format (Special Edition) adding six bonus tracks, including "Royal Salute".