The album is a recording of a rehearsal by the two producers for a June 2007 show at the Hollywood Bowl.

In 2007, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist were invited to perform at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater in Los Angeles, California.

[1] The Hard Sell was recorded during rehearsals for their June 2007 Hollywood Bowl show.

[3] Before recording, the two spent several days listening to potential candidates for inclusion on the set; during the process, they eventually started to "narrow down a theme and feel based on [their] feelings about music at the time.

"[4] According to DJ Shadow, the two sought to "push the boundaries of good taste" by putting together a set "that would alternatively make people smile and nod their head, and the next moment throw them off their balance and think 'Whoa, I'm not sure if I'm down with this.