After the release of her previous album Pieces of Me (2011), Ledisi took a music hiatus to pursue acting roles, appearing the films Leave It on the Floor (2011) and Selma (2014); the latter of which she portrayed American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

The album saw the return of previous collaborations with songwriters and record producers Rex Rideout, Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly; the latter two who produced "Pieces of Me", the lead single of the Ledisi's previous album Pieces of Me (2011).

It was her third studio album to debut within the top-twenty on the US Billboard 200; along with Turn Me Loose (2009) and Pieces of Me (2011).

"[2] Ledisi collaborated with songwriters and record producers that she worked on her previous album Pieces of Me (2011); including Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, Jon Jon Traxx, Carvin & Ivan, and long-time collaborator and executive producer of the album Rex Rideout.

[1] She also worked with Drumma Boy, Jerry Duplessis, Darhyl Camper, Angel Higgs, and Roland Jack.

On November 2, 2013, Ledisi announced the upcoming release of The Truth in an interview with Billboard magazine.

[1] On November 3, 2013, Ledisi debuted her single "I Blame You" in a performance at the annual Black Girls Rock!

[7] The accompanying music video for "I Blame You", directed by Derek Blanks, premiered on Essence in December 2013.

The tour was sponsored by Essence and visited thirty venues during its North American run.

[13] Music critic Andy Kellman of AllMusic referred to The Truth as "one of the singer and songwriter's best releases.

"[3] Gulf News commented "Ledisi's voice is a multifaceted jewel that gives the album much of its sparkle: She’s bold but never brash, scats without overtrilling and can curl your toes with the bending of a single note.

Just like any other union, there are moods and moments that speak to every aspect of a relationship or growing lack thereof.

[17] In the United States, The Truth debuted at number fourteen on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 19,711 copies.