Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley scored a viral hit with his debut single, "First Day Out," which appeared on YouTube in late 2016. The song's raw lyrical approach and visceral storytelling connected with millions of fans and put Grizzley on the map. Within months of the release of his 2017 mixtape My Moment, the rapper was signed to a major label and on tour with 21 Savage. Multiple mixtapes and studio work like 2021's Built for Whatever cemented his reputation as a ruthless lyricist and a powerful force in his era of rap. Grizzley kicked off the 2020s with the release of several new songs, including "Red Light," "Payroll," and in June of that year, "Mr. Officer," a song that addressed police violence and included guest performances from Queen Naija and the Detroit Youth Choir. That track landed on his mixtape The Smartest, which arrived the same month. Debuting just outside the Top 20 on the U.S. albums chart, the introspective set featured appearances by Lil Baby, Meek Mill, and fellow Detroit native Big Sean. In 2021, he teamed up with his brother Baby Grizzley on the song "Gave That Back." In May of that year, third album Built for Whatever was released. The record featured guest contributions from Big Sean, Lil Durk, King Von, Young Dolph, and several others, and peaked at the number 15 spot on Billboard's top 200 chart.