"the illest" was originally featured on far east movement released a mixtape titled "grzzly" that was released on may 29, 2013. then a few days later the group released a new version of the song, now featuring rapper riff raff. on july 2, 2013, the new version was released for digital download as a single by cherrytree records and interscope records. far east movement then created a tumblr titled fuckyeahillest to help promote the song. the song was then featured on their ep "murder was the bass", which was released on december 9, 2013. they also have said the song would be featured on their upcoming fifth studio album.