On “Bad Man (Smooth Criminal),” a rework of pop star Michael Jackson’s 1988 track “Smooth Criminal,” Chicago rapper Polo G outlines his gang and weapon activity while dropping references to Jackson’s original song and interpolating its chorus.

While it was speculated to appear on Polo’s third studio album, Hall of Fame, in the months before its release, the track was notably absent from its tracklist due to the sample not having clearance.

The track was later confirmed for release in an October 2021 Instagram post featuring Polo dressed up as Jackson, and on November 8, he announced its release for November 12 as the lead single to Hall of Fame’s deluxe edition.