"Take a Step Back" was originally released for Ski Mask the Slump God's mixtape Drown in Designer on May 16, 2016 and as a single for Ski Mask's mixtape You Will Regret on May 12, 2017. The song has been described as a "mosh pit anthem" and as the unofficial theme of rap festivals.[1][2] The song utilizes elements of punk rock and heavy metal. The song was recorded on a pair of iPhone earbuds, giving it a distorted sound, but Ski Mask said that he and XXXTentacion used it to their advantage.[1][3]
A feud ensued between Ski Mask and X between late 2017 and early 2018, with Ski Mask saying he wanted to be seen as an individual rapper rather than just X's partner.[4] X briefly said he would quit music until Ski Mask would be his friend again.[5] At the 2018 Rolling Loud festival while Ski Mask was set to perform, the two surprised the audience with X joining Ski Mask to perform "Take A Step Back", ending the feud.[1]