Minaj first mentioned the song in her promo single, "Yasss Bish" which features Soulja Boy. She stated that the single would be released in two weeks. She revealed the title of the song at the 2014 "Billboard" Music Awards and afterwards hosted a Q&amp;A on Twitter where she revealed information regarding the single. In an interview for "Rap-Up", she stated that "Pills n Potions" was "uplifting" and "very soulful". Speaking to "Billboard", she explained: "It sounds like urgency, It sounds like betrayal. It sounds like running. It sounds like fainting. It sounds like love. It sounds like – *gasp!*" On May 19, 2014, Minaj revealed the single's cover art on Instagram.