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.[6][vague] She revealed the title of the song at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards and afterwards hosted a Q&A on Twitter where she revealed information regarding the single.[7] In an interview for Rap-Up, she stated that "Pills n Potions" was "uplifting" and "very soulful".[8] 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!*"[9] On May 19, 2014, Minaj revealed the single's cover art on Instagram.[10]