West premiered "Can't Tell Me Nothing" via Hot 97 on May 15, 2007, with it being played by DJ Enuff. That same day, the song was released as the lead single from "Graduation". West decided on the song being the first single due to fellow rapper 50 Cent calling it his favorite song from the album, after West met up with 50 Cent and played the album to him. On June 19, 2007, the song was serviced to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations through West's record labels Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. A 12" vinyl was later released for the song by Universal Music on August 7 of that year. On September 11, 2007, West's third studio album "Graduation" was released, featuring "Can't Tell Me Nothing" as the sixth track.