Party
by Beyoncé (featuring André 3000)

Album: 4 (2011)
Charted: 50
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Beyoncé likes to have a good time partying, especially when the party in question is just the Texan singer and her lover. This feel-good track from her fourth solo album, 4 finds her addressing her beau, "I may be young, but I'm ready/To give you all my love/I told my girls you can get it/Don't slow it down, just let it go."
  • This late '80s R&B inspired song features production by Consequence and Kanye West, and the latter spits at the beginning of the tune, "You a bad girl and your friend's bad too/ We got the swag, so you drippin' swagoo."
  • André 3000 contributes a verse to the tune, coming in around the 2:15 mark. The OutKast member's contribution is the only feature on 4.
  • The song borrows from hip-hop legends Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh 1985 tune "La Di Da Di."
  • Recording engineer Jordan "DJ Swivel" Young told Billboard magazine about this song: "That was the first record I ever cut with her, before we even started the album. Kanye sent it to her... that early-'90s inspiration was already there. Beyoncé was experimenting with everything. 'Party' sounds like you're at a summer cookout. She got that point across in the vocals."
  • Beyoncé chose to work with her husband's frequent collaborator Kanye West after she heard "Runaway," which she admitted to Complex magazine, made her cry. "The fact that he's belting out his pain, his confusion, and his anger, with no pre-written lyrics, was so moving," she explained. "He's singing his heart out for five minutes. He is so vulnerable. I love when an artist can be so honest."
  • J.Cole replaces André 3000 on the official remix for the song and the Roc Nation signee also joins Beyoncé in the music video. Cole's verse for the remix is much shorter than André 3000's original, but all other elements are identical.
  • The retro-themed backyard bash video was shot in the Oakdale Mobile Home Park in South Brunswick Township, New Jersey. In addition to J. Cole, former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland makes a cameo appearance whilst Solange Knowles, Beyoncé's younger sister, can be seen working the turntables.

Comments: 2

  • Ad from ChicagoThe rapper's lyrics at the beginning are actually, "You got the swag sauce, she dripping swagu." Sauce and Ragu—get it? (BTW, thanks for your excellent and expansive coverage of artists, songs and more.)
  • Lynness28 from Sydney, AustraliaOne of the Beyonce songs I have listened to again, a lot lately. It reminds me of my dad who used to play ‘For your love’ Stevie Wonder when we were growing up.
    Surprised it’s not referenced for a melodic reference for the chorus and opening. Love how she used it.
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