After the Afterparty
by Charli XCX (featuring Lil Yachty)

Album: Single release only (2016)
Charted: 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Charlix XCX sings on this buoyant cut about a never-ending party. She is joined by Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty, who first gained recognition for his hit single "1 Night." He spits the third verse in which he outlines his intention to spend the afterparty with Charli.
  • The collaboration came about after Charli XCX contacted Lil Yachty via Twitter DM, and learned that he was a fan of her previous album, 2014's Sucker. "It annoys me when people are like, 'Oh he can't rap,'" she said of the Atlanta rhymer to Beats 1's Zane Lowe. "We're not in a time where rappers are all about having the best all time flow, or that old school flow. I love the way that he raps but I also love the way that he presents himself in his videos and that he's this creative force."
  • This was produced by Sophie from the London PC Music label, who has also worked with Madonna
    ("Bitch I'm Madonna"). The British electronic musician previously helmed Charli XCX's Vroom Vroom EP.
  • Charli XCX said the song is about "partying through eternity, into the afterlife and forever after!"

    "Everyone's invited – Lil Yachty, all the angels; everybody in the entire world," she added, "just bring some champagne, though."
  • The Diane Martel-directed video features Charli and Lil Yachty partying with zombies. The singer said:

    "The song is about partying into the afterlife and nobody does that better than zombies – they're the ultimate party monsters. We shot through the night for two days straight and I'm so pleased that some of my musical collaborators on the album turned into the undead and stepped into XCX world, especially for this video."
  • This was the last song that Charli wrote for her album - it followed a couple months of heavy partying. She told Radio.com: "It was just the conclusion to my [air quotes] 'research,' let's call it, into making a party record. I just wanted to make the most party, pop, powerful party jam ever, so I went for that."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.