Turn Down For What

Always Makes Me Think of 22 Jump Street

Turn Down for What by DJ Snake and Lil John

"This is actually pretty good for a song that has, like, no words."

Indeed, Jasmine. I would agree.

It works because what few words it does have are perfect. If you're looking to have a big night out, what do you really need besides loud music, shots, and that iconic mindset:

Turn down for what? Nothing. Turn down for nothing.

Plus - and this is probably the real reason why it works - it's not about the lyrics. It's about a feeling and the music that creates it.

If I'm in my pajamas, this song is the only thing that will get me out of bed and ready to go downtown. Every time.

It tells a story, the story of a fantastic time getting crunk with your friends. It's actually super well-crafted. Hear me out, and listen along;

That first bit, where it builds, prepares you so well for what's to come. It feels like the beginning of the night. The part where you're in the bathroom with your girls, putting on your makeup, asking each other if your outfit is on point. You might be pre-gaming a little bit, and you're just getting hyped.

Then the roller-coaster hits the top of the first hill, so to speak, and you're looking straight down, waiting for the drop. The music backs off and the word "shots" echoes in the silence. That's the part of the night where you all take a shot right before heading out the door, and it's the first one of the night so everyone makes grossed-out faces at the taste.

But the disgust fades quickly, and you're like TURN DOWN FOR WHAT?

And from then on, you're grooving. You're dancing. You're generally enjoying the night, going from bar to bar. How great is this beat? How great is "Lil John's powerful and iconic voice"? How great are those "bass and trap music elements that are original to Atlanta, GA, Lil John's hometown"? (source)

Then this craziness at 2:05 is where you say, "I'm probably good for the night," but everyone encourages you to do one more. "Shots, shots, shots...!"

That pause at 2:13 is the part where you finally give in and throw one more back...

...and everything after that is the part where you're turnt.

That's why the beat gets wild, and everything is slow and hazy, and Lil John's voice is all distorted and far-away. It brilliantly mimics the sound of the club in your one-shot-over-my-limit state.

Maybe two shots over.

Or three.

Who's counting? At this point, not you.

Finally, at around 3:13, the scratchy-disk noise drops out, and you've just got the clapping and the cymbals as the night fades out and you try to catch an Uber home.

Good times.

Note: I am definitely 100% not speaking from personal experience. This is just one possible interpretation of the events depicted in the #1 party anthem of all time.

Overview:

Genre:
Trap / EDM

Favorite Lyrics:
Another round of shots

Verdict:
turn up