Released: 2015 • Features: Swae Lee, Chief Keef
“Nightcrawler” is a hard-hitting anthem from Travis Scott featuring Swae Lee and Chief Keef that glorifies the relentless hedonism and reckless abandonment indicative of hip-hop’s party scene. The track is both a celebration of their extraordinary success and a raucous escapade into their after-hours lifestyle filled with money, women, and alcohol.
The song opens up with Travis Scott asking “Did you have the time of your life?” hinting at the wild parties he’s known to host. He then invites the listener to an afterparty at his place, preparing to flaunt his wealth by throwing hundreds. Here’s a little thing about hip-hop lingo, ‘throwing hundreds’ means making it rain with hundred dollar bills – a common sight in strip clubs and high-end parties. He repeats the line “order more bottles, order more models” indicating a never-ending spree of excessive consumption.
The chorus features Swae Lee singing “when the night calls,” embodying the lure of the nightlife. He continues, “order more bottles, order more models, order more hours, shots on an island,” driving home the message of living life in the fast lane. In hip hop, the ‘island’ often refers to a party hotspot, a place detached from the conventional world, where the party never ends.
Travis returns with “Freaks come out at night, we bring our fantasy to life,” a nod to the Whodini classic, underlining the influential role of old-school hip-hop in shaping his music. To ‘get piped’, in the hip-hop world, equates to getting hyped or ‘turnt’, essentially suggesting a high energy, crazy party experience.
Chief Keef, making a rare guest appearance, delivers a verse that resonates with his usual braggadocious style. He details his luxurious, opulent lifestyle, name-checking luxury items and indulgences — from ordering guns to enjoying Korean spicy garlic, a far cry from his former life of eating McDonald’s, a testament to his rise from the projects. By saying “Like Wu-T-A-N-G, we come through wildin'” he pays homage to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, known for their energetic style and unapologetic lyricism.
In conclusion, “Nightcrawler” is Travis Scott, Swae Lee, and Chief Keef’s unfiltered depiction of their extravagant lifestyle, portraying the hip-hop culture’s penchant for hedonistic excess. The repetitive use of phrases like “order more bottles” and “order more models” paints a picture of a perpetual frenzy, reflecting their affinity for all things grandiose. As a listener, you’re not just hearing about their wild escapades, but you’re made to feel as if you’re right there in the thick of it – that’s the intoxicating allure of “Nightcrawler”.
