11 Compelling Songs That Reference Da Club | Playlist 🎧

‘11 Compelling Songs That Reference Da Club’ features music courtesy of 50 Cent, Drake, Kehlani, Kelsea Ballerini & SAINt JHN. 

7 words: “I wanna make love in this club.” That’s what he – Usher – said in 2008 no his no. 1 hit, “Love in This Club,” featuring Jeezy (Here I Stand).  Three years later, pn his 2011 banger, “Hard White (Up in the Club)” (Radioactive), Yelawolf, assisted by Lil Jon, brashly asserts, “Up in the club, don’t give a fuck / Up in the club, still don’t give a fuck.” It should also be noted, the record references coke, and I’m not talking about Coca Cola!

Years later, DJ Khaled, the curator of curators, enlisted Yo Gotti, YG, Rick Ross, and Future for the unapologetic “Fuck Up the Club” (Major Key, 2016). The chorus, performed by Future, isn’t the least bit surprising: “We just gon’ fuck up the club, baby, fuck up the club, baby / And you bring your whole crew/… Yes, any time you want to.”

All three of the aforementioned songs make reference to the club.  If you couldn’t already tell, that’s what this playlist is all about – THE CLUB.  While most of the songs actually do include ‘club’ in their respective titles, it’s actually not a requirement. The only requirement is that the song must reference a club of some sorts, even if it’s not a physical club you can go and make a, dare I say, ass of yourself.  Not that I’ve ever participated in such tom foolery! With that said, 11 COMPELLING SONGS THAT REFERENCE DA CLUB features music courtesy of 50 Cent (DUH!), Drake, Kehlani, Kelsea Ballerini, and SAINt JHN.  Without further ado, let’s head to da club, shall we?

1. Kehlani, “Hate the Club”

Ft. Masegoo

It Was Good Until It Wasn’t • Atlantic • 2020

It Was Good Until It Wasn’t – love that title. The highly-anticipated sophomore album by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani, was initially delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Ultimately, the album saw the light of day May 8, 2020, arriving more than a year after While We Wait and three years after her debut album, SweetSexySavage.  Well-rounded, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t is an enjoyable contemporary R&B effort that finds the singer ‘keeping it 100’ from start to finish.  Fitting the criteria of this club-centric list is the ultra-slow “Hate the Club.”

“Tired of going out, scared I’ll run into you / All of these whereabouts, what is a girl to do? / Say no to everything I’m invited to o/ and I can’t do that, no.” No, you sure can’t do that Kehlani, sigh. “Hate the Club,” which features Masegoo, ends up being the lengthiest song from the album.   No worries though – it’s no drag! The slow tempo perfectly captures the mood as Kehlani, who dislikes clubs, puts herself out there to see someone she’s been involved with, yet, fails to approach them. “Maybe if I drank enough,” she sings on the chorus, “I’ll make my way over to ya.” Masegoo lends his saxophone skills – decadent ear candy.  Also, worth noting, Jahaan Sweet and Yussef Dayes give the singer an excellent backdrop to sing over.

2. Kelsea Ballerini, “Club”

Kelsea • Black River Entertainment • 2020

When it comes to referencing the club, country artists simply aren’t the first that come to mind.  Now, if the bar is the subject, well, they have that on lockdown, dropping beer, liquor, and whiskey references like it’s nothing.  But, in this case, we have a country musician who mentions the club explicitly (more on that in the second paragraph).  That would be country-pop artist Kelsea Ballerini. “Club” appears as the second track off of her sophomore album, Kelsea, which was released in 2020.

So, while Kelsea Ballerini explicitly mentions the club, she’s definitely NOT a fan. She’s lays out a strong case against it on the chorus:

“I don’t wanna go to the club
I don’t wanna watch everybody around me tryna hook up
And say stuff they don’t mean
And get drunk and get cheap
So, what’s wrong with me?
‘Cause I don’t wanna go to the club.”

For whatever reason, the Kelly Clarkson hit “I Do Not Hook Up” (All I Ever Wanted, 2009) came to mind given Ballerini’s denouncement of club hook ups. Don’t get it twisted – Kelsea Ballerini is NOT antisocial. “Yeah, I like my friends, yeah, I like tequila /… I could be the life of the party,” she sings on the first verse.  But, via the second verse, she provides additional reasons why she doesn’t like clubs: “I already know it ain’t worth in the morning / … And, yeah, I like the high, I just don’t like payin’ for it…” So, I guess you could say she likes some aspects of the club, but disapproves of others.

3. Drake, “Club Paradise”

Care Package • OVO • 2019

“‘I swear, you don’t know this city anymore / They might have loved you before / But you’re out here doing your thing, they don’t know you…’” OK… Drake appears with the third entry on 11 COMPELLING SONGS THAT REFERENCE DA CLUB.  Like the aforementioned ‘club’ cuts by Kehlani and Kelsea Ballerini, ‘club’ actually appears in the song title. Furthermore, Club Paradise is the name of a 1986 film, starring Robin Williams, Peter O’Toole, Rick Moranis, and Jimmy Cliff.  That, of course, actually has nothing to do with the Club Paradise Drizzy references, which is an adult entertainment establishment in Toronto.  Even though the song is named after a strip club, the song actually isn’t about a strip club – go figure.

“Club Paradise” is a Drake oldie that ended upon his 2019 mixtape, Care Package.  The usual cues are in place that characterize a Drizzy record.  Noah “40” Shebib handles the production, which is lush, featuring colorful keyboards and synths, and a minimalist beat.  As for Drake, he offers a blend of singing/pop rap and straight bars.  Since he chooses not to rap about his escapades in Club Paradise the club, what does he actually rap about? Basically, over three verses, he reflects about his come-up, how he’s changed since becoming a superstar, who he’s ‘left behind’ since his ascent, and what others have said about him.  The chorus is pretty sweet:

“Tell me, who did I leave behind?
You think it got to me, I can just read your mind
You think I’m so caught up in where I am now
Uh, but believe I remember it all.”

4. Gnash, “The broken hearts club”

We • Atlantic • 2019 

“The broken hearts club” reveals most of its cards with its title.  Alternative artist Garret Nash, better known as gnash, sets things up on the first verse of the standout from his official debut album, We. Prior to We, Nash experienced quite a ‘come-up’ in 2016, with the release of hit single, “I hate u, I love u” (featuring Olivia O’Brien). The unique, hipster vibe along with singing about the ups and downs of love made the record “kind of a big deal.” Once again, on “The broken hearts club,” Nash is singing about the plight of love. Essentially, he’s devastated by the break-up and needs something – anything – to alleviate the pain.  So, in the particular club song, there’s actually no building involved – worth noting!

“I need emotion, Novocain, I need a numbing of my pain
I need somethin’ to take away the remains of your name
I need amnesia for a day and an umbrella for the rain
That hasn’t gone away since you said you didn’t need me.”

The second verse follows a similar script, finding gnash continuing to struggle with moving past her.  Prior, to the second verse, there’s the pre-chorus, where “A shady spot that they [a hazy mid-morning daydream] saved me.” On the chorus he goes on expound about the open arms of the broken hearts club (“…Where the lonely make the lonely feel less lonely… / Misery loves company, so hey, what do you say?’”), before joining it on the bridge. Gnash keeps things honest and simple, including the production.  The weight is on the words the heartbroken, moody vibes. Ah, the plight that is love! “Broken Hearts Club” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs That Perfectly Capture the Plight of Love.

5. Melanie Martinez, “Drama Club”

K-12 • Atlantic • 2019

Melanie Martinez was among the most compelling contestants on NBC’s vocal competition, The Voice.  Where The Voice hasn’t exactly catapulted many of its alumni into big-time success, Martinez has achieved her fair share of success. Quite a quirky, alternative individual, it paid dividends on her 2015 major label debut, Cry Baby. Four years later, she returned with another distinct, conceptual affair with her ‘school-centric’ sophomore album, K-12.  Cry Baby, the central character on Cry Baby, returned on K-12, which is notably accompanied by a 90+ minute film. Fitting the club-centric vibe of this playlist is the song “Drama Club,” which ranks among the crème de la crème of the album.

“You can keep your costume and you can keep your mask / I’ma take a bow so you can kiss my ass.” Damn! “Drama Club” is a surefire bop from an initial listen.  While Melanie Martinez makes the school concept of K-12 work superbly, “Drama Club” is one of the strongest showings.  On the chorus she asserts, “I never signed up for your drama / Up for your drama, up for your drama club.” She references The Wizard of Oz on the second verse, reframing “If I Only Had a Brain” in regard to thought control as opposed to individual, original thoughts.  She’s even more blunt on the third verse, citing over-analyzation, and asserting, “Fuck your auditorium, I think it’s pretty boring…”  Sure, it’s not about a night club, but “Drama Club” is scintillating in Martinez’s hands, nonetheless.

6. Why Don’t We & Macklemore, “I Don’t Belong in This Club”

“I Don’t Belong in This Club” • Signature Entertainment / Atlantic • 2019

“Save me, can’t take it / I don’t belong in this club / One dance, no chance / ‘Cause I’m feeling awkward as (oh)…” Boy band Why Don’t We (Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery) tapped Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore for their ‘totally awkward,’ surefire bop, “I Don’t Belong in This Club”. From a production standpoint, the pop collective has a record that’s incredibly sleek, idiomatic of urban pop to the nth degree.  The drum programming screams hip-hop, the synths are bright and edgy, and all in all, it feels like a suitable backdrop for a contemporary, modern-day boy band.  Beyond the production, the singing is on-point; the guys deliver, particularly on the robust, crowd-pleasing, sing-along chorus.

Speaking of the chorus – and the songwriting in general – it’s relatable, particularly for the crowd that finds clubbing “awkward as (oh).”  Excerpted above, it continues as follows:

“I was waiting in line for an hour
Just to get in, now I wanna get out ‘cause
I’m jaded, can’t fake it
I don’t belong in this club.”

Of course, “I Don’t Belong in This Club” has another piece – Macklemore.   The rapper brings some swagger, beginning his verse amped-up: “Hopped out of the Uber / I was feelin’ myself / Had the polo with the bolo / With some eel on the belt.” But, like Why Don’t We, he becomes jaded himself, with awkwardness killing the vibe. He concludes his verse by spitting:

“‘Bout to pull that Irish goodbye, grab my stuff, ‘bout to cut
And the DJ yells, ‘Macklemore in the house tonight’
Ah, fuck.”

All in all, Why Don’t We and Macklemore secure a surefire hit with “I Don’t Belong in This Club,” which previously graced the playlist, 13 Songs About Buildings, Real or Imagined.

7. SAINt JHN, “Surf Club”

Collection One • Godd Complexx / HITCO • 2018

“Ayy, surf’s up, n***a / Surf Club, n***a, ya’ / Don’t touch, n***a.” Prepare for some serious drip action! The club is certain L-I-T on the SAINt JHN banger, “Surf Club.” “Surf Club” appears on the singer/rapper’s 2018 debut album, Collection One.  The biggest attraction from Collection One is “Roses”, which dates back to 2016.  Also, “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night” is notable, arriving as an advance single as well. But the focus is on “Surf Club,” which matches the criteria for 11 COMPELLING SONGS THAT REFERENCE DA CLUB.

The big takeaway from “Surf Club” isn’t a literal club, but it’s all about ‘the wave.’ When referencing surfing, you often mention ‘riding the wave.’ In this case, SAINt JHN is doing just that – or you might even argue that he is the wave.  Regardless of the exact wording you use to describe the metaphor, the man is flexing like a boss.  He has all the material things on lockdown, the women, and the game – that’s definitely a surf club.  Given the fact that this is a banger, SAINt JHN has no lack of confidence as the head of this club, exemplified by the chorus:

“I’m tryna catch a wave, these bitches know the wave
These trappers see the wave, it’s all up in my wave
These niggas in a wave, I’m surfin’ in a wave
I'm surfin’ in a wave
These bitches know the wave, you trappers know the wave
Real niggas know the wave, you prolly’ don’t know the wave
I’m Gucci in a wave, I’m Louie in a wave
I'm surfin’ on a wave.”

8. Camila Cabello, “Crying in the Club”

“Crying in the Club” • Epic • 2017

“So, put your arms around me tonight / Let the music lift you up / Like you’ve never been so high / Open up your heart to me.” Wow, those lyrics from the pre-chorus of “Crying in the Club” sound like a mixture of love, music, and of course, the club.  And we know that this playlist is all about the club.  So, for some backstory, shall we? In 2017, Grammy-nominated pop artist Camila Cabello – previously a member of Fifth Harmony – entered the solo game with high expectations.  That makes sense.  Anyways, despite the fact her debut single, “Crying in the Club,” was respectable and co-written by Sia, it was, um, underwhelming.

The theme of “Crying in the Club” is perfectly fine – matters of the H-E-A-R-T.  On the first verse, Cabello speaks of the fear of loneliness after a breakup: “You think that you’ll die without him / You know, that’s a lie that you tell yourself.” On the second verse, the pronouns shift, providing a sense of ambiguity – take it how you will. The pre-chorus then encourages ‘a new day’ of sorts, while the chorus eschews tears:

“Ain’t no crying in the club
Let the beat carry away, your tears as they fall.”

Fair enough and relatable, even if a night at the club may or may not actually heal a broken heart, lol. As perceptible by theme and lyrics, as well as a star-studded production team that consists of Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, and Happy Perez, “Crying in the Club” had its share of moments but did little to distinguish Cabello like “Havana” later would. “Crying in the Club” didn’t even end up appearing on Cabello’s debut album, Camila.  It did, however, appear on the 2018 playlist, 11 Songs About Crying from Beyond 2010, so, there’s that.

9. Mansionz, “Strip Club”

Mansionz • Island • 2017

“I’m goin’ to the strip club (strip club) / ‘Round and ‘round she spins / And I know it ain’t right, but for just one night / I’m a flex with all of my friends.” Honestly, what else needs to be said about the chorus of a song with a straightforward, cut and dry title like “Strip Club.” Obviously, Blackbear and Mike Posner make quite the pair – understatement.  Collaborating as Mansionz, their self-titled debut was certainly an intriguing album from 2017 that didn’t get the buzz it deserved. The tropical pop of “Strip Club” should win over every college fraternity with its mellow, nonchalant vibes. There’s no substance, nor was substance ever intended, save for drinks.  The horniness knows no ends.

“It’s fuckin poetry how she pole dance
You should come and do that shit up on Pos’ pants
Bring them hoes, reach your toe, tell ‘em hold hands
We just wanna fuck, no slow dance, romance…”

For their own shirtless endeavors, blackbear and Mike Posner landed on our 33 Album Covers with Artwork Featuring the Shirtless Male.  Also, “Strip Club” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs Associated with the Word STRIP.

10. Troye Sivan, “BITE”

Blue Neighbourhoood • Capitol • 2015

“Don’t you wanna see a man up close? / A phoenix in the fire.” Troye Sivan delivered a gem with his debut album, Blue Neighbourhood. Blue Neighbourhood masterfully captures his experiences as a gay male coping with being different.  One of the most distinct records is “BITE,” which literally has a bite about it, sounding suspect. According to an interview with Pop Buzz, Sivan stated, “‘BITE’ is about my first time in a gay club.”

He goes on to describe the chaotic atmosphere, asserting he “wanted to capture the chaos”:

“… [I was] taken aback by the sticky floor, the shirtless men, and everything else.”

Lyrically, “BITE” grows progressively sketchier.

“The rapture in the dark puts me at ease
The blind eye of the storm
Let’s go for a walk down Easy street
Where you can be reborn.”

“BITE” is a statement about losing virginity in regard to a life experience. For Sivan, it marks a rite of passage in his life as a gay man – another part of his sexual awakening. It parallels a number of first experiences. In addition to appearing on 11 Songs Where Musicians Were Sexually Awakened, “BITE” also appeared previously on 11 Captivating Songs About Firsts and A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.

11. 50 Cent, “In Da Club”

Get Rich or Die Tryin’ • Shady / Aftermath / Interscope • 2003

“Go Shorty, it’s your birthday / We gon’ party like it’s your birthday / And we gon’ sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday / And you know we don’t give a fuck, it’s not your birthday.” We close 11 COMPELLING SONGS THAT REFERENCE DA CLUB with a surefire, totally undeniable club classic – “In Da Club.” Showing my age, as a high school senior, we’d bang the hell out of this 50 Cent joint.  This is the breakout, no. 1 hit that made Fiddy a star, and propelled Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003) to multiplatinum status.  Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo ‘stuck their foot’ into the production of this aughts hip-hop masterwork.

The aforementioned intro is iconic in its own right, but that’s not even the chorus, which continues to sheer, irresponsible excellence:

“You can find me in the club, bottle full of bub’
Look, mami, I got the X if you into takin’ drugs
I’m into havin’ sex, I ain’t into makin’ love
Soo come give me a hug if you into gettin’ rubbed.”

Totally unapologetic, but irresistibly so! The verses are no slouches either, with 50 Cent bringing toughness, memorable lines left and right, and a unique delivery.  Some of the standouts include referencing being shot (“Been hit with a few shells, but I don’t walk with a limp…”), or the regrettable use of a gay slur (“I’m that cat by the bar toastin’ to the good life / You that f****t-ass n***a tryin’ too pull me back, right?”). That ugly ‘f-word’ aside, there’s plenty to love about “In Da Club” even as it approaches two decades in age.

11 Compelling Songs That Reference Da Club [Photo Credits: Aftermath, Atlantic, Black River Entertainment, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Epic, Godd Complexx, HITCO, Interscope, Island, OVO, Shady, Signature Entertainment]