Marshmello, Light it Up | Track Review

Marshmello taps Tyga and Chris Brown for the incredibly short, ‘West Coast-tinged sex banger,’ “Light it Up.” As a record, ‘it is what it is.’

Shorter songs seem to be all the rave these days, and Marshmello contributes to the rave on “Light It Up.” Just how brief does the DJ/producer keep things on “Light it Up?” Well, the record clocks in at under two-minutes-and-twenty seconds.  Even so, he manages to tap Tyga and Chris Brown for the very short ride.

“Light it Up” begins with an intro by Tyga, derived from the eventual chorus.  Early on, it’s clear that the sound is characteristic of Tyga especially, embodying the West Coast.  He rolls with it, delivering a carefree, sexually-tinged verse that is drenched in drip. Does Tyga say anything we haven’t already heard? Absolutely not: “Bitch, I’m a dog, but I don’t got to chase the cat / They pull up where I’m at, get the ‘addy’ from their friends…” A catchy, if profane and incredibly simple chorus follows:

“If you a real bitch, light it up (light it up)

If you a real bitch, go ‘n’ light it up

It’s your birthday, go ‘n’ light it up

I’m drunk and I’m throwin’ middle fingers up

Ooh, my n*ggas gon’ light it up

If you a real n*gga, go n’ light it up

It’s your birthday, go ‘n’ light it up

If you a real bitch, light it up.”

Chris Brown, like Tyga, works well with this particular sound as he performs the second verse. He delivers a strong, expressive vocal performance, even if the lyrics are shallow AF:

“…Want me to push up on you

Whiskey keeping you balanced

Throw that ass backward while that ass clapping

Ooh, whoa, light it up.”

Final Thoughts 

So, what does one say about “Light It Up?” Ultimately, it is a West Coast-tinged sex banger and nothing more.  It’s successful for all parties involved, but nothing brand-new or innovative.

Marshmello • Light It Up (Ft. Tyga & Chris Brown) [Single] • Joytime Collective • Release: 4.25.19

Photo Credit: Joytime Collective