For the Night

"For the Night" is a song by American rapper Pop Smoke featuring fellow American rappers Lil Baby and DaBaby, from the former's posthumous debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon (2020) as well as the EP of the same name (2020). It was written by the artists, producers CashMoneyAP and Palaze, and additional producer Mike Dean, with more additional production credits going to Wylo and Jess Jackson. The song was released as the fourth single from the album on October 3, 2020, by Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records, while an extended play (EP) was released for the song a few days later. "For the Night" is a hip hop, trap, and soul song with lyrics about Pop Smoke’s lack of commitment in relationships. The single debuted and peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving Pop Smoke his first, DaBaby his fourth, and Lil Baby his fifth top-10 hit in the US. The song reached the top-five on the Billboard airplay Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic charts and was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It entered the top 10 on record charts in Portugal, New Zealand, Canada, and Greece. Critics named "For the Night" one of the best songs of 2020, noting the rapper's' performances and instrumentation. Background Pop Smoke found the song's original beat on Danish record producer Palaze's YouTube channel. French producer CashMoneyAP reworked the song with Palaze, Daniel Mxras, Jess Jackson, and Mike Dean. CashMoneyAP added keys and bass while helping Palaze add drums. Pop Smoke's team was surprised when he recorded his vocals as it was the first time they heard him singing. Pop Smoke's team went to the Bahamas to work on his album when he played "For the Night" without warning to them. Record executive Steven Victor lauded the song and said they wanted to include vocals by American rapper Lil Baby. Victor thought having Lil Baby on "For the Night" would be creatively and sonically good as Pop Smoke had always wanted to work with him. The track was supposed to feature Lil Baby and American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and YoungBoy wanted to be included in the track. CashMoneyAP decided not to feature him because he felt the rapper was not a good pick. After 50 Cent joined Victor on completing Pop Smoke's album, he called American rapper DaBaby to also be part of the song. DaBaby initially did not know that Lil Baby was part of the track.