For Certain
"F o r C e r t a i n" is a song by Canadian R&B singer and songwriter PARTYNEXTDOOR (born Jahron Anthony Brathwaite). Released on April 26, 2024, it serves as the closing track on his fourth studio album, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4), issued via OVO Sound and Sony Music Entertainment. The track blends contemporary R&B with dancehall elements, highlighting PARTYNEXTDOOR's signature atmospheric production.[1][2] The song was primarily written, performed, and produced by PARTYNEXTDOOR, with co-production credits to Alex Lustig, OG Parker, Kddo, and Maneesh. Lyrically, it delves into themes of evolving romantic attraction, recounting an initial lack of connection that blossoms into intense desire, as evidenced in lines like "We didn't vibe on the first night / But you're so enticin' / We didn't vibe then / But now I want you." An official music video, directed by Edgar Daniel, premiered alongside the album and extends the storyline from the video for P4's lead single, "R e a l W o m a n", portraying PARTYNEXTDOOR navigating intimate and tense relational dynamics under the "pressure of love."[1][3][2] Upon release, "F o r C e r t a i n" contributed to the strong debut of PARTYNEXTDOOR 4, which entered the Billboard 200 at number ten and reached number four on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[4] The single itself achieved modest chart success, debuting at number 98 on the Canadian Hot 100 and peaking at number 16 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart. Fans and reviewers praised the track for its hypnotic trap beats and relatable exploration of romantic uncertainty, solidifying PARTYNEXTDOOR's reputation in the R&B genre.[1][5]Background and Development
Concept and Inspiration
"For Certain" serves as the closing track on PARTYNEXTDOOR's fourth studio album, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4), released on April 26, 2024, via OVO Sound and Sony Music Entertainment. The song's concept revolves around themes of evolving romantic attraction, capturing a shift from initial disconnection to intense desire, as reflected in lyrics such as "We didn't vibe on the first night / But you're so enticin' / We didn't vibe then / But now I want you." This aligns with the album's broader exploration of personal relationships, self-reflection, and emotional complexities.[3] The inspiration for P4, including "For Certain," drew from PARTYNEXTDOOR's (born Jahron Anthony Brathwaite) introspection on love, lust, heartbreak, and loss. He described the album as stemming from "self reflection, being a good guy, tryna to stick to my mother’s morals while having my way for so long, being in lust, being in love & being heartbroken, dealing with friends and family passing away. being empathetic but revengeful & never looking back." PARTYNEXTDOOR aimed for listeners to relate to his stories, stating, "I want my fans to experience this album in a way that allows them to take exactly what they need from it. Whatever they are going through… relationships, whatever it is – when they listen to this album, they can use my stories to learn from and relate to." The track's dancehall-infused R&B style further emphasizes atmospheric production highlighting romantic uncertainty.[6][1]Recording Process
The recording of "For Certain" occurred as part of the development of P4, which PARTYNEXTDOOR described as "the hardest I’ve ever worked on an album," marking his first self-titled project since 2016's P3. He wrote, performed, and primarily produced the track, with co-production from Alex Lustig, OG Parker, Kddo, and Maneesh. Sessions took place at JA Recording Studios in Santa Rosa Valley, Canada, leveraging PARTYNEXTDOOR's hands-on approach to create the song's hypnotic trap beats blended with dancehall elements. The album's 14 tracks, all solo efforts without features, were crafted to deliver polished, relatable R&B sounds.[7][3][1]Musical Content
Style and Production
"For Certain" blends contemporary R&B with dancehall elements, featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR's signature atmospheric production characterized by hypnotic trap beats and subtle rhythmic flows. The track incorporates heavy basslines and ominous synths, creating a moody, immersive soundscape that balances intimacy and energy. Its dancehall infusion is evident in the offbeat rhythms and echoing effects, evoking a tropical yet urban vibe suitable for late-night settings.[2] The song was primarily written, performed, and produced by PARTYNEXTDOOR, with co-production from Alex Lustig, OG Parker, KDDO, and Maneesh. This collaborative effort results in a polished yet gritty aesthetic, emphasizing layered percussion, sparse hi-hats, and melodic hooks that highlight the artist's vocal delivery. The production prioritizes emotional depth over experimental flourishes, aligning with the album PARTYNEXTDOOR 4's overall cohesive R&B framework.[3][1]Lyrics and Themes
Lyrically, "For Certain" explores themes of evolving romantic attraction and commitment, recounting an initial lack of connection that develops into intense desire and longing. PARTYNEXTDOOR reflects on persistence in pursuit, blending vulnerability with confidence in lines such as "We didn't vibe on the first night / But you're so enticin' / We didn't vibe then / But now I want you." The chorus emphasizes devotion and provision, with references to making the subject his girlfriend and buying luxury items like Birkin bags, symbolizing certainty in affection amid relational uncertainty.[3] The song also touches on searching for genuine connection, as in "Search, I been searchin'", portraying the narrator's journey from casual interest to heartfelt intent. This narrative of transformation underscores PARTYNEXTDOOR's recurring motifs of love's complexities, positioning the track as a relatable exploration of romantic growth within contemporary R&B.[3]Track Listing
"F o r C e r t a i n" is the ninth track on PARTYNEXTDOOR's fourth studio album, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4), released on April 26, 2024, via OVO Sound and Sony Music Entertainment.| No. | Title | Featuring | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | "F o r C e r t a i n" | 3:40 |