Lil Yachty’s Secret Pen: Unpacking His Role in City Girls’ ‘Act Up’ and the Art of Versatile Songwriting

The dynamic world of music often surprises its audience with revelations about the creative forces behind their favorite tracks. Such was the case when chart-topping artist Lil Yachty, celebrated for his distinctive sound and youthful energy, disclosed his significant involvement in crafting one of City Girls’ most impactful anthems, “Act Up.” This candid admission, initially met with widespread disbelief, pulled back the curtain on the intricate art of songwriting for other artists and showcased Yachty’s surprising depth as a creative talent far beyond his own vocal performances.

During an illuminating interview with media personality Kerwin Frost, Lil Yachty, then just 21, addressed the persistent rumors surrounding his name in the writing credits for “Act Up.” He openly confirmed his pivotal role, explaining how people were “so shocked and they didn’t believe it” when the song first gained traction. Dispelling any lingering doubts, Yachty unequivocally stated, “I wrote the whole song, except for [Jatavia Shakara Johnson, 26] J.T.’s last verse. But everything that everyone is singing, I wrote the whole thing.” This declaration not only validated the whispers but also sparked renewed interest in the often-unseen collaboration that shapes much of contemporary music.

Empathy in Rhyme: The Unique Process of Writing for City Girls

Crafting a song that genuinely connects with an artist’s brand and audience requires more than just lyrical dexterity; it demands a profound sense of empathy and imaginative projection. Lil Yachty delved into the specifics of his creative approach when penning “Act Up,” detailing how he successfully channeled the unapologetic and confident essence of the City Girls. His method, he revealed, was simple yet profound: “I just thought like them.” This wasn’t a superficial imitation but rather a deep dive into the personas of the Miami duo, Yung Miami and J.T., whom he knew personally.

Yachty’s personal connection to the artists proved invaluable, allowing him to tap into an authentic understanding of their style and the desires of their fan base. “I know them personally and I know what women like to hear,” he elaborated, highlighting his strategic insight. To fully immerse himself in the City Girls’ world, he posed a crucial, provocative question to himself: “What’s some raunchy sh*t?” This query became the springboard for the raw, bold, and uninhibited lyrics that define “Act Up.” He recalled the brainstorming process as a torrent of unfiltered ideas, stating, “And I started saying just crazy sh*t.” This fearless exploration of themes ensured the lyrics resonated with the duo’s signature explicit and empowering narrative, making the song an instant hit.

The young rapper’s confidence in his creation was evident from the outset. He possessed a clear vision of the song’s potential, reminiscing, “But I came out and I was like, ‘Y’all watch, this is about to blow up.'” His prediction was spot-on. “Act Up” rapidly ascended to become a cultural phenomenon, dominating airwaves and clubs, and cementing City Girls’ status as formidable voices in the hip-hop genre. Yachty’s ability to craft such a track underscores his versatility, proving he can seamlessly shift his creative voice to match an artist’s distinct identity and audience expectations.

Beyond His Own Music: Lil Yachty’s Foray into Professional Songwriting

The “Act Up” experience was more than just a successful collaboration; it marked a pivotal moment in Lil Yachty’s professional journey, signaling his expanding interest in roles beyond performing his own material. He expressed a burgeoning enthusiasm for contributing to other artists’ projects, stating, “That’s something that I’m getting into now.” This newfound direction is set to take a more formalized structure within the music industry.

Yachty disclosed his intentions to establish “writing camps for different producers,” a widely recognized practice in the music world where songwriters and producers converge to generate new musical content. His prolific output is a testament to his innate talent and constant engagement with the craft: “I write sh*t all the time,” he confessed, highlighting his natural inclination for lyricism. This pursuit demonstrates his capacity to transcend personal artistic boundaries, allowing him to adapt his creative flow to a myriad of styles and personalities. “I can think like other people,” he affirmed, perfectly capturing the essence of a truly adaptable songwriter.

For Yachty, the entire experience was deeply rewarding, with the public’s reaction providing an extra layer of enjoyment. “That was a real fun experience for me, and it was most fun when it leaked to the public,” he shared. The subsequent days were spent discreetly observing the fervent discussions and widespread astonishment across social media. “I spent a few days just reading people’s responses, because I didn’t speak on it, I didn’t say anything.” This period of quiet contemplation allowed him to fully appreciate the profound impact of his work and the intriguing ripple effect of its eventual revelation.

Public Reaction: A Mix of Shock, Awe, and Re-evaluation

The digital realm, serving as the contemporary public square, erupted with a cocktail of shock, amusement, and reconsideration following Lil Yachty’s reveal. The perceived stylistic gap between his typically melodic, often lighthearted rap persona and the aggressive, female-empowerment anthems of City Girls was simply too striking to overlook. Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, became a vibrant hub for fans to voice their astonishment.

One fan perfectly articulated the collective surprise, tweeting, “I can’t imagine someone like Lil Yachty writing this.” Another user, visibly processing the news, succinctly added a bewildered, “Wow.” These reactions underscore the strong influence of an artist’s public image and how it can, at times, overshadow their behind-the-scenes contributions. For many, the notion of the “King of the Teens” crafting such overtly provocative and distinctly female-centric lyrics represented a genuine shift in perspective. It prompted a re-evaluation not only of Yachty’s diverse capabilities but also of the broader understanding of creative collaboration in the dynamic landscape of hip-hop.

This revelation also ignited broader conversations about the essence of “authenticity” in music and the frequently blurred lines between the performer and the creative force. While ghostwriting is a well-established and often discreet practice in the music industry, particularly within hip-hop, the public acknowledgment of such a significant contribution to a high-profile track like “Act Up” inevitably generates substantial buzz. It vividly illustrates that lyrical brilliance can emerge from unexpected origins and that genuine artistry frequently involves a willingness to step beyond one’s established comfort zone and inhabit different creative identities.

Lil Yachty’s Diverse Discography and Enduring Influence

Parallel to his burgeoning role as a celebrated songwriter for other artists, Lil Yachty has cultivated a prolific and evolving career as a solo musician. His album preceding the “Act Up” revelation, Nuthin’ 2 Prove, released in October 2018, stands as a testament to his own artistic versatility and his extensive network within the music industry. The project featured an impressive roster of collaborators, including hip-hop luminaries such as Cardi B, then 26; Playboi Carti, 22; Offset, 27; and Kevin Gates, 32. This diverse array of features showcased Yachty’s remarkable ability to seamlessly integrate various styles and appeal to a broad audience, further solidifying his capacity for understanding and navigating distinct musical landscapes.

His own body of work, often characterized by experimental soundscapes and a lighthearted, melodic approach, offers a stark contrast to the gritty realism and braggadocio found in “Act Up.” Yet, it is this very contrast that underscores his genius. It illustrates that his creative palette is far more expansive and adaptable than his public-facing music might initially suggest. This remarkable adaptability is precisely what makes him an invaluable asset in a writing room, capable of conjuring lyrics that perfectly align with an artist’s brand, irrespective of how different that brand might be from his own.

The Lasting Legacy of “Act Up” and Yachty’s Profound Contribution

“Act Up” continues to resonate as an undeniable anthem, a powerful track that not only solidified City Girls’ standing as cultural icons but also provided a potent voice for unapologetic female expression. The knowledge that much of its lyrical foundation was skillfully laid by Lil Yachty adds a fascinating and compelling layer to its enduring legacy. It stands as a powerful testament to his perceptive understanding of both audience and artist, and his remarkable ability to craft narratives that resonate profoundly, even when they are not explicitly his personal story.

This particular chapter in Yachty’s career not only elevated his status as a talented songwriter but also significantly contributed to a wider conversation about creative fluidity and collaborative genius within the music industry. It underscored that behind every chart-topping hit, there often exists a complex tapestry of collective talent, where artists contribute their unique skills in ways that can both surprise and delight fans. As Lil Yachty continues to explore the realm of writing camps and expands his behind-the-scenes contributions, his influence on contemporary music is poised to grow even further, powerfully demonstrating that true artistry knows no single genre or persona.

For those keen to delve deeper into this intriguing revelation and gain further insights from Lil Yachty himself, the complete interview with Kerwin Frost provides essential viewing, offering comprehensive context to this captivating narrative.