It feels like just yesterday we were all humming along to "Mooo!" – that wonderfully quirky, viral moment that first introduced many of us to Doja Cat. But looking back, that playful beginning was just the launchpad for an artist who has consistently defied expectations and carved out a unique space in the music landscape. Her journey from internet sensation to a Grammy-winning force in rap, pop, and R&B is a testament to her evolving artistry.
Her second album, Hot Pink, really signaled a shift, blending a futuristic edge with that undeniable B-girl swagger. It was the moment she stepped firmly into the spotlight as a leader in the resurgence of female rappers. Then came Planet Her in 2021, a vibrant, kaleidoscopic world where musical genres seemed to coexist in perfect harmony. On this album, Doja Cat truly showcased her knack for weaving together disparate sounds. You could hear it in tracks like "Woman," a powerful declaration of female strength infused with Afrobeat, dancehall, and funk influences, or the R&B-drenched disco vibes of "Kiss Me More." Even the unexpected inclusion of an Indian flute on "Options" added a unique layer to the trap beats.
What's always struck me about Planet Her is the incredible roster of collaborators. It felt like a gathering of some of the most exciting artists of the moment – Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Young Thug, JID, and SZA, to name a few. It was a real snapshot of contemporary American pop and hip-hop talent, all orbiting Doja Cat's creative universe. And amidst all this, she navigated the often-intense comparisons to other female MCs with grace, even nodding to Nicki Minaj's influence in "Get Into It (Yuh)" with a heartfelt "Thank you, Nicki, I love you."
More recently, Scarlet, released in September 2023, marked another significant chapter. This album, which followed the massive success of Planet Her, saw Doja Cat taking a more direct approach, with a featureless project that still managed to hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top Rap Albums chart. Singles like "Attention" and "Demons" hinted at a rawer, more introspective side, while "Paint the Town Red," with its clever Dionne Warwick sample, proved she could still deliver infectious hits. The album's production credits boast a range of talented producers, and Doja herself served as executive producer, demonstrating her growing control over her artistic vision. Interestingly, the album's cover art even had a bit of a stir, requiring a change due to its similarity to another band's artwork – a reminder of the constant buzz surrounding her.
And the anticipation for what's next? It's palpable. Whispers of a fifth studio album, possibly titled Red (judging by a recent foot tattoo and an Instagram post captioned "red 5"), have fans buzzing. A quickly deleted tracklist on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2024, featuring titles like "Break My Heart" and "Take Me Dancing," only fueled the speculation. While the order of songs remains a mystery, the excitement for new music from Doja Cat is undeniable. She's an artist who keeps us guessing, always pushing boundaries and evolving her sound, and that's precisely why we keep listening.
