Doja Cat has been teasing her new album for some time now, with her alter ego Scarlet being the main focus. Scarlet is bold and outgoing, reminding the world that Doja Cat is now a household name and will be for years to come.
The opening track “Paint the Town Red” became the fastest solo female rap song to reach 100 million streams, making it clear from the get-go that this album was going to be a success.
Doja Cat’s fourth studio album shifts from her once pop-persona to now stationing her as a formidable rapper. This comes from a since-deleted tweet from April 2023 where she stated, “No more pop” and wanted to prove herself to those who doubted her rap abilities.
Related: Doja Cat Introduces Fans To Her New Alter-Ego ‘Scarlet’, But Do They Like It?
Scarlet is a stark contrast to her 2021 third studio album Planet Her, which held pop hits; ‘Kiss Me More’ and ’Need To Know’. The album starts off with clear demonstrations of her rap ability, before turning to a more playful and dreamier vibe with songs “Agora Hills” and “Love Life”.
As commented on Apple Music’s description of the album, it’s clear that rap legend Nicki Minaj is a remarkable influence on Doja Cat.
Demons
The latest single teasing the release of her album was Demons, with a horror-style music video embracing her new gothic style.
This song is a reminder of Doja Cat (or Scarlets) care-free and confident attitude, the chorus comparable to the style of American singer/rapper Ashnikko.
Demons adopts the recognition of her success whilst also poking fun at the names and negativity that can surround it. ‘I’m a cashcow / I’m the fastest-growing bitch on all your apps now.’
97
One of the best rap demonstrations from the star, “97” shares her accomplishments and how hate has no lasting effect on her since she has become a global success.
The song embraces the hate she receives, and how haters will still listen to her music just to spite her afterwards. ‘That’s a comment, that’s a view, and that’s a rating/that’s some hating, and that’s engagement I could use.’
Shutcho
Another song embracing her success and diminishing the haters, “Shutcho” starts with a sample from 10cc’s “I’m Not In Love”, really emphasising that she will do what she wants and let the haters say what they please.
This song is a homage to her success and how she will continue her road to becoming a music legend until she decides otherwise, rapping that ‘I’ma falloff when I want, they gon’ respect that/setbacks never stopped me let me get dragged.’
Agora Hills
A playful love song interrupted with phone calls and speech showing off her versatility and newfound love.
The first verse emphasises how she doesn’t care what people think about their relationship and she is more than happy to “show you off.”
Released as the fifth single from the album, Agora Hills is Doja Cat’s childhood neighbourhood, the song being smitten over someone and wanting to flaunt their relationship.
Attention
The TikTok famous lines ‘Look at me, look at me/you lookin?’ kicks off the 15th track of Scarlet as a slow R&B anthem and a roundup of her success. The promo single was released in June 2023, debuting at #31 on the Hot 100.
Not long after the release of “Attention”, Doja announced on Twitter “The Scarlet Tour” with special guests Ice Spice and Doechii. The American tour kicks off October 31st in San Fransisco, tickets can be bought from her official site.
