Doja Cat defies simple categorization. Emerging from viral fame with “Mooo!”, the 24-year-old rapper, singer, and songwriter continues to showcase her multifaceted personality and sharp wit in Hot Pink, her second album. This project, her first full-length release since her initial viral breakthrough, firmly establishes Doja Cat’s distinctive voice as the central element of her musical identity. Across the album, her vocal delivery shifts effortlessly from gentle and relaxed to energetic and rapid-fire, adapting to each track’s unique atmosphere. However, it’s her signature sarcasm and playful boldness that truly carve out her dynamic presence within the pop music landscape. Her own promotional approach is as unconventional as her music; as she playfully stated alongside a video of herself dancing to celebrate the album’s release, “PLEASE DO NOT BUY MY ALBUM IF YOU BUY MY ALBUM I WILL PEE IN YOUR LAP.” This encapsulates the essence of Doja Cat: a kinky, soulful, and assertive pop artist, presenting all facets of her persona simultaneously.
Hot Pink explores a wide spectrum of sounds, reflecting Doja Cat’s evolving artistic vision. She demonstrates equal proficiency as both a rapper and a singer, yet it is her innate understanding of melody that provides the album with its cohesive flow. The track “Like That,” featuring Gucci Mane, exemplifies this perfectly. Doja seamlessly transitions from rapping verses to a breathy, melodic chorus, all underpinned by an upbeat R&B rhythm reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s early 2000s hits. This song creates the ideal ambiance for relaxed, social gatherings. In contrast, “Rules” adopts a more serious, though still subtly humorous, tone. It combines a haunting, old-western inspired bassline with Doja’s memorable and commanding line: “Play with my pussy, but don’t play with my emotions.” It’s worth noting that both “Like That” and “Rules” were co-written with Dr. Luke, and Doja Cat is signed to his Kemosabe Records imprint.
Tracks such as the vibrant opening song “Cyber Sex” and “Bottom Bitch,” which samples Blink-182, delve into Doja Cat’s potential as a mainstream pop icon. Their visually imaginative music videos depict her as a playfully provocative android and a rebellious skate punk who throws milkshakes, respectively. These attention-grabbing themes effectively illustrate her diverse musical aesthetics. While some might perceive these tracks as overtly commercial, Doja Cat has undeniably earned the freedom to showcase her duality. Her pop-oriented songs and her more intimate musical expressions coexist harmoniously, each enriching rather than diminishing the other.
Throughout the remainder of Hot Pink, Doja Cat emphasizes her softer vocal textures. The dreamy soprano voice, previously introduced on her 2014 Purrr! EP, envelops the listener like a comforting, plush pink cushion. It’s in these moments, when Doja slows down the tempo or lightens her rapping style with her silky rasp, that her vocal clarity shines brightest. “Shine” is a dazzling example, incorporating tasteful Auto-Tune as she playfully boasts about her jewelry and immaculate teeth in an enchanting fusion of rap and airy lullaby: “What’s that drippin’? No, baby, I’m not cryin’/Baby, that’s my diamonds, everything so vibrant.” It’s easy to envision her recording a ballad like “Streets” within a lavish, all-pink setting. She achieves an even greater sense of serenity on “Better Than Me,” positioned near the album’s end. Surrounded by languid, psychedelic guitar melodies, her voice is soothing and subtly flirtatious as she addresses a man who needs reminding of her unparalleled worth. “The best pussy/Comes from wifey,” she coos, stretching each syllable to ensure her message resonates. This embodies a quintessential Doja Cat love song: a hint of vulnerability and heartache, yet overflowing with self-assurance that easily overshadows any sadness.
Doja Cat’s versatility is undoubtedly a strength. While Hot Pink encompasses a wide range of styles, it avoids feeling scattered or rushed, unlike her debut album Amala. Although there are instances where a new vocal inflection might momentarily evoke comparisons to other artists, the album’s grounding in R&B and soul provides a tender foundation for her to build upon and reveal her multifaceted artistry. Hot Pink doesn’t pressure Doja Cat to definitively define her complete artistic identity at this stage. It acknowledges that this is an ongoing evolution, and her formula for success lies in embracing this continuous process of self-discovery and musical exploration.
