From her unique sound to her iconic fashion sense, Doja Cat has taken the music industry by storm. In just a few years, she has become one of the most influential and talked-about artists in the industry. With hit songs like “Say So” and “Boss Bitch” landing on top of the charts, Doja Cat has solidified her place as a music sensation. But how did she get to where she is now? Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of Doja Cat’s career and see how she became the superstar she is today.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born as Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, Doja Cat grew up with a passion for music. She started writing and recording her own songs at the young age of 16 and uploaded them onto SoundCloud under the name “Doja Cat.” However, it wasn’t until 2018 when she released her single “Mooo!” that she caught the attention of the music world.
Going Viral on Social Media
“Mooo!” showcased Doja Cat’s quirky and playful personality, and the music video quickly went viral on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok. The song gained over 10 million views within its first week of release and even caught the attention of big names in the industry like Chance the Rapper and Khalid. This unexpected success propelled Doja Cat into the mainstream music scene and set the stage for her breakthrough.
Signing with a Major Label
With the buzz surrounding “Mooo!”, Doja Cat caught the attention of major record labels and eventually signed with RCA Records in 2019. This marked a significant turning point in her career as she now had the support and resources of a major label to help her grow as an artist.
Debut Album “Amala”
In March 2019, Doja Cat released her debut album “Amala,” named after her birth name. The album featured a mix of R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences and received positive reviews from both fans and critics. It also peaked at number 138 on the Billboard 200 chart and showcased Doja Cat’s versatility as an artist.
Hit Singles and Chart Success
After the release of “Amala,” Doja Cat continued to make waves in the music industry with hit singles and collaborations that topped the charts.
“Juicy” and “Say So”
In August 2019, Doja Cat released the single “Juicy,” which quickly became a fan favorite and reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, it was her follow-up single “Say So” that truly catapulted her into superstardom. The catchy disco-inspired track peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 2020, making it Doja Cat’s first number 1 single.
Collaboration with Nicki Minaj
In addition to her solo success, Doja Cat also collaborated with fellow rapper Nicki Minaj on the remix of “Say So.” This collaboration not only solidified her place in the industry but also marked a significant moment for two female rappers working together. The remix reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Doja Cat the first female rapper to achieve this feat since Lauryn Hill in 1998.
Continued Chart Success
Following the success of “Say So,” Doja Cat continued to dominate the charts with her other singles such as “Boss Bitch” and “Like That.” She also gained further recognition with her feature on The Weeknd’s hit song “In Your Eyes (Remix),” which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Influences and Musical Style
One of the things that make Doja Cat stand out as an artist is her unique sound and musical style. She draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including R&B, hip-hop, pop, and even rock.
Inspirations
Doja Cat has cited artists such as Nicki Minaj, Busta Rhymes, and Erykah Badu as her main inspirations for her music. She also draws inspiration from different cultures and incorporates elements of their sounds into her music.
Playful and Quirky Lyrics
One of the defining aspects of Doja Cat’s music is her playful and quirky lyrics. She often uses humor and clever wordplay in her songs, making them instantly catchy and relatable to listeners.
Versatile Sound
Doja Cat’s versatility in her sound allows her to experiment with different genres and styles, making her music unpredictable and exciting. From her smooth R&B vocals to her fast-paced rap flows, Doja Cat has proven that she can do it all.
Iconic Music Videos
In addition to her music, Doja Cat’s music videos have also become an essential part of her success. She brings her unique personality and fashion sense to each video, making them visually stunning and unforgettable.
“Say So” Music Video
The music video for “Say So” features Doja Cat in a retro-inspired setting, complete with bold colors and disco-tinged dance moves. It perfectly captures the fun and carefree vibe of the song and showcases Doja Cat’s impeccable sense of style.
“Boss Bitch” Music Video
For her hit single “Boss Bitch,” Doja Cat teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures to create a music video for the film “Birds of Prey.” The video features Doja Cat in various scenes from the movie and highlights her fierce and confident persona.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Throughout her career, Doja Cat has collaborated with a range of artists from different genres, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to adapt to different styles.
Collaborations with Rappers
Doja Cat has worked with some of the biggest names in the rap industry, including Gucci Mane, Tyga, and Saweetie. She has also collaborated with up-and-coming rappers like Rico Nasty and Megan Thee Stallion, further solidifying her place in the hip-hop scene.
Cross-Genre Collaborations
In addition to collaborations within the rap genre, Doja Cat has also collaborated with artists from other genres. She worked with EDM artist Jax Jones on the song “Ring Ring” and teamed up with electronic duo Disclosure for their hit track “Tondo.”
Awards and Recognitions
With her chart-topping singles and unique sound, Doja Cat has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career.
Grammy Nomination
In 2021, Doja Cat received her first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. This recognition further solidified her place in the music industry and showed that she was one of the most promising talents in the industry.
Billboard Music Awards
Doja Cat has also been recognized at the Billboard Music Awards, winning two awards in 2020 for Top R&B Song (for her feature on The Weeknd’s “In Your Eyes (Remix)”) and Top Rap Female Artist.
BET Hip Hop Awards
At the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards, Doja Cat won the award for Best New Hip Hop Artist, cementing her place as one of the rising stars in the rap scene.
Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement
Doja Cat’s strong presence on social media has played a significant role in her success as an artist. With over 12 million followers on Instagram and 2.7 million followers on Twitter, she has built a dedicated fan base that engages with her content regularly.
Memes and Challenges
Doja Cat’s music has become a popular source of memes and challenges on social media platforms like TikTok. Her songs “Say So” and “Boss Bitch” have inspired numerous dance challenges, making her music even more viral and increasing her reach.
Interaction with Fans
Doja Cat is known for her playful and interactive presence on social media. She often responds to fans’ comments and makes jokes on her Twitter account, making her even more relatable to her followers.
Fashion and Personal Style
Aside from her music, Doja Cat’s fashion sense has also become a major talking point in the industry. She is known for her bold and eccentric style, incorporating elements of different eras and cultures into her outfits.
Iconic Outfits
From her over-the-top feathered coat at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards to her futuristic bodysuit at the MTV Video Music Awards, Doja Cat has never been afraid to take risks when it comes to her fashion choices. Her unique sense of style has made her a fashion icon, and she continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her looks.
Collaboration with PrettyLittleThing
In 2020, Doja Cat collaborated with fashion brand PrettyLittleThing to create a collection that reflected her personal style. The collection was a huge success, selling out within hours of its release and showcasing Doja Cat’s influence in the fashion world.
Recent Tours and Live Performances
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Doja Cat has continued to perform and connect with her fans through virtual concerts and performances.
Hot Pink Tour
In 2020, Doja Cat embarked on her first headlining tour, the Hot Pink Tour. The tour was cut short due to the pandemic, but it showcased Doja Cat’s stage presence and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances.
Virtual Concerts
During the pandemic, Doja Cat also participated in virtual concerts and festivals, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the iHeartRadio Music Festival. These performances highlighted her versatility as an artist and her ability to adapt to different settings.
Future Projects and Upcoming Releases
With the success of her album “Hot Pink” and her recent collaborations, fans are eagerly anticipating Doja Cat’s future projects and upcoming releases.
New Album
Doja Cat has confirmed that she is working on a new album, which is set to be released in 2021. Fans are excited to see what she has in store for her next project and are eagerly awaiting its release.
Collaborations
Doja Cat has hinted at potential collaborations with artists such as The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, further increasing anticipation for her upcoming projects.
Conclusion
In just a few short years, Doja Cat has gone from a relatively unknown artist to a music sensation. Her unique sound, iconic fashion sense, and engaging personality have captured the hearts of fans all over the world. With a promising future ahead and a growing fan base, there’s no doubt that Doja Cat will continue to make waves in the music industry for years to come.