Amala Zandile Dlamini (Doja Cat) is consistently found in the media, whether that be from controversial comments, strange Met Gala outfits or new hit songs, it seems as though she resurfaces in the news every couple months to ensure she hasn’t been forgotten.
“Purr!” was the first album that Doja Cat ever released on Aug. 5 2014. The album was quite short with only five songs that total to 18 minutes, but the release of the song “So High” allowed Doja Cat to get her first taste of fame. The songs in this album were originally released to SoundCloud but the release of the songs allowed her to sign record labels with Kemosabe and RCA records. In this album, Doja Cat explores the alternative R&B genre that she continued to use throughout her music career along with pop and hip hop.
Released on March 30, 2018, this self-titled album made up of hip hop, R&B and pop displays how she takes control of herself and her music. While this album did quite well at the time, especially the songs on the deluxe version, this album would not gain nearly as much popularity as some of her others. Included in the deluxe version of “Amala,” Doja Cat adds songs such as “Juicy,” “Tia Tamera” and “Mooo!” Although the song “Mooo!” would be released as a joke, this song boosted her internet popularity.
On Nov. 7, 2019 Doja Cat released her first major album— “Hot Pink.” Already popular with some fans due to the popularity of her two previous albums, songs such as “Say So” and “Streets” gained quick popularity. Looking back she saw this album, along with “Planet Her,” to be a cash grab rather than a way for her to express herself through her music; it is because of this album that she was able to go onto her later albums to perform songs that she wanted to play.
“Planet Her” by Doja Cat is undoubtedly an amazing album. Released on June 25, 2021, “Planet Her” was able to have three of the album’s songs reach the top ten in the Global Apple Music Singles Chart. It is clear to see why—her album is the perfect mix of pop, hip hop and R&B. That, combined with the variety of featured artists such as SZA, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and many more, allowed this album to reach a larger audience. Doja Cat continued to prove how great of an artist she is.
With every album release it seems as though Doja Cat gets even better. This album in particular is where she explores the rap genre. For fans of female rap, this album is a great listen as Doja Cat creates a new outlet of thinking and self-expression. Although the entire album was a hit, one song stood out as they climbed to the top of her most streamed songs: “Paint The Town Red.”
“Paint the Town Red” popularized quickly on TikTok allowing the song to top the Billboards chart for Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs for three weeks but the rest of the album is worth a listen to.
Conclusion
Another way Doja Cat has maintained her relevancy is through her fashion. More specifically, her Met Gala outfits always call attention to herself whether it be showing up painted in red, as Karl Lagerfield’s cat or in nothing but a white cotton T-shirt.
Doja Cat is an example of an artist that has used social media to her advantage. Whether it is TikTok or YouTube, she has mastered the art of releasing catchy songs that can be repeated without too much annoyance making it more favorable to the media platforms. In addition to this, she has also reached out to fans using her social media presence through TikTok Live or Twitter allowing her to form connections with fans.
However, constantly being on social media has also allowed her to voice any opinions that come to mind. This consistent social media attention has led her to feud with “Stranger Things” actor, Noah Schnapp, give songs offensive titles and even telling her fans off for using fandom terms such as “kitten” to describe themselves.
Even so, after every controversy, she has managed to bounce back and her music is quick to play on the radio.
