Released: 2023
Label: Kemosabe Records/RCA Records
When it comes to the hip-hop game, no one spits fiery rhymes and rides the beat quite like Doja Cat. Then again, she’s never been one to play by the rules. Bursting onto the scene with a unique blend of hip-hop, pop, and R&B, she’s always been a force to be reckoned with. Every single off that ‘Scarlet’ album – ‘Ouchies’, ’97’, ‘Gun’, to name a few, is a showcase of her lyrical prowess and a testament to her audacious spirit.
The ‘Scarlet’ album, with its infectious beats and unflinching narratives, pushed Doja Cat further into the limelight. Each track is a meticulously crafted storytelling saga, brimming with wordplay and metaphors that demand a closer look. Tracks like ‘Wet Vagina’ and ‘Fuck The Girls (FTG)’ feature Doja’s characteristic bravado and unabashed exploration of sexuality. On the other hand, ‘Agora Hills’ and ‘Love Life’ give us a unique glimpse into her intimate thoughts and experiences, setting her apart in an industry that often struggles with authenticity.
What makes Doja Cat such an intriguing figure isn’t just her impressive flow and creative lyricism – its how she consistently pushes the envelope while staying true to her artistic vision. Whether it’s the rebellious attitude on ‘Paint The Town Red’, the introspective vibe on ‘Often’, or the raw energy on ‘Go Off’, she continues to redefine what a hip-hop artist can be. With ‘Scarlet’, Doja Cat attests to her ever-evolving artistry and the promise of what’s still to come.
So let’s get into it. From ‘Paint The Town Red’ to ‘WYM Freestyle’, here are the breaking down the Lyrics on ‘Scarlet’ by Doja Cat.
1. Paint The Town Red
The repeated phrase, “I’d rather be famous instead”, signals a voracious hunger for fame while also satirizing the often superficial gloss that coats celebrity culture. But Doja doesn’t stop at laying ambition bare; she flaunts her talent and individuality too, dismissing the need for a big-name feature or wig to win over fans. She’s here to buck trends and disrupt norms, describing herself as a ‘bad lil’ bitch’, a ‘rebel’, and even a ‘demon lord’. It’s a potent cocktail of defiant self-expression, ambition, and raw talent that positions Doja as one of hip-hop’s most distinct voices.
2. Demons
It’s a fierce middle finger to those who doubted her, steeped in irresistible sass and biting humor. The track oozes with her unapologetic swagger, declaring her dominance in the rap game, and shutting down any naysayers. This is Doja in her pure, unadulterated form — ensuring her haters recognize her triumphs and know that she’s not going anywhere.
3. Wet Vagina
The raw lyrics manifest a symbol of feminist empowerment, as she asserts her dominance in a way that’s both provocative and powerful. High-end brand nods like Rick Owens and mentions of the Met suggest a life of luxury and high fashion, but Doja flips the script, boasting about getting free clothes and running fashion, even after being kicked out from the Met. The ultimate flex though is the no-need-for-award line, showing she’s unphased by industry politics. Note her tackling the criticism head-on with mentions of plastic surgeries and rap beefs, demonstrating she’s not only aware of the chatter but also unbothered by it.
4. Fuck The Girls (FTG)
Doja’s lyrical mastery cuts through the noise, addressing the fickle nature of fame and the superficiality within the industry. The track is a declaration of independence, showcasing Doja’s relentless pursuit of authenticity in the face of societal pressures and expectations. At its core, “FTG” redefines girl power, pushing back against competition and negative influences, while underlining the importance of self-empowerment, resilience, and the audacity to be unapologetically oneself. The audacious track is a flat-out rejection of vacuous fame, underlining her firm control over her career, creative expression and the paths she chooses to traverse.
5. Ouchies
In this audacious track, Doja showcases her lyrical prowess, mixing combative bars with tongue-in-cheek humor. It’s a clear indictment of the industry and naysayers, where she makes it clear she’s not about the fake and phony, but about her craft. Her message is unambiguous – she’s here to take her space, and no half-stepping musician or critic can question her legitimacy. Reflecting the track’s title, Doja’s bars hit like rapid-fire punches, leaving ouchies on all those who dare to confront her. The track oozes confidence and ambition, giving us a taste of Doja’s unapologetic swagger and commanding presence.
6. 97
It’s a straight-up flex anthem where Doja parades her uncontainable swagger, grabbing the wheel to navigate through a landscape dotted with haters, naysayers, and doubters. The lyrics wrestle with themes of empowerment, self-assertion and the refusal to be cowed by public opinion. Doja swipes suave bars at those who try to tarnish her shine while she’s smokin’ through life, luxuriating in her wild success. The track serves as a bold proclamation of her continued unassailability, painting a vivid image of her cruising through the game, top down, with nothing but a defiant grin and the wind in her hair.
7. Gun
She uses the gun metaphor to express her dominance while throwing sexual innuendos. An audacious invitation for new experiences, it’s punchy and unabashedly raw. She references elements of thug life and street credibility, reaffirming she’s no one to sleep on. The major crux is her agency over her sexuality, coupling it with the notion of ‘kill or be killed’, a prevalent hip-hop theme. Doja’s wordplay intertwines assertive sexual prowess with confrontational survival instincts, nonchalantly pushing boundaries just as hip-hop’s been doing since its inception.
8. Go Off
She dispenses advice on ignoring the haters and continually doing your thing – a key to her own success. Her lyrics serve as a critique of societal expectations, as she rebels against playing it safe and choosing a comfortable path. She’s out here mixing Fendi with Shein, flipping norms upside down and elevating the art of the flex. Her dismissal of romantic overtures foregrounds self-sufficiency and power, resisting the idea that she needs anybody else to validate her. Ultimately, “Go Off” is Doja’s defiant manifesto of self-determination, power dynamics, and redefining feminine independence.
9. Shutcho
The LA rapper magnifies the art of ignoring the naysayers while focusing on what truly matters – her success. The lyrics echo elements of defiance and financial triumph, as she insists on running her “check up while they run their mouth”. It’s a powerful narrative encapsulated in Doja’s unique cadence and inventive wordplay, very much consistent with her unconventional approach to hip-hop. ‘Shutcho’ proves to be a magnet for haters – she’s making big moves, and she’s not shy to showcase it. This track is a reaffirmation of Doja Cat’s resilience amidst criticism, and a testament to her audacious spirit.
10. Agora Hills
That’s Doja showing love isn’t always behind closed doors. The lyrics reveal a careful balance of vulnerability and assertiveness, displaying her feelings for her lover while still maintaining control. Doja’s unfiltered language, meshing romance and sexuality, is a loud clap back at society’s expectations of how a woman should express her feelings. Here, she’s honest, raw, and provocative, embodying the essence of a fierce modern woman in love. Ultimately, “Agora Hills” is a celebration of passionate public display of affection, asserting that love doesn’t have to hide in the shadows.
11. Can’t Wait
It’s a musical manifestation of the ache of anticipation, a longing that knocks the wind right out of your chest. Doja Cat serves us feels wrapped in metaphors, every line radiating security, readiness, and a willing surrender to love. The grittiness of her tone mirrors the raw intensity of her lyrics, making you feel the depth of her emotions like a weight in your chest. She presents love as a one-way trip to uncharted territories, promising a journey that is exhilarating, risky, and just a little bit scary. She navigates the stormy seas of affection like a pro, anchoring the listener in her world.
12. Often
The lyricism is laced with explicit sensuality, framing her lover’s skills as a hypnotic force that compels her to desire more. She echoes the refrain “You must do this often,” painting a picture of expertise that holds her captive to his charms. But it’s not just about being held captive – there’s an unmistakable air of admiration that underscores the entire track, the way she sings about his prowess and makes it clear it’s a factor in her inability to leave. But as always with Doja, there’s a dual nature at play. She’s entranced, yes, but she’s also in control, commanding him to keep the allure going, and ensuring her needs are met.
13. Love Life
Peep the cadences, and you’ll catch Doja throwing down some serious introspection, recognizing the centripetal forces that keep her grounded in the VUCA whirlwind that’s showbiz – fans, friends, family, and her team. With a sharp lyrical undercurrent framing her experiences, she wraps her gratitude in a melodic flow, spitting appreciation for her glamorous lifestyle and her personal growth. But don’t get it twisted, “Love Life” ain’t just a joyride, Doja’s baring her soul, acknowledging her flaws, and contemplating her life lessons. Through it all, she relays the message – embrace change and mistakes, value growth, yet stay real; a powerful testament to her evolution as an artist.
14. Skull And Bones
She frames herself as a survivor standing tall despite a frigid industry and takes a moment to consider her legacy; the indelible mark she’s leaving behind and what she’s made up of, beyond a skeletal framework. The hook injects a dose of existential contemplation, while her verses are relentless retorts to her haters and critics. She calls out the hypocrisy of those who have questioned her faith and character, asserting her authenticity and self-belief. Doja’s lyrics on this track stand as a testament to her individuality, resilience, and the duality of her experience as an artist in the limelight.
15. Attention
This song serves as her clap back to the haters and doubters, affirming her self-confidence and refuting their critique of every aspect of her life, from her looks to her undeniable talent. She’s not asking for love, only the respect she truly deserves. She spills the tea on the backhandedness of the rap game, and throws shade at those who underestimated her. The raw honesty of the track pays homage to Doja’s roots in the trenches of hip-hop, reminding us that she’s here to stay, unapologetically herself and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
16. Balut
The track snapshots her rise to stardom and addresses the jealousy and competition in the industry – hinting at how haters ‘ride her coattails’. She imbues her lyrical transmissions with plenty of her trademark humor and wit, too, juggling references to lifestyle flexing with a buffet of gastronomic metaphors. The chorus likening her success to ‘takin’ candy from a baby’ signifies how effortlessly she navigates her craft. “Balut” is Doja’s lyrical mirror reflecting her ascension, unabashed confidence, and a hefty serving of her unmistakable sass.
17. WYM Freestyle
Serving as both a conquest anthem and a testament to her resilience in the rap game, she takes the beat to task, tearing into its rhythmic bones with an unforgiving gusto. Doja intentionally plays off her reputation, addressing critics by disregarding the labels put on her, and placing her accomplishments at the forefront. She emphasizes her success, with a mention of overflowing trophies and her body transformation, slyly throwing shade at those who can’t match up. The track is a lyrical sledgehammer, shattering the glass ceiling of expectations and unleashing a beast on the mic that’s raw, defiant, and undeniably Doja. No rest for the wicked, indeed.
