Doja Cat (born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini on October 21, 1995) is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. She gained prominence in the late 2010s with her eclectic blend of pop, R&B, hip‑hop, and viral internet aesthetics. Known for her playful lyricism, genre‑bending sound, and bold visual style, Doja Cat has become one of the most streamed artists of the 2020s, with hits such as “Say So,” “Kiss Me More,” and “Paint the Town Red.” Her career spans studio albums, award‑winning singles, and a strong presence on social media platforms where she often engages in meme culture and humorous interactions with fans.

1 Early life and background

1.1 Family and childhood

Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini was born in Los Angeles, California, to a South African mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, and an American father of Jewish descent, Dumisani Dlamini. Her mother is a graphic designer and painter, while her father is a film producer and actor. Doja Cat has described her upbringing as artistic but modest; she spent her early childhood in a rented home near Topanga Canyon. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised primarily by her mother, alongside two older brothers. She attended a performing arts middle school and later a high school in Los Angeles, though she struggled academically and was often expelled or transferred.

1.2 Musical influences

Doja Cat’s musical influences are diverse, ranging from 1990s R&B and hip‑hop to alternative rock and electronic music. She has cited artists such as Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, and Busta Rhymes as early inspirations. Her mother introduced her to classic rock and reggae, while her father’s background in film exposed her to various soundtracks. During her teenage years, she became deeply interested in internet culture and experimental music, often sampling unusual sounds and beats from YouTube and other online platforms.

2 Career

2.1 2012–2017: Early work and debut album

2.1.1 Singles and viral success on SoundCloud

Doja Cat began uploading songs to SoundCloud in 2012 under the handle “Doja Cat” (a name derived from a strain of marijuana). Her early tracks, such as “So High” and “No Police,” garnered modest attention within online music communities. In 2014, she released her debut EP, *Purrr!*, which included the single “So High.” The EP’s lo‑fi, dream‑pop sound caught the ear of record labels, and she signed with RCA Records later that year. However, mainstream success remained elusive, and she spent the next few years honing her craft, releasing a series of singles and music videos that gradually built a cult following.

2.2 2018–2019: Breakthrough with “Mooo!”

2.2.1 “Mooo!” viral phenomenon

In August 2018, Doja Cat released the self‑produced music video for “Mooo!,” a humorous, off‑key song about being a cow. The video, which featured low‑budget green‑screen effects and absurd lyrics, went viral on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Though critically dismissed by some as a novelty, the video’s eccentricity and Doja Cat’s self‑awareness endeared her to a wide audience. The internet’s embrace of “Mooo!” effectively launched her into the public eye and set the stage for her first major‑label album.

2.2.2 Hot Pink album and “Say So”

Riding the momentum of “Mooo!,” Doja Cat released her debut studio album, *Amala*, in March 2018 (initially with little commercial impact). A deluxe re‑issue followed in 2019, containing the single “Juicy” featuring Tyga, which became a modest hit. Later that year, she released her second studio album, *Hot Pink*, in November 2019. The album’s standout track, “Say So,” became a viral sensation on TikTok in early 2020, leading to a remix with Nicki Minaj and eventually a number‑one single on the Billboard Hot 100. “Say So” established Doja Cat as a mainstream pop force.

2.3 2020–2022: Mainstream stardom

2.3.1 Planet Her and crossover hits

In June 2021, Doja Cat released her third studio album, *Planet Her*. The album blended pop, R&B, funk, and hip‑hop, and featured collaborations with artists such as SZA (“Kiss Me More”), The Weeknd (“You Right”), and Ariana Grande (“I Don’t Do Drugs”). “Kiss Me More” became a global hit, peaking at number three on the Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. *Planet Her* spent months on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its genre‑fluidity and cohesive aesthetic.

2.3.2 Collaborations and Grammy wins

During this period, Doja Cat collaborated with numerous high‑profile artists, including Sia, Bebe Rexha, and Post Malone. She also performed at major events such as the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2022 Super Bowl pre‑game show. Her Grammy wins included Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More” (2022) and multiple nominations for Record of the Year and Album of the Year. Her social media presence remained a key component of her brand, with her humorous, often chaotic online interactions drawing both fans and media attention.

2.4 2023–present: Continued evolution

2.4.1 “Paint the Town Red” and Scarlet album

In August 2023, Doja Cat released the single “Paint the Town Red,” a dark, lyrically confrontational song that debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The track served as the lead single for her fourth studio album, *Scarlet*, released in September 2023. *Scarlet* marked a stylistic shift toward darker, more introspective hip‑hop and R&B, with themes of fame, betrayal, and self‑assertion. The album received generally positive reviews and solidified her reputation as an ever‑evolving artist.

2.4.2 Touring and live performances

To support *Scarlet*, Doja Cat embarked on the Scarlet Tour in late 2023, visiting North America, Europe, and Asia. The tour featured elaborate stage designs, choreography, and live instrumentation. Critics noted her growing confidence as a live performer, and the tour was a commercial success. Her 2024 Coachella headlining set, in which she debuted new material and collaborated with surprise guests, further cemented her status as a major live act.

3 Artistry

3.1 Musical style and genres

Doja Cat’s music resists easy categorization, drawing from pop, R&B, hip‑hop, funk, soul, reggae, and electronic dance music. She frequently employs pitched‑down vocals, playful ad‑libs, and unexpected genre shifts within a single song. Producers and collaborators have described her as highly experimental, often layering disparate influences—such as 1970s disco, 1990s boom‑bap, and contemporary trap—to create a sound that is both nostalgic and forward‑looking.

3.2 Lyrical themes

Doja Cat’s lyrics often balance humor, sexuality, and self‑awareness. Early songs like “Juicy” and “Say So” celebrate confidence, sensuality, and independence, while later tracks such as “Woman” and “Agora Hills” explore themes of self‑worth, female empowerment, and personal growth. On *Scarlet*, she delved into darker subjects, including the pressures of fame, betrayal by former friends, and feelings of isolation. She frequently uses wordplay, double entendres, and references to internet culture to engage her audience.

3.3 Visual identity and fashion

Doja Cat’s visual style is characterized by bold, eclectic fashion choices that range from retro glamour to avant‑garde streetwear. She often designs her own stage costumes and collaborates with emerging designers. Her music videos are known for their high‑concept visuals, elaborate sets, and surreal humor. For example, the “Kiss Me More” video featured a dreamlike, alien‑themed world, while “Paint the Town Red” used gothic imagery and animation. Her willingness to experiment with her appearance—shaving her eyebrows, wearing prosthetic masks, or dyeing her hair in unnatural colors—has made her a fashion icon among Gen Z audiences.

4 Public image and internet presence

4.1 Social media persona

Doja Cat is an active user of platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch. Her online persona is noted for its unfiltered, chaotic energy: she often posts cryptic tweets, engages in live streaming where she plays video games or cooks, and responds directly to fans (and critics) with sarcasm or humor. This direct, unscripted approach has both endeared her to a loyal fanbase and occasionally sparked public spats. She has described her social media presence as a performance in itself, separate from her music career.

4.2 Memes and viral moments

Doja Cat’s career has been intertwined with internet memes. Beyond the “Mooo!” phenomenon, she has popularized phrases like “I’m a cow” and dance trends such as the “Say So” choreography. Her 2020 appearance in a video where she covers her face in glitter and stares expressionlessly became a viral reaction image. She has also participated in TikTok challenges and collaborated with meme accounts, embracing the chaotic side of online fame.

4.3 Fan interactions and controversies (non‑political)

Doja Cat’s relationship with her fanbase, often called “Kittenz,” has been volatile. She has been known to block fans who criticize her, mock those who take her lyrics too seriously, and occasionally expose personal messages. In 2021, she generated controversy by stating that she felt “forced” to release the “Say So” remix with Nicki Minaj, though she later clarified her remarks. She has also been criticized for using a homophobic slur during a live stream in 2020, for which she apologized. These controversies have not significantly damaged her commercial success, but they have contributed to a complex public image.

5 Discography

5.1 Studio albums

  • *Amala* (2018)
  • *Hot Pink* (2019)
  • *Planet Her* (2021)
  • *Scarlet* (2023)

5.2 Extended plays

  • *Purrr!* (2014)

5.3 Notable singles

  • “So High” (2014)
  • “Mooo!” (2018)
  • “Juicy” (feat. Tyga) (2019)
  • “Say So” (2019)
  • “Boss Bitch” (2020)
  • “Kiss Me More” (feat. SZA) (2021)
  • “Woman” (2021)
  • “You Right” (with The Weeknd) (2021)
  • “Paint the Town Red” (2023)
  • “Agora Hills” (2023)

6 Awards and achievements

6.1 Grammy Awards

Doja Cat has won three Grammy Awards: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More” (2022), and two awards for her contributions to other projects (including Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Boss Bitch” from *Birds of Prey*, 2021). She has received multiple nominations in major categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist.

6.2 MTV Video Music Awards

She has won several MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year for “Say So” (2020), Best Choreography for “Kiss Me More” (2021), and Best Visual Effects for “Need to Know” (2022). Her energetic performances at the VMAs have been highlights of the ceremonies.

6.3 Billboard milestones

Doja Cat has achieved multiple number‑one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: “Say So” (2020) and “Paint the Town Red” (2023). *Planet Her* spent over 40 weeks in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. She has also broken records for most simultaneous entries on the Hot 100 by a female rapper (five in 2021) and has been named to Billboard’s “Power 100” list.

7 Personal life

7.1 Relationships and dating history

Doja Cat has been relatively private about her romantic life, though she has been linked to several fellow musicians and internet personalities. She was in a long‑term relationship with music producer Yeti Beats (David Sprecher) from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, she dated rapper J Cyrus briefly; the couple often shared humorous content on social media. As of 2024, she has not publicly confirmed any serious relationship, stating in interviews that she prioritizes her career and personal growth.

7.2 Interests and hobbies

Outside of music, Doja Cat is an avid gamer; she frequently streams herself playing titles such as *Overwatch* and *Animal Crossing*. She also enjoys painting, cooking, and writing poetry. She has expressed a love for anime and manga, and her music videos sometimes incorporate anime‑inspired aesthetics. She is a self‑described “cat person” and owns several cats, which she occasionally features on her social media.

8 Legacy and influence

8.1 Impact on pop and internet culture

Doja Cat is widely credited with bridging the gap between traditional pop stardom and internet meme culture. Her willingness to embrace absurdity and self‑deprecation, combined with genuine musical talent, has influenced a generation of younger artists who similarly use social media to build careers. She has been a key figure in the rise of “chaos marketing” in the music industry, where unexpected, sometimes controversial online moments drive engagement.

8.2 Recognition as a genre‑fluid artist

Music critics often highlight Doja Cat’s ability to move seamlessly between genres—pop, rap, R&B, funk, folk, and even country—without losing a distinct identity. This flexibility has been praised as a hallmark of 21st‑century pop music, and she is frequently compared to artists like Missy Elliott and Prince in terms of stylistic range. Academic discussions of genre‑bending in contemporary music often cite her work, particularly *Planet Her*, as a case study.

9 See also

  • List of Billboard Hot 100 number‑one artists
  • Music of the United States
  • Women in hip hop music

10 References

[References would typically include verified sources such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, Grammy.com, and major news outlets. For the purpose of this entry, references are omitted as per the editor’s request.]