Doja Cat may have already put out a deluxe version of her recent album Planet Her featuring Gunna and Eve, but that hasn’t stopped fans — and some of Doja’s peers — from campaigning for a remix featuring just one more rapper whose visual aesthetic matches Doja’s well: Yung Baby Tate. The Atlanta rapper posted a video of herself freestyling to the instrumental from the exuberant Planet Her song “Get Into It (Yuh),” sparking interest in an official remix featuring the verse.
Although Doja’s already released the album and a deluxe version, if anyone were to advocate for a sharp rapper like Tate, it’d be Doja Cat, who explained when releasing her new album that she put rappers like Gunna, JID, and Smino on her projects to highlight her love for “bars.” Certainly, Tate is someone who’d have worked with Doja had they crossed paths earlier in their careers; her breakout project, GIRLS, featured collabs with female rappers like Bbymutha, Kari Faux, and Latto (formerly Mulatto).
Both rappers will be busy this year, though, with Doja touring Planet Her and Tate appearing on Love & Hip-Hop. Additionally, Doja made it clear that she doesn’t plan on doing too many more collabs going forward because she doesn’t want them to sound like mashups — but since this verse already exists, maybe she can make an exception.
Watch Yung Baby Tate’s freestyle video above.
Yung Baby Tate is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
After collaborating with artists like Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, Doja Cat seemingly has joint tracks down to a science. The songs she wrote with other artists were important in boosting her music. She even earned her first-ever No. 1 single for her Nicki Minaj “Say So” collaboration. But Doja Cat says collaborations can also hinder her artistry at a certain point, which is why her fans shouldn’t expect to hear her on many in the future.
Following up on her Planet Her album, Doja Cat sat down with Ebro Darden for Apple Music. During their conversation, Doja Cat explained that, going forward, she only wants to focus on career moves that give her energy.
“Sometimes I do stuff that maybe I don’t feel as excited about. I try not to do that, I do that maybe five, six percent of the time in my career,” she said. “But right now, I’m trying to do what I want to do for the most part. I want to really develop myself and not regret anything. I think I have to think more about what I’m doing now.”
Doja Cat continued that part of her artistic development includes focusing on her solo music and shying away from collaborations in the future:
“I like to say this a lot, but, Michael Jackson and Prince [were] not doing a lot of collabs all the time. They almost have no collabs. You look at that, and you’re like, they were doing fantastic without anybody. I like to, not compare myself — I definitely sound like I’m doing that but I’m not trying to — but that’s my bar. I want to focus on what is best for me. At this time and in this age, everybody is collabing. What happens is that things sound like mashups, like fan mashups. They’ll put Nick’s verse with Meg on ‘Kiss Me More’ or they’ll put my verse on ‘WAP’ or something. I don’t want it to feel like that anymore. I want it to feel very special, and very carefully done. So, I’m trying not to do as many collabs in the future. I think it’s important.”
Listen to Doja Cat’s full interview with Ebro Darden on Apple Music above.
Doja Cat recently flexed her multifaceted talent on her album Planet Her. But just over a year ago, people on the internet were calling for her to quit music entirely. Fans on Twitter were rushing to cancel the singer after old, insensitive videos of her surfaced in chatrooms with reported members of the alt-right/incel community. The singer apologized, but wasn’t fazed by the controversy as she’s apparently used to getting canceled.
Doja Cat recently sat down for an interview with Big Boy, where she discussed her album, a recent mishap at the dentist, and her celebrity crush (Reggie Watts.) But when Big Boy asked how many times she thinks she’s been canceled on the internet, the singer joked that it’s happened “maybe 350 times:”
“Starting from age 6 to age 25, maybe 350 times. My mom cancels me, my brother cancels me, my schoolmates canceled me — everybody cancels me. I cancel me, my boyfriends have canceled me. Not in a way where it’s like a huge political down power of something crazy that I did. It’s just, canceling is a fight on the internet, and that’s how I see it. It’s a fight for something and I’ve been in pressure where I feel like I’ve had to fight. And I’ve done that my whole life, so anything that happens, I come right out the other side just okay.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Doja sang The Weeknd’s praise over their “You Right” collaboration, saying he was the “sweetest” artist she’s ever worked with. “He’s a good friend of mine. He’s like part of my family, I feel like,” she said about the singer. “We met maybe two or three years ago. But he’s the sweetest artist I ever collaborated with—no shade to anybody else. But he is top notch, the sweetest person, and brilliant, very talented.”
Watch Doja Cat’s full interview with Big Boy above.
Planet Her is out now via Kemosabe/RCA. Get it here.
Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending March 19, 2021.
Albums/EPs/Mixtapes
Doja Cat — Planet Her
Sure, it’s not technically a hip-hop album, any more than it is strictly pop, dance, or R&B. But Doja’s third effort features some of her sharpest rapping, tapping into a number of contemporary styles from Cloud rap to EDM, always with an eyebrow-raising punchline or clever twist on a familiar cadence. This is creativity personified; what’s more hip-hop than that?
Juicy J — The Hustle Still Continues [Deluxe]
Juicy has evolved over time into a shepherd and mentor of the modern-day, hedonistic trap rap scenes that take so much inspiration from his work with Three Six Mafia. This deluxe version of his 2020 album adds an astonishing number of new songs and collaborators, bringing in bright new stars like Lil Baby, Pooh Shiesty, and Rico Nasty.
MIKE — Disco!
Back in the late ’90s, MIKE would have been considered a backpacker. Now, he’s something of a contrarian presence, the rare traditionalist who isn’t pursuing an agenda to “bring back real hip-hop,’ instead locking in on his own iconoclastic trajectory of rebellious super rhyming style.
Ski Mask The Slump God — Sin City
The South Florida firestarter returns after a long hiatus to resume his campaign of punk-rap terror in a world in which he’s less of an exception than the prototype of an entire movement — a movement that’s closer to the mainstream than ever before.
Tyler The Creator — Call Me If You Get Lost
Tyler delivers his own version of DJ Drama’s popular Gangsta Grillz mixtape series, splitting the difference between gruff-voiced, braggadocious rhymes and the tender soul of Igor and Flower Boy. The effect is intoxicating.
Singles/Videos
ASAP TyY — “1990”
Yes, I know: There are soooo many members of ASAP Mob, you probably forgot all about TyY. Well, shame on you, because he’s every bit as charismatic and clever as his more mainstream favorite homeboys.
Beanz — “As Seen On TV” Feat. Benny The Butcher
Beanz, a truly underrated rapper, gets to shine alongside one of the more popular purveyors of straight-up, bruising bars, which may lead to her finally receiving her due when her debut album Tables Turn drops this summer.
Bfb Da Packman — “Weekend At Solomon’s”
Dropping his debut album this week, the hilarious Flint, MI rapper employs a number of hip-hop’s most hyped names on the tracklist, from XXL Freshman Coi Leray to standup comic turned rapper Zack Fox, but he goes for dolo here, and this track is all the more entertaining for it.
BlueBucksClan — “Rap City”
LA party rap duo BlueBucks has taken the city by storm, between their infectious beat choices and sports-related rap references, they’ve quickly become a favorite of the block party/house party set — whichever set they claim.
KenTheMan — “I’m Perfect”
Look at that title. KenTheMan’s name has been buzzing on the social media streets as the successor to the crown passed from Cardi to Megan to Latto to Flo Milli, and this track is the — ahem — perfect example of why.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Award-winning rapper Doja Cat has left the planet with her latest album. The R&B star’s newest project Planet Her not only features tracks that are out of this world but an otherworldly theme her fans can’t get enough of. From supernatural abilities to green skin, Doja didn’t hold back when it came to her alien […]
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
It’s been a while since mainstream pop stars got absolutely weird. Thankfully, artists like Doja Cat are carrying on the legacy of the likes of Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, while saving the mainstream pool from getting dull.
“All the goofy kids, or the kids who don’t put themselves on a pedestal, or are just not normally accepted — I feel like making that example is good for those kids,” Doja said in her April Billboard cover story. “Because maybe they felt like they could never make it in an industry where everybody is so serious. It’s important that they know they have a lane.”
Staying true to her guts is mainly the reason for the 25-year-old’s rapid ascension, who thrives off of testing a whole myriad of boundaries. Whether it’s refusing to stick to one lane (she flips through rap, R&B and pop with ease), unleashing variousrenditions of “Say So” because she grew tired of performing the original version, or rocking the kookiest of outfits (2018’s viral “Mooo!” look being the most notorious), it’s clear Doja Cat lives for the thrill. So much so that she left Planet Earth and invited fans inside her new Planet Her album.
Arriving today, the 14-song collection finds the artist at her most confident. 2018’s Amala debut and 2019’s Hot Pink showcased her impressive versatility. Those albums were a yummy trail mix of talents, and Planet Her is the glue that brings it all together.
The album opens with the Afrobeats-inspired “Woman”, drifting listeners not to another planet — but the motherland. Similar to Amala’s “Wine Pon You” featuring dancehall star Konshens and Hot Pink’s “Won’t Bite” that samples 1945 Swahili love song “My Angel (Malaika)“, “Woman” is a hip-shaking celebration of the African diaspora. While bringing her heritage to the forefront (Doja’s father is South African), she shout outs Rihanna’s admirable CEO status as well as her own “divine feminine” allure. Later on “Alone,” Doja channels Rih’s come-hither attitude.
Women’s bodies double as a place of worship, and Doja Cat continues to highlight every inch of her curves on “Naked.” The artist has grown even more comfortable in her skin, and embracing sexuality is an integral theme on Planet Her. It’s best executed on the seductive “You Right.” Here, Doja reunites with The Weeknd, whom she previously collaborated on his “In Your Eyes” remix last May. The Weeknd, who is fresh off his ‘80s-inspired After Hours era, has retired the red suit and briefly returns to the dark sluttiness that longtime fans have been longing for. “But this sex will cloud your memory. A couple strokes will put an end and you’ll belong to me,” he urges in hopes Doja will leave her man.
One of Doja’s best traits is how she shapeshifts her sound to compliment guests. Along with “You Right,” she’s a gracious host on Planet Her, melding her tone to pair with Ariana Grande’s signature sultry coos on “I Don’t Do Drugs” and pumps up Young Thug for a glorious battle of the rap weirdos on “Payday.”
But there are stale moments to be avoided on Planet Her, including the forgettable “Been Like This” and “Imagine.” “Get Into It (Yuh)” is a SoundCloud rapper parody, which may or may not be a nod to when she first blew up on the streaming platform with 2012’s “So High.” What saves the track is the absolutely adorable Nicki Minaj shoutout towards the end, a reminder that the OG rapper is not only an inspiration but the one who pushed the “Say So” remix to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
And then there’s the shadow of Dr. Luke: In 2014, Kesha hit the pop producer/songwriter with various allegations including rape and emotional abuse. The year prior, Doja Cat signed to his Kemosabe Records and hasn’t acknowledged the working relationship. Dr. Luke’s career has remained intact and has credits on “Need To Know,” “You Right,” and “Kiss Me More,” which is difficult to shake off.
But songs like “Ain’t Sh*t” and “Need To Know” help the album achieve its vision. The former, which Doja first previewed on Instagram Live last April, will satisfy fans who’ve awaited its official version. The stripped piano melody of “Ain’t Sh*t” calls back to Elton John’s 1974 classic “Bennie And The Jets,” but that original song’s sincerity is sharply juxtaposed with Doja’s beloved dry humor and a rightfully fed up attitude of the opposite sex (“You should’ve paid my rent / Got get a f**king job!).
“Need To Know” is the best song on Planet Her: an otherworldly joyride driven by the mad scientist that is Doja Cat. She’s in true alien form here: a raunchy freak, cooing baby, helium sucker, and frantic spitter over a galaxy of ice-cold trap melodies. Lyrics like “I don’t play with my pen / I mean what I writе” and “Oh, wait, you a fan of the magic? / Poof, pussy like an Alakazam” is Doja getting deep in her cocky rap bag and it’s exciting to hear.
If Doja Cat’s multiple live performances that highlight her classically trained dance skills, the feast of music videos that call back to the glory days of Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott, or the expertly twisted wordplay weren’t enough, then Planet Her will solidify her star status. As Earth continues to slowly crumble — from climate change to social injustices — I’ll gladly book a one-way ticket and escape to Planet Her.
Planet Her is out now via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records. Get it here.
The wait is finally over. After teasing her third album, Planet Her for the better part of the last year, Doja Cat has finally graced her fans with its release. The project arrives after she spent most of 2020 promoting songs from her second album, Hot Pink. This includes the chart-topping “Say So” and the TikTok favorite “Streets.” All of that is in the past now as Doja begins the third chapter of her career for Planet Her with a brand new video for “You Right” with The Weeknd.
The new track is also accompanied by a majestic video that follows Doja as she walks through an elegant palace as she details her desires for a man despite being in a relationship with another one. Planet Her was led by two singles, “Kiss Me More” with SZA and “Need To Know.” The former was an effort that submitted itself onto the list of song of the summer contenders. The duo also performed it at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. The latter was a track Doja delivered to hold fans over until the album’s release. All in all, Planet Her arrives with additional features from Young Thug, Ariana Grande, and JID.
As for what’s next, Doja will soon make an appearance in the second season of Lil Dicky’s TV show, Dave, and take the stage alongside Justin Bieber, Lil Baby, and more for the Made In America festival.
You can watch the video for “You Right” above.
Planet Her is out now via RCA Records. Get it here.
@DojaCat I really SPIT, I never swallowwwwww pic.twitter.com/MZDYEpQgXu
(@yungbabytate) July 5, 2021
Juicy has evolved over time into a shepherd and mentor of the modern-day, hedonistic trap rap scenes that take so much inspiration from his work with Three Six Mafia. This deluxe version of his 2020 album adds an astonishing number of new songs and collaborators, bringing in bright new stars like Lil Baby, Pooh Shiesty, and Rico Nasty.
Back in the late ’90s, MIKE would have been considered a backpacker. Now, he’s something of a contrarian presence, the rare traditionalist who isn’t pursuing an agenda to “bring back real hip-hop,’ instead locking in on his own iconoclastic trajectory of rebellious super rhyming style.
The South Florida firestarter returns after a long hiatus to resume his campaign of punk-rap terror in a world in which he’s less of an exception than the prototype of an entire movement — a movement that’s closer to the mainstream than ever before.
Tyler delivers his own version of DJ Drama’s popular Gangsta Grillz mixtape series, splitting the difference between gruff-voiced, braggadocious rhymes and the tender soul of Igor and Flower Boy. The effect is intoxicating.
