Doja Cat’s latest album, Scarlet, defies any skepticism surrounding her rapping abilities. This no-frills album collection showcases Doja’s multifaceted talent and unapologetic artistry. Scarlet’s tone is an intriguing blend of traditionalist hip-hop built on idealistic concepts reminiscent of Rico Nasty‘s Anger Management and, surprisingly, Taylor Swift‘s bold shift in Reputation (everything comes back to Taylor, huh?) While there are no surprises here musically, it retaliates against previous criticism, making it one of Doja Cat’s most impactful projects to date.
Scarlet, originally titled First of All, sends a clear message that Doja Cat is done with being underestimated. In a series of now-deleted tweets, Doja expressed exhaustion over criticism claiming that her rap verses were mediocre and uninspiring. This album seeks to silence the doubters, presenting a straightforward approach to hip-hop with a touch of contemporary hip hop styles like, rage, drill, and cloud. Collaborations with Lil Yachty‘s frequent partner, Earl on the Beat, bring a nostalgic ’90s boom-bap flavor to tracks like “Paint the Town Red” and the dreamy love song “Agora Hills.” Additionally, Jay Versace’s production adds a West Coast old-school vibe to songs like “97” and “Often.”
The utilization of samples throughout Scarlet is remarkable, offering nostalgic elements from classic material. The album incorporates Ric Flair‘s iconic soundbite on “Balut” and Earl’s Dionne Warwick sample as the introductory sound in “Paint the Town Red.” These samples beautifully enhance the eerie atmosphere of the album, elevating it to a memorable listening experience.
As Scarlet progresses, it becomes evident that the songs inherit a similar pace, diminishing the initial bravado exhibited in the album’s singles. Doja Cat’s performance remains dynamic, blending falsettos. However, the writing sometimes falls short, transforming her into a sore winner who resorts to childish insults (“You look like a butter face”). Moments like “Love Life” display a dip in quality as she congratulates her business team, lacking the lyrical brilliance found in her more captivating tracks.
Remy Ma, who previously expressed doubts about Doja Cat’s rap skills, receives a discreet but pointed reference in “Ouchies,” amidst a stream of witty wordplay. Doja also confronts her more passionate fans who engage in over the top internet flames over minor slights. Although these confrontations may appeal to a particular audience, it leaves one wondering who Scarlet was ultimately created for.
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Scarlet struggles to sustain emotional investment from listeners, presenting low-effort pieces that sometimes feel unnecessarily lengthy. Lines like “She like it from the back/’Cause she don’t ever front,” while certainly clever, fail to captivate on both an individual and cumulative level. The quest to settle scores within the album’s narrative stifles the opportunity for Doja Cat’s independent creativity to shine, reminiscent of an earlier hit, “Mooo!” where her sheer talent was undeniable. This, of course, is a byproduct of the incessant trolling artists – especially female ones – endure online.
Surviving creatively in the online realm necessitates trust in the opinions one values rather than being swayed by online trolls. Doja Cat’s well-deserved Halloween hit, “Paint the Town Red,” finds its place as an engaging track reminiscent of Eminem’s Slim Shady era. Her irreverent flex about not needing a drink to have fun embodies the essence of horrorcore, combining elements of fear and enjoyment.
Scarlet showcases Doja Cat’s determination to dispel doubts surrounding her rapping abilities. This album navigates a fine line between traditional hip-hop and innovative artistry, leaning into bold statements and retaliatory responses. While Scarlet occasionally falls prey to repetitive structures and lackluster bars, it still garners attention with well-crafted moments of brilliance. Doja Cat’s ability to captivate listeners with her unique style should be celebrated, reminding us to rely on the opinions we value rather than succumbing to the noise of online critics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What inspired Doja Cat’s album Scarlet?
– A: Scarlet was driven by Doja Cat’s need to prove her prowess as a rapper and multi-talented artist. It aimed to overcome doubters and critics.
2. Q: Who were some of the notable collaborators in Scarlet?
– A: Lil Yachty collaborator Earl on the Beat and producer Jay Versace made significant contributions to the album’s production, bringing nostalgic elements and West Coast vibes.
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3. Q: How does Scarlet address previous criticism and controversies?
– A: Scarlet subtly responds to critics, particularly Remy Ma, blending wordplay and subtle digs within the album’s lyrics. It also features Doja Cat’s commentary on controversies, engaging with her superfans directly.
4. Q: How does Scarlet fare in terms of lyrical quality and overall impact?
– A: While Scarlet boasts powerful moments and dynamic performances from Doja Cat, some tracks suffer from uninspiring bars and repetitive structures. It strives to settle scores rather than showcase her independent creative brilliance.
5. Q: How does Scarlet reflect the challenges of navigating the online realm?
– A: Scarlet emphasizes the importance of valuing trusted opinions rather than succumbing to online trolls. Doja Cat’s experiences with excessive attention provide insights into the toll it takes on artists in today’s digital landscape.
