Doja Cat
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Doja Cat began making and releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager. Her father is South African actor Dumisani Dlamini (known for Sarafina!), though they have had limited contact.
Doja Cat
Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini |
| Born | October 21, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | Hip hop, pop, R&B, rap |
| Occupation | Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years Active | 2013–present |
| Labels | Kemosabe, RCA |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Doja Cat began making and releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager. Her father is South African actor Dumisani Dlamini (known for Sarafina!), though they have had limited contact.
Breakthrough
Viral Sensation
Her 2018 single “Mooo!” became a viral internet meme, featuring a self-produced music video with green screen effects showing her as a cow. The quirky track brought her mainstream attention despite its novelty nature.
Record Deal
Doja Cat signed to Kemosabe Records (Dr. Luke’s label) and RCA Records, releasing her debut studio album Amala (2018).
Discography
Studio Albums
- Amala (2018)
- Debut studio album
- Largely overlooked upon initial release
-
Gained retrospective attention after her breakthrough
-
Hot Pink (2019)
- Breakthrough album
- Peaked at #9 on Billboard 200
- Singles: “Juicy,” “Bottom Bitch,” “Rules,” “Cyber Sex,” “Say So”
-
“Say So” became her first #1 single on Billboard Hot 100
-
Planet Her (2021)
- Major commercial success
- Peaked at #2 on Billboard 200
- Spent 41 weeks in Billboard 200 Top 10
- 10th best-selling album globally in 2021
-
Singles: “Kiss Me More” (feat. SZA), “Need to Know,” “You Right” (feat. The Weeknd), “Woman,” “Get Into It (Yuh)”
-
Scarlet (2023)
- More rap-focused direction
- Singles: “Attention,” “Paint the Town Red,” “Agora Hills”
- “Paint the Town Red” became her second #1 on Billboard Hot 100
Major Hits
- “Mooo!” (2018) – Viral breakthrough
- “Juicy” featuring Tyga (2019)
- “Say So” (2019) – #1 Billboard Hot 100
- “Like That” featuring Gucci Mane (2020)
- “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA (2021) – Grammy-winning
- “Need to Know” (2021)
- “Woman” (2021)
- “Get Into It (Yuh)” (2022)
- “Vegas” (2022) – From Elvis soundtrack
- “Paint the Town Red” (2023) – #1 Billboard Hot 100
Awards and Recognition
Grammy Awards
- 2022: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – “Kiss Me More” with SZA (WINNER)
- Multiple nominations across categories
Other Major Awards
- American Music Awards: Won New Artist of the Year (2020)
- Billboard Music Awards: Multiple nominations
- MTV Video Music Awards: Multiple wins including Best New Artist
- BET Awards: Won Best Female Hip Hop Artist
- iHeartRadio Music Awards: Multiple wins
Artistic Style and Persona
Musical Approach
Doja Cat blends: - Rap lyricism with melodic singing - Genre-blending (hip hop, pop, R&B, dance) - Internet-age humor and references - Self-produced elements - Visually creative music videos
Visual Aesthetic
Known for elaborate costumes, makeup, and music videos, Doja Cat creates visually striking content often incorporating: - Sci-fi and fantasy elements - Anime influences - Playful sexuality - Internet meme culture - High-fashion looks
Online Presence
Doja Cat maintains a strong social media presence and often interacts directly with fans, sometimes controversially. She has sparked debates with her statements about her career and the music industry.
Controversies
Throughout her career, Doja Cat has faced various controversies: - Resurfacing of past social media posts - COVID-19 related comments - Public feuds and statements about her label and career - Self-deprecating comments about her own music
Despite controversies, she has maintained commercial success and critical acclaim.
Cultural Impact
Doja Cat represents a new generation of pop stars who: - Built careers through internet virality - Blend genres fluidly - Create strong visual identities - Engage directly with fans online - Use humor and irony in their personas
Her success demonstrates the power of social media and viral moments in launching modern music careers.
Record Sales and Achievements
- Multiple platinum singles including “Say So” (4× Platinum), “Kiss Me More” (4× Platinum)
- Hot Pink certified Platinum
- Planet Her certified 2× Platinum
- Billboard Hot 100: Multiple Top 10 hits
- Streaming: Billions of streams across platforms
Future
Doja Cat continues to evolve as an artist, expressing interest in exploring different sounds and directions. Her versatility and willingness to experiment suggest continued relevance in the pop landscape.