Doja Cat Says She’s a 'Rapper Who Makes Pop Music'

 Doja Cat's 'Vie' Album: A Return to Pop for the "Rapper Who Makes Pop Music

Doja Cat's Artistic Evolution: A "Rapper Who Makes Pop Music"

Doja Cat has always been an artist to defy expectations. From her viral hit "Mooo!" to the genre-bending sounds of Hot Pink and Planet Her, she has consistently blurred the lines between rap and pop. Now, with the upcoming release of her fifth studio album, Vie—French for "life"—she's once again challenging listeners' perceptions and defining her own sound on her own terms. In a recent interview, she declared herself a "rapper who makes pop music," a phrase that perfectly encapsulates her unique position in the music world.

This statement is more than just a soundbite; it’s a self-aware acknowledgment of her artistic journey and a clever way to frame her new, highly anticipated project. Following the darker, more rap-heavy album, Scarlet, which didn't perform as well commercially, Vie is being marketed as a return to her more pop-driven roots.

'Vie': An '80s-Inspired Pop Soundscape

Scheduled for release on September 26, 2025, Vie is already generating significant buzz. The album is described as an '80s-inspired project with themes of "love, romance, and sex." The lead single, "Jealous Type," released on August 21, 2025, sets the stage for this new direction. The album's production features collaborations with artists like Y2K and the prolific Jack Antonoff, who is known for his work with pop powerhouses like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. This partnership with Antonoff signals a deliberate move toward a polished pop sound, while still allowing Doja to infuse her signature lyrical wit and rap flow.

Doja Cat has spoken about playing with her voice on this album, experimenting with unconventional sounds and even "shrieking a little bit." This shows her commitment to creative exploration and her desire to push the boundaries of her own artistry. The 15-track album, which she has revealed the full tracklist for, does not appear to have any featured artists, a trend she continued from her previous album, Scarlet.

Why Doja Cat's Statement Matters

Doja Cat's statement, "I'm a rapper who makes pop music, It's a statement that acknowledges her hip-hop foundation while celebrating her evolution as a global pop star. The "Vie Hotline," a promotional tool where fans could dial a number to hear playful voice prompts from Doja Cat herself, also speaks to this pop-driven, fan-engaging strategy. It's an innovative way to build a world around the album and reinforce its themes of love and intimacy.

Ultimately, Doja Cat's latest venture with Vie is a testament to her constant growth and her refusal to be boxed in. She's not just a pop star or a rapper; she's both, and she's using that duality to create something entirely new and exciting. The upcoming album is a journey back to the pop sound that made her a household name, but with the confidence and maturity of an artist who knows exactly who she is.