Doja Cat
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| Doja Cat | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | October 21, 1995 Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Birth name | Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Genres | Pop-rap, hip hop, R&B, pop |
| Labels | Kemosabe, RCA |
| Known for | Say So, Planet Her, Paint the Town Red, Mooo! |
Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini (born October 21, 1995), known professionally as Doja Cat, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is known for her musical versatility, strong stage presence, and humorous internet persona. She is often described as one of the defining pop artists of the 2020s.[1]
Doja Cat began releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager. Her song So High led to a record deal and the release of her debut EP Purrr! (2014). After limited attention to her debut album Amala (2018), she gained viral fame with the novelty song Mooo!.
Her second album Hot Pink (2019) brought mainstream success, with the hit single Say So reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix with Nicki Minaj.
Her third album Planet Her (2021) became a global success and produced hit songs like Kiss Me More, Need to Know, and Woman. She followed this with Scarlet (2023), which included the chart-topping single Paint the Town Red. Her fifth album Vie (2025) marked a return to pop sounds.
Doja Cat is one of the best-selling female rappers, with over 34 million records sold between 2018 and 2022. She has received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award and multiple Billboard, MTV, and American Music Awards.
Early life
Doja Cat was born in Los Angeles, California. Her mother is a graphic designer, and her father is a South African performer.
She spent part of her childhood in New York before returning to California. For a period, she lived in a spiritual commune where her family practiced Hindu traditions.[2]
She later moved to Oak Park, California, where she developed an interest in dance, including breakdancing and poplocking. She joined dance groups and competed in local battles.
She attended a performing arts school but dropped out at age 16, choosing to focus on music.
Career
2012–2018: Early work
Doja Cat began making music at home, teaching herself to sing and produce. She uploaded songs to SoundCloud and gained early attention with So High.
She released her debut EP Purrr! in 2014. In 2018, she released her first studio album Amala, which initially received little attention.[3]
2018–2020: Breakthrough
Her song Mooo! went viral online and became a major meme. This exposure helped boost her popularity.
She released Hot Pink in 2019. The album reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 and included the hit Say So, which became her first number-one single.
2021–present
Her album Planet Her (2021) achieved global success and remained in the Billboard 200 top ten for over 40 weeks.
In 2023, she released Scarlet, which featured a stronger hip-hop sound. The single Paint the Town Red topped global charts.
In 2025, she released Vie, which returned to pop influences.[4]
Personal life
Doja Cat keeps her personal life private. She was previously in a relationship with musician Jawny.
She has supported social causes, including donating to the Justice for Breonna Taylor Fund.
In 2024, her family was involved in a legal case related to a restraining order.
Health
She has spoken about past struggles with alcohol and nicotine addiction. She has amblyopia and has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
In 2022, she underwent treatment for a throat condition related to vaping.
Artistry
Doja Cat’s music blends pop, hip hop, and R&B. She is known for combining singing and rapping with strong visual and performance elements.
Her work often reflects internet culture, humor, and bold creative expression.
Discography
2014 – Purrr! 2018 – Amala 2019 – Hot Pink 2021 – Planet Her 2023 – Scarlet 2025 – Vie
Awards and nominations
- Grammy Awards – Winner - Billboard Music Awards – Multiple wins - MTV Video Music Awards – Multiple wins - American Music Awards – Multiple wins - iHeartRadio Music Awards – Multiple wins
References
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