"Attention" by Doja Cat - Review

Look at me, look at me... You lookin’?

"Attention" Single Cover

Doja Cat is entering her 4th album era with her new single “Attention,” a more-lyrical, dark treatise on fame, the limelight, and artistry. The pre-era of this new image was marked with a style change and controversial tweets, showcasing her aggressive, darker humor that often took jabs at her own fans and led to online debates about Doja’s attitude—both towards her own past projects and the stage she has found herself on. Now, Doja sports her shorter hair and more grunge look with blood-dripping aesthetics to create a stark line between this new era and her past pop-rap chart-topping eras “Hot Pink” and “Planet Her” which were known for their characteristic bright imagery and radio-club hooks.

Doja Cat in the "Attention" Music Video

Attention starts with a lighter, almost spooky chorus with Doja’s classic light and high vocals that always seem to hide a deeper punch or flair. This hook will be the only singing featured on the track.

Her first rapped verse addresses various criticisms levied against her in the last year or so, as well as her mental health, her changed style, and the way her critics capitalize off of her celebrity. 

“Lookin’ good, but now my bald head match my (pussy)

Lookin’ good, but now they all sayin’ that I’m ugly

Boo-hoo, my n***, I ain’t sad you won’t fuck me.”

Her ownership of her own look is defiant and confident, and she tears down the female star’s role as a universal sex icon.  

Her second verse is my favorite, for similarly irreverent lines. 

“I put a thong all in my ass and taught you how to shake it.”

She addresses the politics of the female rap game, comparisons, and power struggles. And she also doesn’t fail hip hop’s braggadocious spirit. 

“The disrespect's real, how this Patek look?” 

The track is short and much of its appeal is communicated through high-quality visuals. This isn’t the most unique track, catchiest hook, or most clever verse she’s made but it’s solid. Like a lot of her singles, they’re like tasters—giving you a bite of the expansive era to come. And, one thing I have always liked about Doja Cat’s work is her way of spinning verses and sounds past their orthodox mechanics; there is a uniqueness and innovation stapled onto her sound, one that you cannot escape regardless of the era, be it vocal or lyrical, pop or rap. Doja has alluded to the fact that this album will have more rapping, lyrical elements, and rawer subject matter: she is setting the scene, and I’m looking forward to her upcoming album. 

6.8/10