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THE CAT’S PAJAMAS

Kemosabe/RCA’s Doja Cat is an interesting case study in pop stardom. The artist had a huge hit out of the gate with 2019 single “Say So” (now at 4.3m+ in song activity), and her exceptionally vibrant visual branding set her well apart from the pack. She was clearly one of the most vivid characters to emerge on the music landscape since Cardi B. Yet even with this much cultural velocity, the jury was out, for a time, as to whether this was truly an act or just a very big song.

That question is far in the rearview now, though, after a Grammy Best New Artist nomination and a string of successful singles and features, notably “Boss Bitch,” “Like That” f/Gucci Mane, “Streets,” Saweetie’s “Best Friends” and Ariana Grande’s boffo “34+35” remix (alongside Megan Thee Stallion).

Clearly everyone wants her on their records—Doja’s guest contribution gave Saweetie in particular an invaluable lift—and she has particularly excelled when paired with other female artists.

Now Peter Edge, John Fleckenstein, A&R wiz Tunji Balogun, manager Wassim “Sal” Slaiby and teams are celebrating a huge new cut, “Kiss Me More” f/SZA. The latter track has flown up the Spotify charts, hitting the U.S. Top 5 and Global #6 as of this writing, as well as Apple Music’s Top 15. Pop radio embraced the track instantaneously; it topped the Most Added list at the format with a dazzling 125 adds. A new full-length, Planet Her, is due in the summer.

She was already a star and a fixture on the pop-cultural landscape before “Kiss Me More,” but every available metric says Doja is about to level up yet again.

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Photos: Jamal Peters