Doja Cat - Paint The Town Red

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“Paint the Town Red” is a breakthrough hit by American rapper and singer Doja Cat, released in 2023 as the lead single from her fourth studio album Scarlet. The song became one of the most successful releases of her career, topping charts around the world and breaking streaming records across platforms.

Background and Release

“Paint the Town Red” samples Dionne Warwick’s 1964 classic “Walk on By,” crediting legendary songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Doja Cat uses this familiar musical motif to frame her sharp, confident verses and bold delivery.

Meaning and Themes

Lyrically, the track finds Doja Cat dismissing critics and asserting her identity. She leans into a more confrontational and rap-centered style compared with some of her earlier mainstream pop hits, emphasizing self-belief and defiance against online negativity.

The title phrase **“paint the town red”** traditionally means to go out and celebrate or have a wild night — but here it also doubles as a metaphor for Doja’s unapologetic dominance in the music scene and her refusal to be defined by others.

Commercial Success

“Paint the Town Red” was a massive international hit, topping charts in at least 19 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. It became Doja Cat’s second No. 1 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and her first solo chart-topper there.

The song also made history on streaming platforms: it became the first solo female rap song to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global and US Top 50 charts and was the fastest solo female rap song to reach 100 million streams on that service.

Critical and Cultural Impact

“Paint the Town Red” garnered a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance and highlighted Doja Cat’s evolving artistry as she leaned into a grittier rap aesthetic while maintaining mainstream appeal.

The track’s success also helped her top the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown, making her the first woman of color and first female rapper to reach number one in the annual Australian poll.

Legacy

Years after its release, “Paint the Town Red” continues to be one of Doja Cat’s signature songs, celebrated for its catchy hook, confident delivery, and record-breaking performance on music charts and streaming platforms.

Conclusion

“Paint the Town Red” stands as a defining moment in Doja Cat’s career — a song that blends bold lyricism with global chart dominance and cultural resonance. Its success marked a major chapter in the rapper’s artistic evolution and solidified her place among the most influential artists of her generation.

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