Track Review: Doja Cat, "Vegas"

If Doja Cat has proven anything over the past two years, it's that she'll always make sure to capitalize on her momentum. As we descend upon Planet Her's one-year anniversary, Doja Cat is still riding high off the album's late-cycle singles like "Woman" and "Get Into It (Yuh)." In typical pop star fashion, Doja has lent her talents to an upcoming summer blockbuster soundtrack. Baz Luhrmann's Elvis opens in theaters on June 24, and in anticipation of the release of the film and its accompanying soundtrack, Doja Cat has debuted "Vegas." Serving as the lead single for the film's soundtrack, "Vegas" finds Doja Cat expertly tackling Luhrmann's penchant for positioning period pieces opposite modern music.

"Vegas" arrives at a time when the debate about whether or not Doja Cat is a rapper is reaching a fever pitch. The answer was yes back when Amala dropped, and it's still yes after "Vegas." Doja infuses the vitriolic delivery of "Ain't Shit" into two sleek rap verses on her newest song. Like "Ain't Shit," "Vegas" is a rapid-fire takedown of trifling ex-lover; "I get it, I know you got some other **** you wanted / I get it, you needed someone that could prove you wrong," she spits. Even when she's not rapping on the hook, her soft coos evoke the atmospheric feel of Planet Her. The song's lyrical themes are a bit unexpected considering it serves as the musical introduction to an Elvis biopic, but, thanks to the sample, it all works. "Vegas" includes a sample of Big Mama Thornton's original recording of "Hound Dog," a song infamously covered by Elvis. "Hound Dog" has been the center of a decades-long discourse around how race impacts the access artists have to different audiences and the Black roots of the rock and roll musical tradition. To see a Black female rapper sample Big Mama Thornton's version of the song for this specific film (and sound damn good while doing so) is nothing short of a privilege. Time will tell how "Vegas" will fare commercially and during awards season, but, for now, it's yet another home run from Doja Cat.

Score: 75