Doja Cat’s hip-hop anthem from her album “Scarlet,” released August 4, 2023, featuring aggressive rap verses and a sample of Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By.” The song became Doja’s biggest solo hit, spending a week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcasing her pivot toward harder rap after years of pop crossover.
The Sample
“Paint the Town Red” brilliantly flipped Dionne Warwick’s 1964 soul classic “Walk On By,” speeding up and distorting the sample to create a menacing, vintage-meets-modern vibe. The production evoked early 2000s hip-hop while feeling contemporary, appealing to millennials and Gen Z alike.
Rap Pivot
After “Planet Her’s” pop success, Doja announced she was returning to hip-hop roots with “Scarlet.” “Paint the Town Red” delivered on that promise—hard-hitting verses, aggressive delivery, and minimal singing. Lyrics like “She the devil, she a bad lil’ bitch” showcased Doja’s confidence and rap skills.
TikTok Dominance
The song exploded on TikTok with the pre-chorus (“Yeah, bitch, I said what I said / I’d rather be famous instead”) becoming a viral sound. Users created outfit videos, confidence-boosting content, and lip-sync performances. The sample’s vintage appeal made it perfect for nostalgic edits.
Chart Performance
“Paint the Town Red” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 2023, becoming Doja’s third solo #1 hit. It remained in the top 10 for months and earned multi-platinum certification. The song proved Doja could succeed as a rapper without relying on pop melodies.
https://en.wikipedia.org/) https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/doja-cat-paint-the-town-red-number-one-hot-100-1235415379/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU3-7RyRvvM