If you’ve been following rap and hip hop for a while, you know how intense the competition can get. From chart battles to diss tracks, the genre often feels like a warzone of egos and bragging rights. But sometimes, a voice comes along to remind us what music is really about, and this time, that voice is Doja Cat’s.
Doja just said something that completely shifts the way we look at the rap scene. In a world where every artist is expected to “win,” her message is all about freedom, fun, and personal expression. That’s something I think the rap and hip hop community, and fans, really need to hear.
What drew me to this story isn’t just what Doja said, but how she said it. Her energy is chill, honest, and surprisingly deep. And in a game that can sometimes feel more about numbers than lyrics, her perspective could change the way up-and-coming artists approach their craft.
Doja Cat shares her views on competition in rap
In a recent interview on IRL with Angie Martinez, Doja Cat got real about how she views the music industry, especially rap and hip hop. When asked about the pressure artists feel, she explained:
"“I was sitting on the toilet the other day and I thought ‘I’m not tryna run for president, I’m just tryna make music.’ And I think a lot of people look at music like this is a competitive sport… I think it starts to get blurred and people think it’s like that for everyone and that everyone is out for each other, trying to take each other down.”"Doja Cat
This kind of honesty is rare in an industry that often thrives on drama and rivalry. While beefs and battles might get attention, Doja is reminding everyone that creating music doesn’t have to be about taking shots; it can be about making art.
Creativity over clout: Why it matters
Doja Cat’s approach is simple: she makes music because she loves it. Not because she wants to outshine someone else. And in the world of rap and hip hop, that mindset is powerful. Her work on Scarlet proves that when you're focused on sound, not stats, the results speak for themselves.
Her refusal to see music as a sport opens the door for more collaboration, not competition. Instead of tearing each other down, artists can start building each other up. That means more unique sounds, more growth, and more fun in the studio.
Doja’s message is striking a chord with fans who are tired of the drama. She’s showing us that you can be successful without getting caught in the game. By saying music isn’t a “competitive sport,” she’s giving permission for others to slow down and make what feels good.
In a genre built on passion and storytelling, that’s a reminder we could all use. Whether you’re an artist or just a fan, Doja’s mindset is a breath of fresh air, and maybe, the start of a more creative, less cutthroat era of rap and hip hop.