Doja Cat Net Worth
As of 2024, the talented American rapper and singer, Doja Cat, boasts a noteworthy net worth of $16 million.
Born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini on October 21, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, Doja Cat has risen to prominence through her versatile musical talents and unique style.
Doja Cat’s journey to stardom began with her early interest in music and self-expression. She gained initial recognition with the release of her debut EP “Purrr!” in 2014, showcasing her distinctive blend of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic influences.
However, it was her breakthrough single “Mooo!” and the viral success it achieved in 2018 that catapulted her into the mainstream spotlight.
The artist continued to captivate audiences with her debut studio album, “Amala,” released in 2018, which featured tracks such as “Go to Town” and “Juicy.” Doja Cat’s ability to seamlessly blend various genres and her bold, unapologetic approach to her music and visuals garnered widespread acclaim.
Her career reached new heights with the release of the album “Hot Pink” in 2019, featuring the chart-topping hit “Say So.” The song not only became a global sensation but also earned Doja Cat Grammy Award nominations.
Her success continued with subsequent albums, including “Planet Her” in 2021, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Beyond her musical achievements, Doja Cat has ventured into various business endeavors, including collaborations with prominent brands and endorsements.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and brand partnerships have contributed significantly to her overall net worth.
Doja Cat’s success extends beyond the realm of music, as she has actively engaged with her fan base through social media platforms, showcasing her personality and connecting with millions of followers. Her online presence has further expanded her influence and contributed to her overall brand value.
In addition to her financial accomplishments, Doja Cat remains a trailblazer in the industry, breaking barriers and challenging norms.
Her ability to transcend musical boundaries and connect with a diverse audience underscores her enduring impact on the entertainment landscape.
As of 2024, with a net worth of $16 million, Doja Cat continues to evolve as an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and solidifying her place among the most influential figures of her generation.
Doja Cat Biography
Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, professionally known as Doja Cat, is an American rapper and singer born on October 21, 1995. Raised in Los Angeles, she began her musical journey by creating and sharing her music on SoundCloud during her teenage years.
Her track “So High” garnered attention, leading to a recording contract with Kemosabe and RCA Records before the release of her debut extended play, “Purrr!” in 2014.
Following a break from music and a relatively quiet release of her first studio album, “Amala” in 2018, Doja Cat gained viral success with her 2018 single “Mooo!” The quirky novelty song, where she humorously claims to be a cow, turned into an internet meme, contributing to her rising popularity.
Seizing this momentum, she released her second studio album, “Hot Pink,” the following year. The album achieved a spot in the top ten of the US Billboard 200 and produced the hit single “Say So,” whose remix featuring Nicki Minaj reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2021, her third studio album, “Planet Her,” spent four weeks at number two on the Billboard 200 and spawned several top-ten singles, including “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA, “Need to Know,” and “Woman.” Continuing her success, her fourth studio album, “Scarlet,” released in 2023, embraced a hip-hop-oriented sound, reaching the top five of the Billboard 200.
The lead single, “Paint the Town Red,” marked a significant achievement, becoming her first solo number-one on the Hot 100 in multiple countries.
Recognized by The Wall Street Journal as “a skilled technical rapper with a strong melodic sense and a bold visual presence,” Doja Cat is renowned for her ability to create videos and performances that go viral on platforms like TikTok.
Immersed in internet culture, she is equally celebrated for her eccentric online persona and captivating stage presence.
Throughout her career, Doja Cat has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award from sixteen nominations, five Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, and five MTV Video Music Awards.
Billboard acknowledges her as one of the prominent commercial artists of the 2020s, and in 2023, Time Magazine included her on the list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Early life
Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, born on October 21, 1995, in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, has a unique and culturally diverse background.
Her mother, Deborah Sawyer, is an American graphic designer of Jewish heritage, while her father, Dumisani Dlamini, is a South African performer of Zulu descent, notably recognized for his role as Crocodile in the original Broadway cast of the musical Sarafina! and its 1992 film adaptation.
Dlamini’s early life was marked by the complexity of her parents’ relationship. Despite her father’s involvement in Broadway performances in New York City, he and Dlamini’s mother had a brief relationship.
Unfortunately, due to his busy touring schedule, Dumisani was unable to spend time with Amala and her brother. The family faced challenges, leading to Dlamini’s father leaving for South Africa, expressing a hope that they would join him there.
However, conflicting statements and a perceived estrangement between Dlamini and her father have been discussed in the media. While her father claims a healthy relationship and attempts to connect, Dlamini suggests not having met him, indicating a strained connection.
Following her birth, Dlamini relocated from Tarzana to Rye, New York, where she spent five years living with her maternal grandmother, who was an architect and painter.
At eight years old, she, along with her mother and brother, returned to California, residing in the Sai Anantam Ashram, a commune in Agoura Hills, and practicing Hinduism for four years.
During her time at the commune, Dlamini embraced a different lifestyle, wearing head-covering scarves and participating in religious activities. Despite this, she expressed feeling restricted and unable to experience a typical childhood.
The family then moved to Oak Park, where Dlamini engaged in dance lessons and enjoyed an active, “sporty childhood,” involving skateboarding and attending surf camps in Malibu. Unfortunately, being among the few mixed-race children in the area exposed her and her brother to racial prejudice.
As she transitioned away from the ashram lifestyle, Dlamini explored various interests. She joined a professional poplocking troupe, competing in dance battles throughout Los Angeles while attending high school.
Her aunt, a vocal coach, provided singing lessons to support Dlamini’s audition for Central Los Angeles Area New High School #9, a performing arts high school. However, her attention shifted, leading her to frequently skip school for online chatrooms.
Facing challenges in education and feeling disconnected from her career path, Dlamini decided to pursue her passion for performing and music in the eleventh grade.
She eventually dropped out at the age of 16, citing struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a desire to focus on her true passion despite feeling stagnant in her academic environment.
Career
2012–2017: Career Genesis and Record Deal
Describing life after leaving school as “messy,” Doja Cat shares that she navigated a challenging period, sleeping on the floor and immersing herself in internet culture.
She spent countless hours browsing YouTube for beats and instrumentals, which she downloaded to create her own music. Fascinated by internet platforms like eBaum’s World and Myspace, she taught herself to sing, rap, and use GarageBand, consistently uploading her creations to SoundCloud.
In late 2012, Doja Cat’s journey took a significant turn with the release of “So High,” marking her first permanent upload on SoundCloud. She entered the Los Angeles underground hip-hop scene, performing at parties and cyphers, connecting with influential figures like Busdriver, Ill Camille, and VerBS.
It was during this period that she crossed paths with producer Jerry “Tizhimself” Powell, who introduced her to Yeti Beats. Yeti Beats, in turn, connected her with Kemosabe Records, an RCA Records imprint, where she signed a record deal at just 17, under label executive Dr. Luke and his Prescription Songs publishing company.
In August 2014, Doja Cat released her debut EP, “Purrr!,” featuring the repackaged hit single “So High.” Despite an initially uneventful release, her journey continued, marked by collaborations and challenges in the subsequent years.
2018–2019: “Amala” and Viral Breakthrough with “Mooo!”
Making a comeback after a four-year hiatus, Doja Cat released “Roll with Us” in February 2018, signaling her return to the music scene. Subsequent singles like “Go to Town” and “Candy” paved the way for her debut studio album, “Amala,” released in March 2018.
Despite its underwhelming reception and Doja Cat’s expressed dissatisfaction, this period laid the groundwork for her evolution as an artist.
In August 2018, she self-published the homemade video for “Mooo!,” a viral sensation that solidified her presence in the music landscape.
The quirky song, where she humorously fantasizes about being a cow, achieved internet meme status and garnered millions of views.
2019–2020: Breakthrough with “Hot Pink” and Chart Domination
Doja Cat’s breakthrough continued with the release of the remix of “Juicy,” featuring Tyga, in August 2019. The song marked her debut on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 41.
The success of “Juicy” propelled her album “Amala” onto the Billboard 200 chart, indicating a turning point in her career.
In January 2020, “Say So” gained immense popularity on TikTok, eventually becoming her first top-ten single. The release of a remix featuring Nicki Minaj catapulted the track to the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making history as the first-ever female rap collaboration to achieve this feat.
Amidst accolades, Doja Cat’s plans for the Hot Pink Tour were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, she remained active with collaborations, including features on tracks by the Weeknd, Lil Wayne, and City Girls.
2021–2022: “Planet Her” and Continued Ascension
Entering 2021, Doja Cat collaborated with Saweetie on “Best Friend” and joined forces with Megan Thee Stallion on the remix of Ariana Grande’s “34+35,” achieving new heights on the Billboard Hot 100.
The TikTok success of “Streets” further solidified her position, leading to a Grammy Awards nomination for “Say So.”
In March 2021, Doja Cat unveiled the title of her third studio album, “Planet Her.” The lead single, “Kiss Me More,” featuring SZA, received critical acclaim and broke records on the Billboard Hot 100.
As she continued to dominate the charts, Doja Cat solidified her standing as one of the industry’s most influential and innovative artists.
2021–2023: “Planet Her” Success and Evolution to “Scarlet”
In June 2021, Doja Cat’s anticipation for her third studio album, “Planet Her,” intensified with the release of the promotional single “Need to Know” and its accompanying music video. She strategically positioned it as a precursor to the album’s “more important” second single, later confirmed to be “You Right” featuring the Weeknd.
The official announcement of “Planet Her,” including its tracklist and album art, came just hours before the release of “Need to Know.”
“Planet Her” received positive reviews upon its release, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200. It achieved a remarkable feat by spending its first three weeks at number two, a rare accomplishment not witnessed since Nicki Minaj’s “The Pinkprint” in 2015.
The album topped charts in New Zealand and secured top-five positions in the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, and Ireland.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Doja Cat made waves in the entertainment industry. She guest-starred in the TV series “Dave” as the temporary romantic interest of rapper and comedian Lil Dicky.
Additionally, she took on the role of a Pepsi ambassador, starring in a modern reenactment of “You’re the One That I Want” from the film Grease as part of a Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop campaign.
In a groundbreaking move, Doja Cat hosted the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, showcasing her versatility as a television presenter.
Her performance of “Been Like This” and “You Right” added to her accolades as she clinched awards for Best Collaboration (with SZA for “Kiss Me More”) and Best Art Direction (shared with Saweetie for “Best Friend”). Notably, Doja Cat’s hosting marked the first time a Video of the Year nominee hosted the ceremony in the same year.
The momentum continued as she collaborated with Lil Nas X on “Scoop” from his debut album “Montero” and with Young Thug on “Icy Hot” from his album “Punk,” both in 2021.
Doja Cat achieved a significant milestone in October 2021, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Songwriters chart for the first time. She made history as the first rapper to secure three top-10 songs on the US Mainstream Top 40 with “You Right,” “Need to Know,” and “Kiss Me More.”
2022: Diverse Ventures and Continued Success
Doja Cat’s ventures in 2022 showcased her versatility. She contributed to the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s film “Elvis” with the lead single “Vegas,” released in May 2022.
Her cover of Hole’s “Celebrity Skin” in a Taco Bell commercial premiered at Super Bowl LVI. Collaborating with Tyga on “Freaky Deaky,” she reinforced her musical prowess with a captivating music video directed by Christian Breslauer.
Later in 2022, Doja Cat featured on Post Malone’s track “I Like You (A Happier Song)” from his album “Twelve Carat Toothache.” The collaboration earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. British rapper Central Cee also paid homage to Doja Cat in the track “Doja,” celebrating her global success.
2023: “Scarlet” and Artistic Evolution
In early 2023, Doja Cat teased her fourth studio album, initially titled “Hellmouth.” She promised a return to a predominantly rap style, departing from her previous pop-infused sound. With a darker aesthetic described as “punk” and “experimental,” she aimed to challenge expectations.
The promotional single “Attention,” released in June 2023, provided a glimpse into the upcoming album. “Scarlet,” unveiled in August 2023, showcased Doja Cat’s evolution, featuring a darker and more experimental sound.
The lead single, “Paint the Town Red,” achieved commercial success, marking her first solo number-one song in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The second promotional single, “Demons,” released in September 2023, further solidified the unique direction of “Scarlet.” The album’s reception was positive, and it debuted within the top 5 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Doja Cat embarked on her first arena tour, “The Scarlet Tour,” featuring Doechii and Ice Spice as supporting acts.
As 2023 unfolded, Doja Cat continued to challenge norms and expectations in her artistic journey, embracing a new era with “Scarlet” and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Influences
Nicki Minaj: Doja Cat has expressed admiration for Nicki Minaj, citing her as her biggest influence. She has professed her love for everything Minaj has contributed to the music world.
The influence is evident in Doja Cat’s work, notably in her third studio album, “Planet Her,” where she pays homage to Minaj on the track “Get Into It (Yuh)” by incorporating lyrics and rap delivery from Minaj’s debut single “Massive Attack.”
In addition to Minaj, Doja Cat has named Lauryn Hill and Busta Rhymes as significant influences. She particularly appreciates Busta Rhymes’ unique flow, mentioning that she might incorporate a similar flow when she encounters a beat that Rhymes would excel in.
Beyond Minaj, Hill, and Rhymes, Doja Cat draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists. Rihanna, Beyoncé, D’Angelo, Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams, Lil’ Kim, and more have contributed to shaping her musical style.
Doja Cat’s background as a suburban teenager engaging in online activities and exploring various sub-cultures has also influenced her music.
Artists her mother exposed her to during her childhood, such as Fugees, Erykah Badu, Jamiroquai, Earth, Wind & Fire, Black Eyed Peas, Seal, Tupac, Aaliyah, DMX, India Arie, and TLC, have left a lasting impact on her.
The Hindu and Japanese cultures of her childhood have been noted as sources of inspiration for her early career.
Stage Name and Persona
Doja Cat adopted her stage name during her teenage years in 2012. The name is derived from one of her cats and her favorite strain of marijuana.
She has, however, expressed a degree of discontent with the name and the persona it carries, stating that her image was initially associated with being a “pothead hippie girl,” a characterization she feels does not fully represent her.
Musical Style and Themes
Doja Cat’s music spans various genres, including hip hop, pop, R&B, and pop rap. Her versatility is a key aspect she wishes to be remembered for in the future.
Beyond music, Doja Cat aspires to be remembered for her versatility in visual art and dance, emphasizing a multidimensional artistic legacy.
The “Hot Pink” era marked a restart in her career, showcasing a more refined and chiseled representation of herself. The album, featuring her own beats and conceptualized videos, reflects her escapist fantasy worldview through its upbeat production style.
“Hot Pink” was inspired by significant lifestyle changes, including an illuminating acid trip that led her to quit smoking cigarettes and marijuana.
Some of Doja Cat’s songs incorporate tongue-in-cheek sexual references, with tracks like “Naked” containing playful allusions to bisexuality. “Bottom Bitch” from 2019 can also be interpreted metaphorically, possibly referring to lesbian relationships.
Doja Cat’s artistic journey is marked by a rich tapestry of influences, a dynamic stage name, and a musical style that reflects her diverse inspirations and evolving creative expressions.
Personal life
Residence: Doja Cat resided in a Beverly Hills home, which she purchased in 2021 for $2.2 million and later sold in September 2022 for $2.5 million.
Relationships: She had a brief open relationship with American musician Jawny from August 2019 to February 2020. While she hasn’t formally come out or disclosed her sexual orientation, Doja Cat has hinted at queer themes, expressing a preference for people she can have sex with, regardless of gender.
Philanthropy: In June 2020, Doja Cat donated $100,000 to the Justice for Breonna Taylor Fund in support of Taylor’s family.
Family Issues: In January 2024, Doja Cat’s mother filed for a temporary restraining order against her older brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, alleging abuse toward both Doja Cat and their mother.
Health
In May 2022, Doja Cat shared on Twitter about her nicotine addiction and the need for a tonsillectomy due to an infected tonsil caused by vaping. Consequently, she canceled her summer festival run and her opening act slot for the Weeknd’s After Hours til Dawn Tour.
Controversies
In 2018, Doja Cat faced controversy due to past tweets using offensive language. She initially defended her remarks but later apologized and deleted the tweets.
In March 2020, she received backlash for downplaying COVID-19 on Instagram Live, referring to it as “only a flu” and expressing no fear of it.
In October 2020, Doja Cat faced criticism for participating in Kendall Jenner’s Halloween and birthday celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In May 2020, an old song titled “Dindu Nuffin” resurfaced, containing an alt-right term. Doja Cat apologized for the song, clarifying that it was a bad decision.
Her 2020 MTV EMA performance of “Say So” faced criticism for an identical guitar solo to Plini’s 2016 song “Handmade Cities.” She later apologized to Plini.
In March 2022, Doja Cat faced backlash after the Asunciónico Festival’s cancellation in Paraguay. She was accused of being rude to fans, leading to her threat to quit music, though she later returned to Twitter.
In July 2023, Doja Cat lost followers on Instagram after making comments suggesting she doesn’t appreciate her fans.
On October 6, 2023, Doja Cat faced backlash for posting a selfie wearing a t-shirt featuring alt-right comedian Sam Hyde on Instagram. She deleted the photo and reposted with Hyde’s image edited out.
Doja Cat’s personal life has been marked by various experiences, including philanthropy, health challenges, and controversies. Her journey reflects both positive contributions and challenges in navigating public scrutiny.
Public Image
Versatility and Talent
Doja Cat is widely recognized for her versatility as a singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer. Her ability to seamlessly blend singing and rapping, coupled with her production skills, sets her apart in the music industry. She is also known for her impressive performances and dancing skills.
Eccentric Personality
Her public image is often described as eccentric, characterized by an irreverent and chronically online persona. This is reflected in her absurdly humorous personality and posts on various social media platforms.
Work Ethic
Despite her aloof and irreverent public persona, Doja Cat’s work ethic is noted as tireless. According to Bryan Rolli of Forbes, she excels in singing, rapping, and dancing simultaneously, showcasing her commitment to her craft.
Engagement with Fans
Doja Cat engages with her fans not only through her music but also through live video streams, where she shares glimpses of her personality. Her eccentricity extends beyond her music, contributing to memorable viral moments that resonate with her audience.
Commercial Success
Recognized as one of the most successful commercial artists of the 2020s, Doja Cat’s impact on the music scene is significant. Billboard writers have acknowledged her as a defining artist of the decade, representing the spirit of the 2020s.
Live Performances
Her live performances are highlighted as energetic and infused with a touch of eccentricity, contributing to the overall entertainment value for her fans.
Doja Cat’s public image is a dynamic mix of talent, eccentricity, and engagement, making her a standout figure in contemporary music.
Her influence extends beyond the studio, encompassing various facets of entertainment and online culture.
