Doja

Central Cee's "Doja" is a multi-layered track that primarily serves as a bold statement of his identity, ambition, and position within the UK drill scene. The song's most famous and controversial line, "How can I be homophobic? My bitch is gay," is a deliberate provocation designed to grab attention and challenge accusations of homophobia, which the artist feels is embedded in rap culture. In interviews, Central Cee clarified that the lyric refers to his girlfriend being bisexual and is his way of stating his opposition to homophobia, a stance he considers important to voice within a genre where it's often prevalent. The song blends this social commentary with classic hip-hop themes of braggadocio, wealth aspiration ("imagine I die, and I ain't made a hundred Ms yet"), and street credibility. He also touches upon loyalty to his friends ("Huggin' my bruddas and say that I love them, but I don't swing that way") and the relentless nature of his hustle that continues regardless of holidays like Eid or Christmas, reflecting a lifestyle dedicated to his craft and financial gain. The reference to Doja Cat is a direct, flirtatious shout-out that also serves to bridge his UK audience with mainstream American pop culture, signaling his international aspirations.

The narrator begins with a provocative and attention-grabbing statement, questioning how he could possibly be homophobic when his own girlfriend is gay. This line immediately sets a confrontational and complex tone. He juxtapositions this with imagery of street violence, mentioning hitting someone and using a firearm, which he metaphorically also labels as "gay." This wordplay is used to create a shocking and ironic effect. He then shifts to express platonic love for his male friends ("bruddas"), clarifying that his affection doesn't extend to a romantic or sexual interest, reinforcing traditional lines of masculinity while simultaneously challenging norms by openly expressing love. The narrative then paints a picture of his relentless lifestyle, where the hustle never stops; even during significant cultural and religious holidays like Eid and Christmas, the "trap" or drug trade continues to operate. This highlights a commitment to his grind that transcends societal norms and celebrations.

A direct address to the American artist Doja Cat follows, expressing a clear and bold sexual interest in her. This is immediately followed by braggadocious lines about his physical attributes, visible in his tracksuit, and his sexual prowess. He expresses a cynical view of women, suggesting they plan to wrong him, which leads him to always be prepared with protection. This section is a raw display of confidence, desire, and a self-protective mistrust born from experience.

The narrative then takes a turn towards strategy and survival. He describes the need for caution in his environment, only revealing his location after he has already left to avoid being tracked by rivals. This is a practical reflection on the dangers of his lifestyle. He contemplates his own mortality and ambition, stating that he values his life deeply, especially because he has not yet achieved his financial goal of making a hundred million. He lists unfulfilled desires, like having an affair with a flight attendant, which adds a layer of human fantasy to his hardened persona. He mentions that he doesn't typically party but would make an exception if a major celebrity like Cardi B were present, showing a calculated approach to his social life, weighing opportunities over leisure. He reflects on the risks he's taken over his ten-year career, acknowledging that his success has only recently materialized and that the journey was a significant gamble. He asserts his dominance and importance in the UK rap and drill scene, demanding that his name be mentioned in any conversation about the genre. The song concludes by repeating the opening hook, reinforcing the central themes of controversial identity, street loyalty, and the unceasing hustle that defines his existence.

"Doja" was written by Central Cee (Oakley Caesar-Su) and released on July 21, 2022. The track was produced by the Manchester-based duo LiTek and WhyJay, who are known for sampling nostalgic '00s hits. For "Doja," they sampled the iconic beat from Eve's 2001 hit "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," featuring Gwen Stefani. Eve herself later commented on clearing the sample, stating she gets many requests but approved this one because she was already a fan of Central Cee and felt he "ate that record." Central Cee first performed the song at the Wireless Festival in July 2022, just before its official release, which immediately generated significant buzz among fans. The song was accompanied by a music video directed by the acclaimed American director Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade. This was a significant milestone, as it made Central Cee the first-ever UK artist to have a video directed by Bennett, a move that underscored Cee's ambition to break into the American market. The video itself was shot in Central Cee's native West London, aiming to blend his authentic local energy with an "American flavor." The song quickly went viral on TikTok, largely due to its provocative opening lines, which catapulted it to international recognition.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Doja" are central to its catchy and memorable quality. The song is set to a UK drill beat, characterized by its sliding 808 basslines and syncopated hi-hat patterns, typically at a tempo around 140-145 BPM.

Central Cee's rhyming is intricate and relies heavily on multi-syllable and internal rhymes. The main hook follows a simple AAAA rhyme scheme with the word "gay" and "day":

"How can I be homophobic? My bitch is gay"
"Hit man in the top, try see a man topless, even the stick is gay"
"Huggin' my bruddas and say that I love them, but I don't swing that way"
"The mandem celebrate Eid, the trap still runnin' on Christmas day"

His flow is rhythmically consistent, delivering lines in a steady cadence that locks into the beat's groove. He often uses couplets, but his verse structure is more akin to a continuous, flowing narrative. For instance, he rhymes "in that" with "in that" and "throwin' it back" with "Trojan pack," maintaining a cohesive sound. The rhythm of his lyrical delivery is precise and complements the syncopation of the drill instrumental, creating a compelling interplay that enhances the track's danceable yet aggressive feel. The song's short length and repetitive, infectious hook make its rhythmic structure highly effective for both radio play and viral social media trends.

"Doja" showcases a range of stylistic techniques that contribute to its impact and virality.

• Provocative Opening: The song begins with the now-famous hook, "How can I be homophobic? My bitch is gay." This is a powerful rhetorical device designed to immediately capture the listener's attention through shock and controversy.
• Sampling: The track is built around a prominent sample of Eve's 2001 hit "Let Me Blow Ya Mind." This use of a well-known, nostalgic beat creates an instant familiarity while framing it in a modern UK drill context, a technique that producers LiTek and WhyJay are known for.
• Vocal Delivery: Central Cee employs a confident, melodic, and upbeat flow that is characteristic of his style. His delivery is rhythmic and clear, ensuring the provocative and witty lyrics are easily understood. The flow is steady and sits confidently on the drill beat, creating a hypnotic effect.
• Irony and Wordplay: The lyrics are filled with ironic wordplay, such as extending the term "gay" to his firearm ("even the stick is gay"). This demonstrates a clever and playful approach to language, using it to provoke and entertain.
• Direct Address: He directly addresses Doja Cat ("Somebody tell Doja Cat that I'm tryna indulge in that"), a technique that makes the song feel more personal and audacious, breaking the fourth wall between the artist and the subject.
• Concise Structure: The song is notably short, with a runtime of only 1 minute and 37 seconds. This brevity makes it perfect for repeated listening and for platforms like TikTok, where short, catchy clips perform well.

"Doja" had a monumental cultural impact, becoming a global viral sensation shortly after its release. It peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, making it Central Cee's highest-charting single at the time. Its success was massively amplified by TikTok, where its provocative opening lines and catchy beat became a ubiquitous sound used in countless videos. The song broke records, becoming the most-streamed UK rap song on Spotify, a title it held until it was surpassed by his own collaboration with Dave, "Sprinter". The music video, directed by Lyrical Lemonade's Cole Bennett, was a significant cultural moment, marking the first time the influential American director had worked with a UK artist and signaling a major crossover achievement for the UK drill scene. The video won 'Video of the Year' at the 2022 MOBO Awards. The song sparked widespread discussion about its lyrical content, particularly the opening lines about homophobia, leading to interviews and articles where Central Cee explained his intent to challenge prejudice within rap culture. "Doja" firmly established Central Cee as a leading figure in global hip-hop and demonstrated the international appeal and power of the UK drill sound.

The lyrical content of "Doja" relies more on direct statements and provocative irony than on deep, layered symbolism. However, some elements can be interpreted metaphorically:

• The "Gay" Stick: The line "even the stick is gay" is a prime example of ironic wordplay. Here, "stick" is slang for a firearm. By applying the word "gay"—which he has just used in a controversial social context—to an object of violence, he creates a jarring, almost surreal image. It functions as a form of hyperbole, extending his initial provocative statement to an absurd degree to highlight the cleverness and shock value of his lyricism.
• The Trap on Christmas Day: The lyric "The mandem celebrate Eid, the trap still runnin' on Christmas day" serves as a powerful symbol of a relentless, 24/7 hustle. It contrasts religious and cultural holidays, which are typically times of rest and celebration, with the inescapable demands of street life and ambition. It symbolizes a world where the pursuit of money and survival supersedes all other social or religious conventions.
• Doja Cat as a Symbol: Mentioning Doja Cat is not just a literal expression of attraction; she also symbolizes a pinnacle of global, mainstream success that Central Cee is aspiring to. By name-dropping a prominent American artist, he is symbolically placing himself in that international conversation and signaling his own crossover ambitions.

The most significant recurring element in "Doja" is its hook, which is repeated multiple times and serves as the song's central thesis and most memorable part. The hook consists of the lines:

"How can I be homophobic? My bitch is gay.
Hit man in the top, try see a man topless, even the stick is gay.
Huggin' my bruddas and say that I love them, but I don't swing that way.
The mandem celebrate Eid, the trap still runnin' on Christmas day."

The repetition of this entire four-line structure drills the controversial and multifaceted message into the listener's mind. The phrase "How can I be homophobic?" acts as the primary lyrical motif. It's not just a line but a rhetorical challenge that frames the entire song. Its recurrence is designed to be provocative and thought-provoking, forcing listeners to confront the statement each time it's heard. The repetition was a key factor in the song going viral on platforms like TikTok, where memorable and easily repeatable audio clips are highly valued. There are no significant variations in its recurrence; its power lies in its direct and unchanged repetition.