Get Into It (Yuh)

Doja Cat

A glitchy and quirky hip-hop track exuding playful confidence, feeling like a vibrant, supercharged celebration of self and musical influence.

Song Information

Release Date June 25, 2021
Duration 02:18
Album Planet Her
Language EN
Popularity 75/100

Song Meaning

"Get Into It (Yuh)" is a multifaceted anthem that primarily celebrates self-confidence, female empowerment, and unapologetic self-expression. The recurring hook, "Get into it, yuh," functions as a call to action, urging listeners to embrace their lives, activities, and personal style with full-throated enthusiasm, regardless of external judgment. Lyrically, the song is a masterclass in modern hip-hop braggadocio; Doja Cat flexes her success, sexual allure, and high-fashion lifestyle. Lines like "Y'all need to get into the drip like a piranha" and name-dropping Balenciaga emphasize a theme of aspirational luxury and being at the top of her game.

More profoundly, the song is an explicit tribute to rapper Nicki Minaj, whom Doja Cat has cited as a major inspiration. This is not merely a passing reference; Doja Cat dedicates a significant portion of the song to honoring her predecessor. She adopts Minaj's signature rapid-fire, animated vocal delivery, directly interpolates a lyric ("Got that big rocket launcher") from Minaj's 2010 single "Massive Attack," and concludes the track with a heartfelt spoken message: "Thank you Nicki, I love you!" This homage acknowledges Minaj's foundational role in shaping the landscape for female pop-rap artists. The song's meaning is therefore twofold: it is both a personal declaration of Doja Cat's own power and a public expression of gratitude and respect for her musical lineage.

Lyrics Analysis

The song is a high-energy, confident anthem about embracing one's own power, style, and sexuality. It kicks off with a catchy, repetitive command, "Get into it, yuh," which acts as a mantra throughout the track. This phrase encourages listeners to fully commit to whatever they are doing, whether it's showing up in a new truck, going to church, or simply feeling themselves, regardless of others' opinions or standards. The narrative voice is one of pure, unapologetic swagger.

In the first verse, the narrator addresses someone who seems preoccupied with surface-level fun—partying, lap dances, and showing off with friends in designer clothes. She contrasts this with her own focused, forward-moving mindset, dismissing any talk of the past. She establishes her dominance and desirability with clever, boastful lines, asserting that she has plenty of qualities that would make someone chase after her. A particularly witty line, "Call him Ed Sheeran, he in love with my body," uses a pop culture reference to humorously emphasize her sexual allure.

The chorus repeats, reinforcing the central theme of diving into life with full enthusiasm. It's an inclusive, albeit cheeky, call to action that dismisses superficial judgments, such as whether a woman has a prominent backside, telling everyone to just "get into it."

The second verse elevates the braggadocio. The narrator demands that everyone get on her level, using the metaphor of a piranha to describe the ferocity with which they should embrace her "drip" or style. She flaunts high fashion, mentioning Balenciaga, and playfully commands others to adopt her signature "yuh" ad-lib, comparing it to Ariana Grande's famous use of the word. The verse becomes a direct homage to her idol, Nicki Minaj. She mimics Minaj's rapid-fire flow and interpolates a line from Minaj's debut single, "Massive Attack," with "Got that big rocket launcher." This part of the song is a clear acknowledgment of influence, a passing of the torch, and a display of respect. The track concludes with a direct, spoken-word thank you: "Thank you, Nicki, I love you," cementing the song's status as a tribute to a rap icon who paved the way.

History of Creation

"Get Into It (Yuh)" was recorded for Doja Cat's third studio album, Planet Her, released on June 25, 2021. The song was co-written by Doja Cat (under her real name, Amala Dlamini), Ari Starace (Y2K), and Sheldon Cheung (Sully). Production was handled by Y2K and Sully. The track was recorded in May 2021 at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles, California. It was released as the fifth and final single from the album on March 11, 2022, after gaining significant viral traction on TikTok.

A key piece of the song's history is the intended collaboration with Nicki Minaj. Doja Cat originally asked Minaj to feature on the track, which would have solidified the tribute. However, Minaj revealed in a Twitter Spaces conversation that she declined the offer. She explained that she felt she couldn't add anything unique to the song as it was already a complete work and that there were too many intermediaries involved in the request. Despite her refusal, Minaj and Doja Cat had previously collaborated on the successful remix of "Say So," which became the first #1 Hot 100 hit for both artists. The music video, directed by Mike Diva, was filmed in October 2021 and released on January 31, 2022. It features a sci-fi narrative where Doja Cat, as a starship commander, embarks on a mission to rescue her abducted cat, Starscream.

Symbolism and Metaphors

The song uses several metaphors and symbolic references to build its world of confidence and power.

  • "Get into the drip like a piranha": This is a powerful simile that combines high fashion with animalistic aggression. "Drip" refers to a stylish outfit or persona. By telling listeners to get into it like a piranha, she's urging them to adopt her level of style with a fierce, voracious energy.
  • Pop Culture References as Status: Doja name-drops figures like Batman, Ed Sheeran, and Ariana Grande. These aren't just casual mentions; they are used to build her persona. Likening herself to Batman suggests a powerful, almost vigilante-like presence in the party scene. The line "Call him Ed Sheeran, he in love with my body" cleverly repurposes the title of Sheeran's hit "Shape of You" to boast about her sexual magnetism. Telling others to "'yuh' like Ariana" is a nod to Grande's signature ad-lib, placing herself in the same league of pop royalty.
  • Nicki Minaj Homage: The entire second verse and the outro function as an extended symbol of respect and influence. By interpolating a line from "Massive Attack" ("Got that big rocket launcher") and mimicking Minaj's flow, Doja Cat isn't just sampling; she's symbolically aligning herself with Minaj's legacy and acknowledging the path she paved. The "rocket launcher" itself is a metaphor for power, aggression, and readiness for confrontation, a classic trope in hip-hop bravado that she borrows directly from her idol.

Emotional Background

The predominant emotional tone of "Get Into It (Yuh)" is one of exuberant, playful, and assertive confidence. From the opening beat, the song establishes a high-energy, celebratory atmosphere. It's not an angry or aggressive form of confidence, but rather a fun-loving, swaggering self-assuredness. This is created through the combination of the bouncy, glitchy production, the catchy and repetitive hook, and Doja Cat's animated vocal delivery.

There's a strong sense of empowerment and joy throughout the track, encouraging listeners to share in this feeling. The lyrical content, filled with braggadocio about fashion, sexual appeal, and success, contributes to a feeling of triumph and being on top of the world. The emotional landscape shifts slightly in the second verse to one of admiration and respect during the homage to Nicki Minaj. While the confident energy remains, it's colored with a sense of gratitude, culminating in the sincere and affectionate outro, "Thank you Nicki, I love you." Overall, the song is a vibrant and infectious mood-lifter, designed to make the listener feel bold and carefree.

Cultural Influence

"Get Into It (Yuh)" had a significant cultural impact, primarily fueled by its massive viral success on the social media platform TikTok. A dance challenge choreographed by David Vu helped the song skyrocket in popularity, causing it to enter and climb numerous international music charts long after the album's initial release. This grassroots popularity eventually led to its official release as a single, and it peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Critically, the song was widely acclaimed, with reviewers praising its playful energy, "fiery rapping style," and clever production. English singer Charli XCX notably named it her "song of the year" for 2021. The track is also celebrated for its overt and respectful homage to Nicki Minaj, a significant moment in pop-rap that highlights the influence of one generation on the next. The song's futuristic, sci-fi-themed music video, directed by Mike Diva, was also well-received for its elaborate visuals and narrative. Furthermore, the song permeated mainstream advertising, being featured in a prominent 2021 commercial for Taco Bell. Its success solidified Doja Cat's reputation as a versatile artist capable of creating chart-topping hits that are both commercially appealing and culturally resonant.

Rhyme and Rhythm

"Get Into It (Yuh)" is built on a foundation of fast-paced, trap-influenced rhythm and a dynamic rhyme scheme that showcases Doja Cat's versatility as a rapper.

Rhythm: The song's tempo is upbeat and energetic, driving a sense of urgency and excitement. The rhythmic structure is defined by its bouncy, syncopated 808s and crisp hi-hats, characteristic of modern trap and pop-rap. Doja Cat's lyrical rhythm is particularly notable for its variety. She moves seamlessly between a more relaxed, conversational flow in the first verse to a much faster, more complex, and staccato-like rhythm in the second verse, which is a direct imitation of Nicki Minaj's signature rapid-fire delivery. This rhythmic shift is a crucial element that enhances the song's narrative as a tribute.

Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme is generally straightforward but effective, relying heavily on couplets (AABB) and frequent internal rhymes to maintain momentum. For instance, in the first verse, "party" rhymes with "shawty," and "lap dance" is paired with "past tense." Doja Cat also employs slant rhymes (e.g., piranha/water/Balenciaga/Ariana) to maintain flow without being rigidly constrained. The repetitive nature of the chorus, with the constant end-word "yuh," acts as a rhythmic and rhyming anchor, making the song incredibly infectious and memorable.

Stylistic Techniques

"Get Into It (Yuh)" is characterized by its playful, energetic, and technically varied stylistic choices.

  • Vocal Delivery: Doja Cat employs a range of vocal styles. The song is described as a "squeaky swag" rap track with a delivery that shifts dynamically. In the second verse, she famously adopts a rapid-fire, highly animated flow deliberately modeled after her inspiration, Nicki Minaj. This vocal mimicry is a key stylistic choice that drives the song's tribute aspect.
  • Production: The production by Y2K and Sully is described as "glitchy," "twinkling," and "quirky," drawing influences from bubblegum pop and dancehall. This creates a futuristic yet playful soundscape that aligns with the album's Planet Her theme. The beat is fast-paced and bouncy, built on synths and a driving trap rhythm.
  • Literary Devices: The lyrics are dense with pop culture allusions (Batman, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj), which serve as a shorthand to build her persona of a dominant, culturally-savvy figure. She uses humor and wit, such as in the Ed Sheeran line, to deliver her boasts.
  • Repetition and Hook: The phrase "Get into it, yuh" is a simple, effective hook that acts as a mantra. Its constant repetition makes the song incredibly catchy and memorable, which was a major factor in its viral success on platforms like TikTok.
  • Interpolation: The direct musical and lyrical reference to Nicki Minaj's "Massive Attack" is a significant stylistic technique known as interpolation. It's a method of paying homage that is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture, showing respect for one's predecessors while showcasing one's own skill.

Emotions

joy excitement triumph sensual

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning behind 'Get Into It (Yuh)' by Doja Cat?

The song is a high-energy anthem about self-confidence and embracing life with enthusiasm. It's also a direct tribute to rapper Nicki Minaj, whom Doja Cat thanks at the end and whose rapid-fire flow she emulates in the second verse.

Who is Doja Cat talking about at the end of 'Get Into It (Yuh)'?

At the end of the song, Doja Cat says, 'Thank you Nicki, I love you.' She is thanking and paying homage to rapper Nicki Minaj, who has been a major inspiration for her career and pop-rap style.

Did Nicki Minaj feature on Doja Cat's 'Get Into It (Yuh)'?

No, Nicki Minaj is not featured on the final version of the song. Doja Cat originally asked her to be on the track, but Minaj declined, stating she felt she couldn't improve upon the already finished song.

What song does 'Get Into It (Yuh)' reference?

Doja Cat's song interpolates the lyric 'Got that big rocket launcher' from Nicki Minaj's 2010 debut single, 'Massive Attack.' She also mimics Minaj's flow from that era as a tribute.

What genre is 'Get Into It (Yuh)'?

The song is primarily a hip-hop track with strong elements of pop-rap. Its production also incorporates influences from bubblegum, dancehall, and trap music, featuring a quirky, glitchy beat.

When was 'Get Into It (Yuh)' released?

The song was first released as a track on Doja Cat's album 'Planet Her' on June 25, 2021. It was later released as an official single on March 11, 2022, after going viral on TikTok.

Who produced 'Get Into It (Yuh)'?

The song was produced by the duo Y2K (Ari Starace) and Sully (Sheldon Cheung), who also share songwriting credits with Doja Cat.

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