Like That (feat. Gucci Mane)

"Like That" by Doja Cat, featuring Gucci Mane, is fundamentally a celebration of self-worth, confidence, and the dynamics of a modern, reciprocal relationship. The song's lyrics revolve around Doja Cat's explicit declaration of her desires and standards in a romantic partnership. She isn't shy about wanting a partner who matches her energy, spoils her, and understands her value. The repeated line, "Do it like that and I'll repay it," underscores the theme of reciprocity; she is looking for an equal partnership where effort and affection are mutual. This isn't a one-sided demand but an invitation to a balanced and exciting connection. The lyrics also touch upon the importance of attention and the frustration of being ignored ("You know I hate it when I'm left on read"), grounding the otherwise glamorous portrayal of the relationship in relatable emotions. Ultimately, the song is an anthem for those who know their worth and aren't afraid to ask for what they want in love and life.

The song opens with Doja Cat confidently claiming her style and her vibe, asserting that this is her territory. She invites her partner to treat her a certain way, promising to reciprocate the effort and affection. There's a clear message of mutual give-and-take in the relationship she desires, one built on a fearless and open connection. She expresses her annoyance at being ignored, specifically being "left on read," but quickly follows up by saying her partner makes up for it in the bedroom. The narrative continues with her highlighting the luxurious aspects of their relationship, mentioning being taken out for high-end dinners and her partner's impeccable fashion sense, specifically his Off-White attire. This isn't just about materialism; it's about the effort and the lifestyle they share. She references their success, making money from coast to coast, and describes her partner as a "rockstar." There's an undercurrent of raw honesty in her desires; she admits she can't pretend or hide her attraction and wants him to know what to do with her affection and the money she's willing to spend on him. The chorus repeats her initial assertion, reinforcing the central theme of wanting to be treated a specific, satisfying way. It acts as a confident mantra about her standards and expectations in a relationship.

Gucci Mane's verse then enters, immediately establishing his own brand of luxury and bravado by calling himself "Gucci El Dorado." He positions himself and Doja Cat as a unique and exceptional pair. His lyrics are boastful and extravagant, touching upon his wealth and sexual confidence. He makes a playful and explicit comparison of his lovemaking skills to Elvis Presley's famous hip movements, adding a touch of humor to his otherwise braggadocious verse. He continues with his signature lavish style, rapping about his success and how he commands attention. His verse complements Doja's by adding a layer of opulent and assertive male energy to the track. The song concludes with a repetitive and catchy outro where Doja Cat simply affirms, "I like it like that," solidifying the song's message of knowing what you want and enjoying it without reservation. This final repetition serves as a simple yet powerful declaration of her satisfaction and self-assuredness. The entire song, through both artists' verses, paints a picture of a modern, confident relationship where both partners are on the same wavelength, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle and a passionate connection, all while being unapologetically themselves.

"Like That" is a track from Doja Cat's second studio album, Hot Pink, which was released on November 7, 2019. The song was recorded in 2019. The writers credited are Doja Cat (Amala Zandile Dlamini), Gucci Mane (Radric Davis), Theron Thomas, Lydia Asrat, David Sprecher, Mike Crook, and Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), who is credited as the producer under the name Tyson Trax. Mike Crook is also credited as a producer. When Doja Cat initially revealed the tracklist for Hot Pink, the featured artist on "Like That" was kept a secret, leading to fan speculation. The eventual reveal of Gucci Mane was a surprise to many. The song gained significant traction on the social media platform TikTok due to a viral dance challenge, which caused it to start charting in several countries even before its official release as a single. It was officially released as the sixth single from the album on May 12, 2020. The music video for the song, which features anime-inspired visuals, was released on June 25, 2020.

"Like That" features a relatively simple and effective rhyme scheme that enhances its catchy, pop-rap feel. The verses primarily follow an AABB rhyme pattern, which makes the lyrics easy to follow and remember. The rhythm of the song is built around a 4/4 time signature and a moderate tempo of 106 BPM, which gives it a laid-back yet danceable groove. Doja Cat's lyrical rhythm is playful and syncopated, often weaving in and out of the main beat. This creates a dynamic interplay between her vocals and the instrumental. The chorus has a more repetitive and chanted rhythm, making it a powerful and memorable hook. Gucci Mane's verse introduces a slightly different rhythmic flow, with a more straightforward, on-beat delivery that contrasts with Doja Cat's more fluid style. The overall rhythmic structure contributes significantly to the song's confident and carefree vibe.

Musically, "Like That" is characterized by its blend of R&B and hip-hop with a pop sensibility. The production, handled by Dr. Luke (as Tyson Trax) and Mike Crook, features a sweet, jig-friendly beat that creates a playful and danceable atmosphere. The song has a tempo of 106 BPM and is set in the key of E Minor. Doja Cat's vocal delivery is a key stylistic element; she effortlessly transitions between sassy, rapped verses and a smoother, sung chorus, showcasing her versatility. Lyrically, the song utilizes a direct and conversational narrative voice. The recurring phrase "Tha-tha-tha-tha-tha-that's my shit, that's my wave" acts as a confident and memorable hook. The rhyme scheme is relatively straightforward, contributing to the song's catchy and accessible nature. Gucci Mane's verse provides a stylistic contrast with his more aggressive, braggadocious rap style, which adds another layer to the track's texture.

"Like That" achieved significant cultural influence, largely propelled by its viral success on TikTok. A popular dance challenge using the song led to it charting in multiple countries before it was even officially released as a single. The song peaked at number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was certified Platinum in the United States for selling over one million units. The song was also featured in the ABC television series Queens. Doja Cat performed "Like That" at several high-profile events, including the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, further solidifying its place in popular culture. The song's success contributed to the overall longevity and popularity of the album Hot Pink.

While not heavily laden with complex symbolism, "Like That" employs various references to convey its themes of luxury, success, and confidence. The mention of "Off-White" clothing serves as a direct symbol of contemporary high fashion and financial success, indicating that her partner has both taste and money. Gucci Mane referring to himself as "Gucci El Dorado" is a metaphor for luxury and uniqueness, branding both himself and Doja Cat as a premium, one-of-a-kind experience. His line, "Shakin' like Elvis, damn near broke my pelvis," is a vivid and humorous simile that uses the iconic image of Elvis Presley's dancing to boast about his sexual prowess. These elements, while straightforward, effectively build an image of a glamorous and confident lifestyle that is central to the song's overall message.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "Like That" is the hook, "Tha-tha-tha-tha-tha-that's my shit, that's my wave / Do it like that and I'll repay it / Don't be scared, I ain't afraid / Just like that, come my way." This refrain serves as the central theme of the song, encapsulating Doja Cat's confidence and her desire for a reciprocal relationship. The repetition of "that's my shit, that's my wave" acts as a powerful statement of self-assurance and ownership of her style and preferences. The phrase "Do it like that and I'll repay it" is a recurring motif of mutual satisfaction and a transactional, yet affectionate, approach to love. The simple, repeated outro of "I like it like that" further solidifies the song's message of unapologetic enjoyment and self-worth.