After some playful banter between Doja Cat and SZA on Twitter, fans began speculating that they had an upcoming collaboration. These speculations turned out to be true when the two dropped a remix of SZA’s “Kill Bill” on April 14th, 2023.
SOUND
This track starts with a funky mellotron synth line which is complimented by a punching drum beat. Doja immediately starts rapping on this song, more calculated than her normal style of rap, which fits perfectly over the drums. The drums are truly the star of the production, standing out the most. SZA’s beautiful voice dances around synth lines and a groovy guitar line, providing an adequate follow-up to Doja Cat’s rap style. The two gain an 8/10 on the Intersect Rating Scale for their sound.
LYRICS
Doja Cat flows through a storyline here, detailing the attempt to kill an ex and his new girlfriend. She takes the opportunity to display her rap skills, emphasizing her ability to switch up her style on any song. On the track, she raps, “'Cause she was seein' red, and all I saw was you; it happened in a flash when she charged at me. Y'all crisscrossed, saw her fall to the floor; then you paused there in horror; that shot wasn't for her”. This details the climax of the event, where she finally takes the fatal shot. She ends up accidentally killing the new girlfriend instead of completing her original mission to kill her ex. This earns the group another 8/10 for the lyrics on this track.
ART BEHIND THE TRACK
Doja Cat took this track as an opportunity to prove to people that she is truly talented and skilled, even if she usually chooses to make more witty music. On April 8th, she tweeted, “I also agree with everyone who said the majority of my rap verses are mid and corny. I know they are. I wasn't trying to prove anything. I just enjoy making music, but I’m getting tired of hearing y'all say that I can't so I will.” This event speaks volumes about the way she and many other women are treated in the music industry. Many choose to demean female artists' abilities if they are not consistently perfect. Doja Cat remains true to herself, and it is admirable to watch her continue to do that unapologetically. The group gets a 9/10 for their art.
Overall, SZA and Doja Cat receive an 8/10 on the Intersect Rating Scale for this track.
Stream “Kill Bill (feat. Doja Cat)” below.