Doja Cat Defends Vie Cover; Album Sept. 26

Doja Cat will release her fifth studio album Vie on Sept. 26 via Kemosabe and RCA. She has described the record as a move back toward pop — calling herself “a rapper who makes pop music” — and says she took her singing more seriously, working on riffs and runs she previously couldn’t hit. The album explores themes of love, jealousy, self-reflection and growth and blends nostalgic ’70s and ’80s influences with emotive pop sounds; lead single “Jealous Type” has signaled its emotive, melodic direction. Doja defended the album’s new cover art after mixed fan reaction to an image of her in a tattered wedding gown suspended from a yellow parachute caught in a tree, explaining the parachute symbolizes curiosity, happiness and adventure while the tree represents life and wisdom. She addressed critics on X and in an Instagram Live, said she forgives harsh criticism, called the cover “visceral” and “perfect,” and said the artwork aligns with the record’s themes and will not change the music. She also postponed a festival appearance to finish the album.