Is Doja Cat's team scared her new album will flop?

Express Tribune

6 days ago

Whispers are swirling around Doja Cat's stalled comeback, and not everyone's convinced it's just a matter of timing. Her long-teased album Vie was first announced in February, with buzz picking up again when a snippet of its alleged lead single Jealous Type appeared in a high-profile Marc Jacobs campaign. But months later, there's still no release date, no music video, and no confirmed rollout, leaving fans and industry watchers wondering: is Doja's team nervous about how it'll land?
There's talk that Jealous Type sounds too safe, a return to her earlier, chart-friendly pop-rap sound that lacks the experimental flair of Scarlet. That shift has sparked quiet speculation that the label might be second-guessing its decision, unsure if playing it safe is the right move for an artist known for her unpredictability. Despite early hype, the track remains unreleased and the album campaign seems to be stalling.
Some suggest internal chaos could be to blame. Doja is signed to both Kemosabe (headed by Dr Luke) and RCA, two labels often accused of mismanaging major artists. Insiders point to sample clearance issues or executive indecision as possible factors behind the delay. Others believe the label may be waiting for a more favourable market window, or scrambling to rework the album altogether.
Adding to the unease is the absence of clear branding or visuals. For an artist who built entire eras around aesthetic reinvention, the lack of direction this time feels off. Behind the scenes, it seems even her team isn't fully sure what the Vie era is supposed to be.
Still, Doja's commercial track record and intense fan loyalty may be her saving grace. With the right move, the comeback could still be massive, but time is running out.