Doechii's Bold and Unapologetic Anthem: "Catfish"
Doechii's track "Catfish" from the Grammy Award-winning album Alligator Bites Never Heal is a high-energy, bass-heavy anthem that perfectly captures the rapper's unapologetic confidence and lyrical prowess. From the opening "Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!" in the intro to the hard-hitting verses, Doechii demands attention with every line. Her voice sizzles with a unique blend of smoothness and aggression, and the way she plays with her vocal delivery is nothing short of extraordinary. The growls and gritty edge to her tone make this one of the most powerful rap performances of 2024, setting a high bar for the genre.
A Nod to the ‘90s with a Modern Twist
"Catfish" cleverly nods to the ‘90s with its booming beat and a flow that calls to mind the frenetic energy of Busta Rhymes’ classic "Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check." Doechii’s ability to channel this old-school vibe while maintaining a modern sound speaks to her versatility as an artist. The production here, with its deep, rattling basslines and sharp percussive elements, complements Doechii's aggressive delivery. The track feels both nostalgic and fresh, a perfect balance of past influences and contemporary rap sensibilities.
Lyrical Depth and Sharp Commentary
The lyrics in "Catfish" highlight Doechii's sharp wit and biting commentary on fake personas, both in the rap game and beyond. Lines like "Y'all be giving catfish, log 'em off the web" show her disdain for inauthenticity, and her confidence shines through as she declares herself the "Swamp Ruler." Her vivid imagery, like "Mud on the Prada boot," and her wordplay—especially in the clever use of "dick ride" and "switch sides" in Verse 2—demonstrate her lyrical depth and ability to craft punchlines that hit hard.
Confidence and Charisma at the Forefront
What makes "Catfish" particularly stand out is how Doechii's charisma and self-assurance carry the track. She boldly claims her throne in the rap world, calling herself the "hardest rapper" and challenging anyone to step up to her level. Her effortless braggadocio is perfectly paired with the track's anthemic chorus, where she declares, "Step up in this bitch, I look too fly," reminding listeners that she is not just a rapper but a fashion icon and leader of her own movement.
A Standout Track for 2024
"Catfish" is a triumphant track that cements Doechii's place as a force to be reckoned with in the rap industry. The combination of nostalgic references, hard-hitting production, and bold lyricism makes this song a standout on Alligator Bites Never Heal. Doechii's commanding presence, both vocally and lyrically, elevates the track into one of the best rap performances of the year.
Listen to Doechii Catfish
Doechii Catfish Lyrics Meaning ExplainedÂ
The meaning of Catfish by Doechii is a sharp critique of authenticity in an era dominated by false personas, both online and in real life. Through clever wordplay and bold lyrics, Doechii addresses the deception and fake identities, or "catfishing," that people adopt to gain attention or manipulate others. She uses the track to assert her own authenticity and power, calling out those who switch sides or act differently depending on the situation. With confidence, she juxtaposes her genuine self with the fakeness of others, reaffirming her dominance and self-awareness in the rap industry.
Introduction
Doechii's track "Catfish" starts with an energetic introduction, "Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!" signaling the aggressive and confident tone of the song. In the chorus, she commands attention with the line, "Tell a bitch, 'Hoorah'," a nod to Busta Rhymes' iconic "Woo-hah!" and its interpolation from The Sugarhill Gang’s "8th Wonder." She follows this with a display of style and luxury: "Step up in this bitch, I look too fly / Copped the Dior shit on Ventura." The "midnight swim" she takes in her jeweler refers to a visit where she came out dripping in expensive jewelry, metaphorically likening it to a swim.
Confronting Haters
Doechii confronts the "hatin' bitches" who try to clog her medulla, the part of the brain responsible for basic life functions, symbolizing how detractors attempt to disrupt her flow. However, she remains unfazed, as she boasts, "I showed the bitch my pen, then I schooled her," demonstrating her lyrical prowess. She also gives a shoutout to her crew, mixing in Spanish slang with "Shout out ese them and my chulas," with "ese" meaning "dude" and "chulas" meaning "cute" or "pretty" girls. Her self-proclaimed titles in the next lines — "Doechii the Don, Doechii the dean, Doechii supreme, the Swamp Ruler" — elevate her to a position of power and dominance, asserting her place in the music industry.
Addressing Fakes
In the first verse, Doechii fires shots at those who have underestimated her: "Freaky lil', sneaky lil', creepy lil' whack bitch / Creepin' on me, speakin' on me, sleepin' on me, mattress." Here, she criticizes the people who have disrespected her or ignored her success. Now that she has "bands to burn," she intends to "wake 'em up" with her music, emphasizing her ability to flip expectations. She also addresses how people give off fake personas, saying, "Y'all be giving catfish," a term for someone who deceives others by creating a false identity. Doechii implies that many people around her are not being genuine, comparing their behavior to the act of catfishing.
Critiquing False Personas
The next lines further critique those who are acting out of character, as she mentions, "Log 'em off the web and every gangsta's giving actress," suggesting that many so-called gangsters are merely pretending for an audience. She finds the fake activism equally bewildering, as she points out the contradictions in people's behavior. However, she takes a moment to step back, stating, "Let me relax a bit," before continuing to forge ahead with confidence, "I shine my cutlery and hit my jeweler up," symbolizing her continual elevation and refinement.
Switching Allegiances
The second verse switches focus to those who switch allegiances quickly: "Niggas dick ride, the dick-riders gon' dick ride / Make a few bands and switch tribes they switch sides." Doechii notes how people change their loyalty for personal gain, much like how B-sides of records would flip to reveal something new, "Niggas flip scripts like B sides, who these guys?" However, she asserts that while others may change, the only thing switching on her are her "thick thighs." Reflecting on her past, she mentions her previous styles, from "black slugs" to "clown face," and how she took these looks to the swamp meet, a playful twist on the term "swap meet." Even on a "bad day" with "mud on the Prada boot," she declares, "I'm the hardest rapper," reinforcing her status in the rap game.
Reaffirming Confidence
The chorus repeats, emphasizing her confidence and the luxurious lifestyle she now enjoys, while dismissing the negativity of others. The track closes with a playful "Hehe-hahahaha," an audible smirk signaling her triumph over those who doubt her. "Catfish" is ultimately a bold assertion of Doechii’s authenticity in a world full of fakes, showcasing her lyrical skills and self-confidence.
Doechii Catfish Lyrics
[Intro]
Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!
[Chorus]
Tell a bitch, "Hoorah"
Step up in this bitch, I look too fly
Copped the Dior shit on Ventura
Took a midnight swim in my jeweler
Hatin' bitches clog my medulla
I showed the bitch my pen, then I schooled her
Shout out ese them and my chulas
Doechii the Don, Doechii the dean
Doechii supreme, the Swamp Ruler
[Verse 1]
Freaky lil', sneaky lil', creepy lil' whack bitch
Creepin' on me, speakin' on me, sleepin' on me, mattress
Now I got some bands to burn and bars to bend 'em backwards
It's time to wake em up 'cause they been sleepin' on the tracklist
Body so attractive
Y'all be giving catfish
Log 'em off the web and every gangsta's giving actress
Gangsta's giving actress and all these fake activists
Leave me baffled, bewildered, relax a bit
Let me relax a bit, I think I need to cool it off
I put some pep up in my step, and then I do it up
I shine my cutlery and hit my jeweler up
[Chorus]
Tell a bitch, "Hoorah"
Step up in this bitch, I look too fly
Copped the Dior shit on Ventura
Took a midnight swim in my jeweler
Hatin' bitches clog my medulla
I showed the bitch my pen, then I schooled her
Shout out ese them and my chulas
Doechii the Don, Doechii the dean
Doechii supreme, the Swamp Ruler
[Verse 2]
Niggas dick ride, the dick-riders gon' dick ride
Make a few bands and switch tribes they switch sides
Niggas flip scripts like B sides, who these guys?
Only thing switching on me, is thick thighs
I been did the black slugs, then I did the clown face
Took 'em to the swamp meet, that was on a Saturday
Mud on the Prada boot and that was on a bad day
I'm the hardest rapper, this yo' motherfucking training day
[Chorus]
Tell a bitch, "Hoorah"
Step up in this bitch, I look too fly
Copped the Dior shit on Ventura
Took a midnight swim in my jeweler
Hatin' bitches clog my medulla
I showed the bitch my pen, then I schooled her
Shout out ese them and my chulas
Doechii the Don, Doechii the dean
Doechii supreme, the Swamp Ruler
[Outro]
Hehe-hahahaha