Lisa of BLACKPINK Teams Up with Doja Cat and RAYE for Empowering New Track 'Born Again'

Pop star Doja Cat collaborates with BLACKPINK's Lisa and British artist RAYE on Lisa's new solo track, which surprisingly received a 'General Audience' rating instead of the anticipated 'Mature' label. Known for their bold music, the trio instead chose to explore themes of female empowerment and confidence through religious imagery.

Lisa released the pre-release track 'Born Again' from her album 'Alter Ego' on the morning of the 7th (Korean time). The song features American rapper Doja Cat and British artist RAYE.

'Born Again' is a narrative about confidence after a breakup, with the message that the ex-partner is at a loss for choosing to part ways. The song goes beyond delivering a message, creating a story.

In the first verse, Lisa recalls the breakup scene with her ex-boyfriend, singing, "You're my ex-boyfriend sitting in the passenger seat. It's all over now," and continues, "It hurts a little. How could you? Look at what you couldn't keep. I leave you cold and alone."

In the chorus, Lisa and RAYE express confidence, singing, "If you hadn't left me and held on, you could have been a better person like I am now."

In the second verse, Doja Cat criticizes the ex-boyfriend for taking the good things without giving back, saying, "You took the fruit but never thought to return it," and adds, "You got mad when I showed you the receipts from shopping with my money. I'm not your sponsor, so get a job, please."

Before the third verse, RAYE says, "You should get a religion because I must have been that intense for you," and hopes the ex realizes her importance. She concludes by declaring, "I learned to let you go to protect myself," signifying her rebirth.

Lisa, Doja Cat, and RAYE use religious metaphors to express love in the lyrics, equating their love to an absolute religion with lines like, "You should get a religion," and "I could make you pray to God."

The music video for 'Born Again' contrasts the fast and funky rhythm of the track with a sultry atmosphere, emphasizing the beauty of the female form through slow movements of Lisa, Doja Cat, and RAYE.

Considering Doja Cat and RAYE's reputation for provocative lyrics and performances, the lack of a 'Mature' label on this track is surprising. Analysts suggest that Lisa's involvement in the K-pop scene aims to share music and messages with younger audiences. The unexpected 'General Audience' rating is seen as a strategic move to subvert expectations.

Ultimately, the message they aim to convey through music is 'life and confidence as a woman.' RAYE has previously shared her experiences of overcoming past exploitation in 'Ice Cream Man' and 'Escapism.' Doja Cat has also sung about empowered female identities in tracks like 'Like That (feat. Gucci Mane)' and 'Boss Bitch.'

Lisa has consistently delivered similar messages through her solo work, such as acknowledging and overcoming her weaknesses in 'New Woman (Feat. Rosalía)' and celebrating a confident life in 'Rockstar.'

Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr