Doja Cat, the Grammy-winning rapper and singer known for her eclectic style and chart-topping hits, has revealed plans to step away from the music industry for an extended period. In a cover story published by Elle UK on May 13, 2025, the artist shared that she is considering taking a three-year break from making music to focus on other creative pursuits and personal well-being.
“I think I want to take three years off,” Doja Cat told the publication. “I want to just do whatever.” The statement comes as a surprise to many fans who have followed her rapid rise to fame over the past decade. Since her debut in 2013 with the EP 'Purrr!', Doja Cat has released five studio albums, including the critically acclaimed 'Hot Pink' (2019), 'Planet Her' (2021), and her most recent project 'Vie' (2025), which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
A Busy Career Demanding a Reset
Doja Cat’s career has been nothing short of meteoric. With hits like “Say So,” “Kiss Me More,” and “Woman,” she has amassed billions of streams and numerous accolades. However, the constant cycle of album releases, tours, and promotional commitments has taken a toll. In the Elle interview, she explained that she demands time from her team to find pockets of rest between busy moments. “They’ve helped me to find pockets between the really busy moments,” she noted.
The rapper’s desire for a break is not just about fatigue but also about rediscovering her passions outside of music. Doja Cat, who is also an avid painter, mentioned that she wants to work on another mural and furnish the upper level of her house, which has remained bare for four or five years. “There’s been nothing in here for four years or five,” she said, highlighting how her career has left little room for personal life.
Tour Ma Vie World Tour: The Current Priority
Before her hiatus, Doja Cat is focused on completing her current world tour, the Tour Ma Vie World Tour, which kicked off in November 2025 and is scheduled to run through early December. After a short month-long break, she will perform in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of the tour. The tour supports her album 'Vie,' which was released earlier in 2025 and features themes of life, love, and vulnerability.
The album’s title, which means “life” in French, reflects a more introspective side of the artist. Critics have praised 'Vie' for its lyrical depth and musical experimentation, with some calling it her most personal work to date. The tour has been met with enthusiasm from fans, with sold-out shows across North America and Europe.
Humor, Irony, and Hip-Hop Influences
Beyond her music, Doja Cat is known for her sharp wit and humor. In the Elle interview, she discussed how she learned the importance of irony in hip-hop from watching an interview with Jay-Z. “Nicki Minaj, Drake, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne—these people are not comedians, but they are,” she explained. “They could write a stand-up set if they wanted to, but music is much more fun… I learned that from Jay-Z. I watched an interview where he said irony is incredibly important when it comes to hip-hop and rap.”
This appreciation for humor and irony has been a hallmark of Doja Cat’s music, from playful tracks like “Mooo!” to the satirical elements in her visuals. Her ability to blend humor with serious themes has set her apart in the industry.
Open About Mental Health: Borderline Personality Disorder
The interview also touched on her mental health. In March 2025, Doja Cat publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). She spoke candidly about how the condition affects her romantic relationships. “If I have a boyfriend, and he leaves just to run errands, my brain thinks he’s breaking up with me,” she said. She attributed this reaction to her father leaving when she was young, adding, “I have to scrape against it and teach myself that that’s not happening to me. I’m safe.”
By sharing her struggles with BPD, Doja Cat has joined a growing number of artists who use their platform to destigmatize mental health issues. Fans have applauded her honesty, and she has become a role model for many who face similar challenges.
Career Milestones and Evolution
Doja Cat’s journey from a viral internet sensation to a global superstar is a testament to her versatility and resilience. She first gained attention in 2018 with her novelty hit “Mooo!,” which showcased her humorous side. However, she quickly proved her artistic range with the album 'Hot Pink', which spawned the smash single “Say So.” The song’s success was bolstered by a remix featuring Nicki Minaj, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020.
Her next album, 'Planet Her' (2021), was a cultural phenomenon, featuring collaborations with Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and SZA. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included hits like “Kiss Me More” and “Woman.” Doja Cat’s ability to seamlessly blend genres—pop, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic—made her a standout act in the early 2020s.
In 2023, she released an album titled 'Scarlet', which took a darker, more experimental turn. The project was divisive among fans but further demonstrated her willingness to evolve. Then came 'Vie' in 2025, which many consider her most mature work.
Looking Ahead: What a Three-Year Break Means
If Doja Cat follows through with her plan to take three years off, it would be one of the longest hiatuses by a major pop star in recent memory. While some artists fear losing momentum, Doja Cat seems unfazed. Her team has supported her desire for balance, and she has already shown that she can return stronger after breaks—such as the time between 'Hot Pink' and 'Planet Her.'
During her time away, fans can expect her to focus on painting, home improvement, and possibly other creative ventures. She has expressed interest in visual arts before, and her Instagram often features her artwork. A three-year sabbatical could also allow her to explore other media, such as acting or fashion design.
Doja Cat’s decision to step back reflects a broader trend in the music industry, where artists increasingly prioritize mental health and personal fulfillment over constant output. With her legacy already secure, a temporary absence might only make her return more anticipated.
Impact on Fans and the Industry
News of the potential hiatus has sparked mixed reactions from fans. Many expressed support on social media, praising her for putting her well-being first. Others lamented the wait for new music but acknowledged the importance of rest. Doja Cat’s influence on contemporary pop and hip-hop is undeniable, and her absence will be felt. However, the industry is known for its cycles of disappearance and return—artists like Frank Ocean, Rihanna, and Adele have successfully taken extended breaks.
Doja Cat’s openness about her mental health and her willingness to step away from the spotlight may encourage other artists to do the same. It also raises questions about the sustainability of the modern music industry, where constant content creation is expected.
As she finishes her tour and prepares for a period of self-care, Doja Cat leaves behind a catalog of music that has defined a generation. Her three-year plan, whether it becomes reality or remains a goal, underscores her autonomy as an artist. In the end, she is taking control of her own narrative, reminding fans that even superstars need time to just be.
Source: MSN News