“Need to Know” by Doja Cat

“Need to Know” is overtly and unabashingly sexual in nature, as can be gleaned from its cover art. So sensitive readers should be warned beforehand that, as with the lyrics themselves, our following explanation is NSFW. 

That is not to say that we’re going to go about casually repeating certain expletives and adult language as contained therein. But, just getting one of our chest in the name of accurately setting the right tone, this particular piece is truly and simply about bedroom fun.

And the way said term is used is to point specifically to what we would define as casual, noncommittal sex. Yes, we know that in the modern world the term “f**k” can also be applied to intercourse between two steady partners, spouses even. But such is not the relationship between the singer and the addressee. 

It is made apparent at various points that this is someone whom she is now trying to bed. And reportedly, the reason Doja is compelled to do so is because she heard through the grapevine that the addressee possesses exceptional sexual wherewithal. 

So, without us going into any major detail, she proceeds to entice him by both graphically and metaphorically illustrating what an encounter between the two of them would ideally be like. And in terms of said fantasy for her what it would most pointedly entail is the two of them being sensual all night.

What “Need to Know” is all about

So conclusively, this reads like a song being relayed by a woman in heat. In the chorus Doja states that she “don’t really got no type”, implying that she’s down to do it with whoever – so long as he can “f*** all night”. But later in the song, it becomes more apparent that she has her eyes on a particular dude. And as for the title of the piece, what it is she “need(s) to know” is if he’s also down to take it there.

Facts about “Need to Know”

Kemosabe Records, alongside RCA, released this track on 11 June 2001. And at the time of its issuance, Doja Cat would be one of the hottest female vocalists in the game. 

For instance, she’s already experienced considerable chart success this year having dropped 2 singles, (Streets and Kiss Me More), that both made it onto the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart and Billboard Hot 100. 

Billboard has also named her the Top R&B Female Artist during their annual Music Awards less than a month before this track was released. This is in addition to Doja being recognized as the Outstanding New Artist of 2021 by the NAACP.

“Need to Know” is the second single from Doja Cat’s third studio album, Planet Her. The first was a collaboration with Sza entitled Kiss Me More (2021). And the track was issued two weeks before the slated release of the overall project itself.

Dr. Luke, who up until recently was dealing with a considerable amount of controversy, produced this track. He also happens to be the industry figure who gave Doja Cat her first big break. Additionally, he served as a co-writer of “Need to Know” alongside Doja Cat and Lydia Asrat.

Doja Cat first teased this song on 8 June 2021.

The music video to this track is based on a science-fiction inspired aesthetic, reminiscent of movies like Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). It also features what appears to be a product placement for the Uber brand. And its producers are a pair known as Miles & AJ.