"Rules" is a song by American rapper and singer Doja Cat, released on October 24, 2019, as the third single from her second studio album Hot Pink (2019). The song was written by Doja Cat, Yeti Beats, Lydia Asrat, Uptown AP of R. City, and producers Salaam Remi, Tyson Trax, and Ben Billions. Soon after its release, the song became popular on Twitter, and Doja Cat's performance was noted to be influenced by Kendrick Lamar.
"Rules" was released as the third single from Doja Cat's second album Hot Pink as well as being the third track on the album. Doja Cat first teased the song by releasing a still from the music video on her Instagram account on October 16, 2019 as well as another shot from the video on October 22, 2019. The song was announced upon its release along with its music video premiere.
On October 24, 2019, a music video was released alongside the song's release. Directed by Christian Sutton while video production was handled by Psycho Films, the video portrays Doja as the boss of a Cat Mafia gang with the video taking place in the desert.
Lakin Starling of Pitchfork wrote, "[Rules] captures a more seriousâÂÂthough hardly humorlessâÂÂmood, pairing eerie old-western bass with Doja's memorable command: 'Play with my pussy, but don't play with my emotions.'" Following the release of the song, Shaad D'Souza of The Fader placed the song on the 20 Best Pop Songs Right Now list admiring the "loose, funky production" as well as Doja's "charisma and charm".
Many publications, such as Elle and Pitchfork, praised "Rules" and cited the similarities of Doja Cat's lyrical delivery to those of Kendrick Lamar.
Credits adapted from Hot Pink liner notes.
Recording
Personnel