Mastering the "Planet Her" Sound
Released as a promotional single from her third studio album Planet Her, Doja Cat's "Need to Know" showcases her versatility as both a singer and a rapper. The track blends Trap, R&B, and futuristic Pop elements. While it lacks the operatic range of classic rock ballads, it demands exceptional rhythmic precision and tonal control.
The primary challenge in this song is navigating the transition between a relaxed, almost lazy melodic rap flow in the verses and a delicate, breathy head voice in the chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Air Control
Doja uses a high "air-to-tone" ratio in the chorus. If you sing it too cleanly, it loses its vibe. Relax your vocal folds slightly to let more air escape, but keep your diaphragm engaged to support the pitch.
Phase 1: The Chorus (Head Voice)
The hook relies on a light, airy texture. The line "I don't play with my pen" and the following melodic runs sit in the upper register (around Bb4-C5). You need to access your head voice here.
The Trap: Many singers push their chest voice too high here to sound powerful, but the song calls for a "sultry" sound. Use a soft onset and keep the volume at a mezzo-piano level.
Phase 2: The Verses (Melodic Rap)
The verses ("Wanna know what it's like...") are delivered in a rhythmic sing-song style. The pitch variation is smaller, hovering around G3-Bb3, but the rhythm is syncopated.
- Articulation: Doja has a way of slurring words together stylistically while keeping the rhythm sharp. Don't over-enunciate consonants.
- The Pocket: You must sit slightly behind the beat to capture the laid-back groove. If you rush, the AI Coach will dock points for timing.
Phase 3: The Ad-libs and Runs
Throughout the outro, there are complex vocal runs and background harmonies. These require agility. Practice these slowly on a generic vowel sound (like "Noo" or "Na") before adding the lyrics back in.
The subtle "Yeah, yeah" ad-libs often use vocal fry at the very bottom of the note to add texture and attitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal melody hits a sustained C5 in the chorus. Background harmonies may reach higher depending on the specific ad-lib.
Yes! The range G3-C5 is very comfortable for Altos. The lower verses will feel rich in your chest voice, while the chorus allows you to explore your head voice mix.
Flatten your vowels and reduce your vibrato. Pop/Trap vocals require a straighter tone compared to musical theater or classical singing.
