Freak (Doja Cat song) explained

Freak
Cover:	Doja Cat - Freak.png
Type:	promotional
Artist:	Doja Cat
Recorded:	2018
Studio:	^[1]
Genre:	R&B
Length:	4:44

"Freak" is a song by American rapper and singer Doja Cat released through Kemosabe Records and RCA Records on August 7, 2020.^[2] Originally uploaded exclusively to SoundCloud in 2018, it was repackaged and released commercially due to popular demand by fans online.^{[3] [4]} The single samples the 1959 song, "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" by Paul Anka.^[5] A standalone promotional single, "Freak" received a limited vinyl release via Urban Outfitters in November 2020.

Background and release

Prior to its re-release, "Freak" had gained popularity on the video-sharing platform TikTok, where it had been used in over 1.2 million videos.^[6] In late June 2020, Doja Cat teased multiple new songs on an Instagram Live which she stated would all be released together in an upcoming project.^[7] Alongside the announcement of "Freak", Doja Cat wrote that she had released the song to hold her fans off while she works on "a new surprise."^[8] Both a clean and explicit version were released digitally.^{[9] [10]} In November 2020, a limited edition vinyl release of the song was made available exclusively through Urban Outfitters to support 11/11 Singles Day.^[11]

Credits and personnel

Recording and management

• Engineered at Lineage Studios (Los Angeles, California)
• Vocals Recorded at The Sound Factory (Los Angeles, California)
• Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering (Hollywood, California)
• Doja Cat Music/Prescription Songs (BMI), Yeti Yeti Yeti/WB Music Corp. (ASCAP), Cameron Bartolini Music (ASCAP), EPA Publishing/PW Ballads/Songs of Universal, Inc. (BMI), Chrysalis Standards, Inc./BMG Rights Management (BMI), Universal Music – Careers (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Waters of Nazareth Publishing/Warner Geo Met Ric Music (GMR)
• Contains a sample from "Put Your Head on My Shoulder", words and music by Paul Anka, published by EPA Publishing/PW Ballads/Songs of Universal, Inc. (BMI) and 1938 (Renewed 1986) Chrysalis Standards, Inc./BMG Rights Management (BMI)/BMG Blue (BMII) administers 100% for the World ex USA obo Paul Anka/Chrysalis Standards, Inc. (BMI), used courtesy of Paul Anka Productions, by arrangement with Primary Wave Music
• Contains a portion of the composition "Milkshake", written by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams, published by Universal Music – Careers (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI) and Waters of Nazareth Publishing/Warner Geo Met Ric Music (GMR)

Personnel

• Doja Cat – vocals, songwriting, production
  • Cameron Bartolini – songwriting; production, engineering David Sprecher – songwriting; additional production, engineering
• Paul Anka – songwriting
• Chad Hugo – songwriting
• Pharrell Williams – songwriting
  • Neal H Pogue – mixing Mike Bozzi – mastering

Credits adapted from "Freak" vinyl liner notes.^[1]

Charts

Chart (2020)	Peak position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)^[12]	5
US R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales (Billboard)^[13]	8
US Hot R&B Songs (Billboard)^[14]	6

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)
Various	November 11, 2018	SoundCloud	Self-released
	August 7, 2020
Canada	November 12, 2020	LP	RCA	^[15]
United States

Notes and References

1. Freak (Vinyl). Kemosabe Records.
2. Web site: Zidel. Alex. August 6, 2020. Doja Cat's "Freak" Single Gets Official Release Tonight: Listen Here. August 6, 2020. HotNewHipHop. en.
3. Web site: Rashed. Ayesha. August 7, 2020. Doja Cat Releases "Freak" On Digital Service Providers For Fans. August 18, 2020. Respect. en-US. 2150-8674.
4. Web site: November 11, 2018. FREAK – Track by DOJA CAT. August 6, 2020. SoundCloud.
5. Web site: Lavin. Will. August 8, 2020. Listen to Doja Cat sample Paul Anka on doo-wop inspired 'Freak'. August 18, 2020. NME. en-GB. 0028-6362.
6. Web site: ♬ Freak by Doja Cat. On soundcloud on TikTok. live. https://archive.today/20200806164719/https://www.tiktok.com/music/Freak-by-Doja-Cat-On-soundcloud-6800392944814721798?lang=en. August 6, 2020. August 6, 2020. TikTok. en.
7. Web site: Lilah. Rose. June 24, 2020. Doja Cat Teases A Bunch Of Unreleased Music To Be Packaged Into Project. August 6, 2020. HotNewHipHop. en.
8. 1291384625860734976. DojaCat. Here’s a special treat ! FREAK will be available on all streaming services tomorrow to hold you guys off while I’m working on new surprise. FRONK DINGBUNGUS THE 5TH [verified account]. August 6, 2020.
9. Web site: Freak – Single by Doja Cat. August 6, 2020. Apple Music.
10. Web site: Freak – Single by Doja Cat (Explicit). August 6, 2020. Apple Music.
11. Mamo. Helen. November 11, 2020. Britney Spears Drops a Previously Unreleased Song, But There's Only One Way to Get It For Now. November 11, 2020. Billboard.
12. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. August 17, 2020. August 15, 2020.
13. Web site: Doja Cat Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales). Billboard. August 18, 2020.
14. Web site: Doja Cat Chart History (Hot R&B Songs). Billboard. August 18, 2020.
15. Web site: Doja Cat – Freak Limited LP. November 12, 2020. Urban Outfitters.