Track Review: Saweetie & Doja Cat Team Up for "Best Friend"
The rollout for Saweetie's debut album, Pretty Bitch Music, continues. After dropping a viral hit with "Tap In" and a smooth Jhené Aiko collaboration with "Back to the Streets," Saweetie has teamed up with another one of her peers for her latest anthem. Titled "Best Friend," this new song marks Saweetie and Doja Cat's first collaboration, and, hopefully, there are more to come.
Over a bouncy Rocco Did It Again! and Dr. Luke production, Saweetie and Doja do exactly what one would expect on a song with a title like this: trade verses about being besties. The two rappers translate the chemistry of a long-standing friendship with startling ease. From the call-and-response hook to the Dave Meyers-directed video, they sell their friendship incredibly well. Saweetie starts off her verse with a line that is literally begging to be a viral caption ("Beep beep, is that my bestie in a Tessie?"), but her delivery in the first verse is what's really impressive. From the laidback melodic vibe of "Back to the Streets" to the high energy hype woman attitude of "All this ass sittin' up, you could look, don't touch/In our bag, bust some bands every time we link up," with each new single, Saweetie shows more and more of her range as a rapper.
As usual, Doja Cat makes the most of her time, and then some, with an addictive hook and a terrific guest verse. "Best Friend" works for a host of reasons, but there are two primary ones. First, we need more songs about genuine friendships; it feels like we get millions of (romantic) love songs every year. Second, the structure of the song allows for the nuances of friendship to shine while also playing off of each rapper's respective personality. Saweetie's verse is all about having fun and supporting her best friend which aligns with her general disposition. Doja, who, at least on social media, is a bit more of a wild card, raps about being a ride-or-die and the more protective aspects of friendships. She spits "Bitch, break her back, she protect and attack/Get that strap like them buckle, foot on neck, give no air"; It's a more aggressive approach than Saweetie's, but it's no less valid, relatable, or entertaining. The beginning of the year is typically a slow period for new music, but Saweetie and Doja got the ball rolling early. "Best Friend" is sure to be a nice-sized hit that will spawn more than a few social media trends. All that's left is to banish Dr. Luke from recording studios forever.
Score: 65
