Kiss Me More
"Kiss Me More" is a song by American singer and rapper Doja Cat, featuring additional vocals from singer SZA. Released on April 9, 2021, by Kemosabe and RCA Records, it serves as the lead single from Doja Cat's third studio album, Planet Her. The track was written by Doja Cat, SZA, Stephen Kipner, Terry Shaddick, David Sprecher, Gerard A. Powell II (tizhimself), Carter Lang, and Lukasz Gottwald, with the chorus interpolating the melody from Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit "Physical". Production was handled by Rogét Chahayed and Ross Joseph Portaro IV (Yeti Beats), with additional production by tizhimself and Gottwald.[1][2] Musically, "Kiss Me More" blends pop and contemporary R&B elements with nu-disco influences, featuring an upbeat groove, funky bassline, and harmonious vocal interplay that evokes a sense of playful romance centered on kissing.[3] The song's infectious chorus and lighthearted lyrics contributed to its immediate appeal, marking a continuation of Doja Cat's signature style of genre-blending pop tracks. Its production emphasizes clean, retro-inspired synths and a driving rhythm section, recorded in September 2020.[4] Commercially, "Kiss Me More" achieved significant success, debuting at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaking at number three, where it spent 25 weeks in the top ten.[5] Internationally, it topped the charts in New Zealand, Mexico, Malaysia, and Singapore, while reaching the top ten in over 20 countries, including the UK and Australia. As of November 2022, the single has been certified five-times platinum by the RIAA in the United States for sales and streaming equivalent to five million units.[6] The song received critical acclaim for its catchy composition and the artists' chemistry, with Pitchfork including it in their list of the 100 best songs of 2021 and praising its simple yet effective ode to romantic pleasure.[3] It earned Doja Cat and SZA their first Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022.[7] The official music video, directed by Warren Fu and released simultaneously with the single, adopts a vibrant, space-age aesthetic with choreographed dance sequences and has amassed over 500 million views on YouTube. Doja Cat and SZA debuted the track live at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, further boosting its visibility.[8][9]Background
Development
"Kiss Me More" originated during the recording sessions for Doja Cat's third studio album, Planet Her, which began in April 2020 and extended through May 2021 primarily at studios in Los Angeles, including The Sound Factory and Westlake Recording Studios, as well as home setups. The track's beat was initially crafted by producers Yeti Beats and Rogét Chahayed early in the album's production process in 2020, but it underwent significant revisions later to align with Doja Cat's vision, including an increased tempo, a new bassline, and added guitar elements to create a "cuter" and more upbeat sound.[10] Doja Cat conceived the song's central theme around kissing, drawing inspiration from 1980s pop and new wave aesthetics, which manifested in an organic melodic interpolation of Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit "Physical."[11] She wrote the bulk of the lyrics in approximately two hours, structuring her verses to blend rapping with a cheerful, edgy melody intended to energize listeners.[10][12] Songwriting credits for "Kiss Me More" include Doja Cat, SZA, Carter Lang, Tizhimself (Gerard A. Powell II), Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), Rogét Chahayed, Yeti Beats (David A. Sprecher), Stephen Kipner, and Terry Shaddick.[10][13][4] Doja Cat initially demoed the song as a solo piece before deciding to incorporate a feature, specifically envisioning SZA's involvement from the outset due to their shared affinity for pop sensibilities.[12] The collaboration was facilitated when Doja Cat played the demo for SZA in the studio, leading to an immediate creative synergy; SZA developed the hook and contributed her verse organically and swiftly, enhancing the track's dual-vocal dynamic where both artists alternated on choruses and verses.[10][12] Dr. Luke provided additional production, emphasizing a fun, action-packed arrangement influenced by TikTok duo trends to capture themes of friendship and empowerment. However, Doja Cat later expressed reservations about Dr. Luke's contributions and stated she had no plans to collaborate with him further.[13][14] Recording took place at Yeti Beats' Echo Park studio in Los Angeles, where Doja Cat and her collaborators, including SZA, bonded during the sessions in late 2020 and early 2021.[10] The process faced challenges, such as the initial beat not resonating fully, necessitating rework to better suit the song's playful tone, and the broader constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced remote elements in album production despite in-person studio work for key contributions.[10] Doja Cat described the partnership with SZA as effortless, noting their instant connection and how SZA's performance elevated the track to feel like a "chef's kiss."[12] This collaborative environment, free from heavy A&R interference, allowed the song to evolve into a polished pop-R&B hybrid ready for release as the lead single on April 9, 2021.[10]Promotion
Doja Cat began promoting "Kiss Me More" through social media teasers in early April 2021, posting the single's cover art on Instagram and Twitter on April 8 to announce its midnight release the following day and reveal the feature from SZA.[15] These posts, which included a countdown element, quickly generated buzz, with fans expressing enthusiasm for the anticipated collaboration between the two artists known for their complementary styles in pop and R&B.[15] The announcement of SZA's involvement further amplified hype, as fans highlighted the synergy between Doja Cat's playful energy and SZA's soulful delivery, leading to widespread online discussions and shares that built pre-release momentum.[16] Positioned as the lead single from Doja Cat's third studio album Planet Her, the track's promotion tied directly into the project's overarching theme of feminine empowerment, emphasizing themes of sexuality, confidence, and self-expression through its flirtatious lyrics and vibrant aesthetic.[17][18] The rollout strategy focused on immediate digital amplification, with pre-release coordination for radio airplay adds and placements on key editorial playlists like Spotify's New Music Friday and Apple Music's Today's Hits to drive streaming upon launch.[19]Composition and lyrics
Musical elements
"Kiss Me More" blends elements of pop, R&B, and synth-pop, drawing on 1980s retro influences including new wave synths and a disco-adjacent vibe to create an upbeat, danceable track with a tempo of 111 beats per minute.[20][21] The production, led by Yeti Beats and Rogét Chahayed, features prominent synthesizers for arpeggiated chord progressions and a sped-up beat, alongside a new bassline added to enhance the funky rhythm.[10][22] The song follows a verse-chorus form with a bridge, clocking in at a runtime of 3:28 and set in the key of A♭ major.[23][24] Instrumentation highlights rhythmic guitar riffs over the hook and an incessant bass line that drives the groove, contributing to the track's light, airy feel.[10][25] Production techniques emphasize clean mixes that spotlight the vocal performances, with layered harmonies between Doja Cat and SZA creating seamless interplay and emphasizing their breathy, melodic delivery.[26] Yeti Beats reworked the initial chord progression by accelerating the tempo and incorporating tweaks for a "cuter" and more engaging sound.[21][10]Thematic content
"Kiss Me More" centers on flirtatious romance and physical intimacy, using the metaphor of kissing as a stand-in for deeper sensual desires to maintain a playful, non-explicit tone. Doja Cat has described the track's inspiration as a desire to craft a song devoted entirely to kissing, calling the idea "cute" and noting its rarity in contemporary music. This approach allows the lyrics to evoke passion through lighthearted imagery, such as the repeated plea "Can you kiss me more?" which underscores a yearning for closer connection without delving into overt sexuality.[9] In Doja Cat's verses, the narrative highlights casual seduction and an escalation from affectionate gestures to more intense physicality, as seen in lines like "We hug and, yes, we make love / And always just say goodnight / And we cuddle, sure, I do love it / But I need your lips on mine." She employs clever wordplay, such as likening intimate acts to meals—"Taste breakfast, lunch, and gin and juice / And that dinner just like dessert too"—and the "kissing booth" metaphor for oral pleasure, portraying seduction as fun and accessible rather than serious. SZA's contributions, particularly in the chorus and her verse, shift focus to an emotional yet commitment-free bond, emphasizing youthful freedom with "We're so young, boy, we ain't got nothin' to lose" and rejecting drama through references like "Fuckin' with you feel like jail, nigga" and "Drama make you feel / Fantasy and whip appeal is all I can give you," suggesting a preference for escapist pleasure over complicated entanglements.[23][9] The song's wordplay draws influences from 1970s soul and 1980s pop traditions, incorporating rhythmic, evocative phrasing reminiscent of era-defining tracks that celebrated romance with wit and groove. Notably, the chorus interpolates the melody of Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit "Physical," a pop anthem about bodily attraction, which reinforces the theme of unapologetic desire through familiar, upbeat phrasing. This lighthearted, frolicsome tone sets "Kiss Me More" apart from deeper R&B conventions that often explore heartbreak or vulnerability, instead offering a buoyant contrast that prioritizes joy and simplicity in interpersonal dynamics.[27][28]Critical reception
"Kiss Me More" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its catchy production, the chemistry between Doja Cat and SZA, and its blend of pop, R&B, and nu-disco elements.[3] Pitchfork ranked the song at number 35 on their list of the 100 best songs of 2021, describing it as "an ode to one of romance’s greatest and simplest pleasures: kissing" and highlighting the artists' "effortless chemistry" and "bestie energy" alongside a "playful melody reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s 'The Pleasure Principle' and Olivia Newton-John’s 'Physical'".[3] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times called it a track that "mixes the breeze of lite 1980s funk with the bawdiness of 2020s hip-hop".[29] Rolling Stone characterized it as a "groovy, disco-inflected jam" in the vein of Doja Cat's earlier hit "Say So".[30] Billboard's Heran Mamo dubbed it a "slinky, sensual jam" destined to be a "summer playlist staple", while praising the "tight rhymes" and "breathy chorus vocals".[31] Vulture's Justin Curto referred to it as "a silky, playful R&B jam".[32] Complex placed it seventh on their mid-year list of the best songs of 2021, calling it "infectious".[33] Insider named it the best song on Doja Cat's album Planet Her and "easily one of the best songs released [in 2021]".[34]Music video
Production
The music video for "Kiss Me More" was directed by Warren Fu and filmed in early 2021 on soundstages in Los Angeles. Produced by Partizan with Whitney Jackson serving as producer, the project featured a retro sci-fi aesthetic, blending vibrant, pastel-colored sets with otherworldly visuals to evoke a playful interstellar adventure.[8][35] The concept centered on an astronaut crash-landing on a distant planet, where he encounters Doja Cat and SZA in a flirtatious, surreal narrative that mirrored the song's lighthearted, seductive vibe and tied into the space-themed Planet Her album.[35][36] Casting highlighted Alex Landi, known from Grey's Anatomy, as the lead astronaut—a role that marked the first time an actor of Asian descent served as the central male figure in a mainstream Western music video. Doja Cat and SZA portrayed ethereal inhabitants of the planet, with Landi describing the on-set atmosphere as welcoming and collaborative, noting the artists' kindness during filming. Choreography was handled by Cortland Brown, emphasizing fluid, synchronized dance sequences that amplified the track's groovy energy.[8][37][8] Production design by John Richoux created the video's immersive, candy-hued planetary environment, while the performers were outfitted in form-fitting, futuristic attire that nodded to mod and space-age styles. Cinematography was led by Christopher Ripley, edited by Nick Rondeau at Work Editorial, with color grading by Matt Osborne at Company 3. Visual effects were provided by Digital Axis (Roman Bilichenko and Olga Petrishena) and Ingenuity Studios (Jumanah Shaheen, Grant Miller, and David Lebensfeld), combining practical techniques—such as wire work for zero-gravity simulations—with digital enhancements to achieve the dreamlike floating and levitation effects central to the astronaut's journey.[8][8] The shoot prioritized practical sets and effects to maintain a tangible, retro-futuristic feel, avoiding over-reliance on CGI for key sequences like the sultry interactions on the alien landscape.[35][37]Release and synopsis
The music video for "Kiss Me More" premiered on April 9, 2021, simultaneously on YouTube and Vevo, coinciding with the single's audio release.[8] Directed by Warren Fu, it immediately captured widespread attention, accumulating over 20 million views within its first week of availability. As of November 2025, the video has amassed over 519 million views on YouTube.[38] In the video's narrative, an astronaut portrayed by actor Alex Landi crash-lands on a vibrant, otherworldly planet after his spacecraft malfunctions.[36] He navigates surreal landscapes, including rivers and islands populated by bizarre creatures, before encountering enormous, alluring versions of Doja Cat and SZA lounging in a lush, pink-hued environment. The duo, depicted as dominant figures, serenade him with flirtatious advances, drawing him into playful and seductive encounters amid floating symbolic objects like oversized fruits that evoke themes of temptation and desire. The story culminates in a revelation that the astronaut's odyssey is a simulated video game controlled by Doja Cat and SZA aboard their own spaceship, where they share a tender kiss to conclude the sequence.[16][36] The visual style draws inspiration from 1960s sci-fi aesthetics, featuring practical sets with bold, saturated colors—predominantly pinks and pastels—and retro-futuristic elements reminiscent of films like Barbarella, including exaggerated proportions and whimsical, dreamlike production design.[39] The video includes subtle Easter eggs, such as visual nods to the artwork and themes of Doja Cat's upcoming album Planet Her, reinforcing the song's connection to a larger conceptual universe.[40]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Kiss Me More" debuted at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated April 24, 2021, marking the first top 10 entry for both Doja Cat and SZA as lead and featured artists, respectively. The track climbed to its peak position of number three on the chart dated July 10, 2021, and spent a total of 43 non-consecutive weeks on the Hot 100. It also topped the Mainstream Top 40 airplay chart, becoming Doja Cat's first number-one hit there after 21 weeks on the tally. The song's chart longevity was driven by robust streaming activity, which often offset lower digital sales, alongside consistent radio support that propelled it through the top 10 for 27 weeks—the longest run for an all-female collaboration in Hot 100 history. On the 2021 Billboard Year-End Hot 100, "Kiss Me More" ranked at number six, reflecting its strong performance across streaming, airplay, and sales metrics throughout the year. Internationally, the song achieved significant success, reaching number one on the New Zealand Singles Chart for one week and spending 52 weeks in total on the tally. It also topped the charts in Finland, Malaysia, and Singapore, while peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart, where it charted for 21 weeks following its debut on April 18, 2021.[41] The track entered the top five in 18 countries, bolstered by viral challenges on TikTok that amplified its global streaming and social media presence.| Chart (2021) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 3 | 43 |
| US Mainstream Top 40 | 1 | 21 (to #1) |
| UK Singles Chart | 3 | 21 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 1 | 52 |
Certifications and sales
"Kiss Me More" has achieved significant commercial success, earning multiple certifications from industry organizations worldwide. In the United States, the song was certified 5× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on November 17, 2022, denoting 5 million units sold or streamed.[42][6] The track also received strong recognition in other markets. In the United Kingdom, it was awarded 2× Platinum certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on February 10, 2023, equivalent to 1.2 million units.[43] In Australia, "Kiss Me More" attained 7× Platinum status from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) by 2023, representing 490,000 units.[44]| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | 5× Platinum | 5,000,000 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | 2× Platinum | 1,200,000 |
| Australia | ARIA | 7× Platinum | 490,000 |
Live performances
Television and award shows
Doja Cat and SZA made their debut television performance of "Kiss Me More" at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards on May 23, 2021, marking the song's first live rendition together. The high-energy set featured synchronized choreography with a troupe of dancers executing precise, playful moves that mirrored the track's disco-infused pop vibe, set against a sleek stage with dynamic lighting and interactive globe props rolling across the floor.[48] Doja Cat appeared in a sparkling white bodysuit that accentuated her athletic dance routine, while SZA complemented the ensemble in a vibrant, flowing dress with pink and blue hues, evoking a cosmic aesthetic tied to the song's themes. The performance unfolded under strict COVID-19 protocols at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, including social distancing for the limited live audience and mask requirements, though no virtual staging was employed for this act. Audience and critic reactions praised the visual spectacle and chemistry between the artists, with outlets highlighting the routine's infectious energy despite minor notes on vocal delivery amid the elaborate production.[49][50][51] Later that month, on May 27, 2021, Doja Cat incorporated "Kiss Me More" into a solo medley at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards, blending it with "Say So" and "Streets" in a theatrical production themed around an alien abduction. Dressed in a sheer white lace gown, she was joined by dancers costumed as extraterrestrials who "abducted" her onstage, creating a surreal, crop-circle-inspired visual that tied into her Planet Her album narrative; the segment drew acclaim for its creative staging and Doja Cat's commanding presence, performed live from the Dolby Theatre with similar pandemic-era safety measures in place.[52][53]Concert tours
"Kiss Me More" was a staple in Doja Cat's setlist during her The Scarlet Tour, which ran from October 2023 to April 2024 across North America and Europe, often positioned in the third act following high-energy tracks like "Need to Know." The performance featured reimagined arrangements with dynamic staging, including large LED screens displaying bold, trippy visuals and 3D graphics that enhanced the song's playful vibe.[54][55][56] SZA incorporated the track into her SOS Tour in 2023, performing it as a solo rendition during the North American and European legs, where it served as a highlight amid her introspective setlist. These shows emphasized SZA's emotive delivery, blending the original's disco-pop elements with the tour's thematic boardwalk and ocean-inspired production.[57] The song made notable festival appearances, including Doja Cat's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival set in April 2022, where she delivered an upbeat version complete with choreography and guest appearances from artists like Tyga. Adaptations in live settings often highlighted the track's versatility, though official acoustic renditions by the artists remain absent from major tours.[58] In 2025, Doja Cat and SZA reunited for a surprise joint performance of "Kiss Me More" on May 31 during the Grand National Tour, co-headlined by SZA and Kendrick Lamar, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, marking their first live duet of the song since its 2021 release. The energetic collaboration, featuring synchronized vocals and crowd interaction, electrified fans and underscored the enduring appeal of their partnership.[59][60][61]Accolades
Awards and nominations
"Kiss Me More" received widespread recognition from major music award ceremonies between 2021 and 2022, earning wins in pop and collaboration categories while garnering nominations in general field and R&B honors. The track's success underscored its crossover appeal, blending pop sensibilities with R&B elements to resonate with voters across genres. At the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, "Kiss Me More" won Best Collaboration and Best Art Direction, with Doja Cat and SZA celebrated for their chemistry in the category.[62][63] The song was also nominated for Video of the Year at the same event.[62] The following year, at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, "Kiss Me More" won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, marking the first Grammy win for both artists.[64] It received additional nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, highlighting its production and songwriting strengths.[65] Other notable accolades included a nomination for Best Collaboration at the 2021 Soul Train Awards, where it competed against tracks like H.E.R.'s "Come Through" during the ceremony broadcast on BET.[66] At the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, the song was nominated for Top Hot 100 Song, reflecting its commercial dominance.[67] In additional honors, "Kiss Me More" earned a nomination for Best Collaboration at the 2022 BET Awards, alongside entries like Lizzo and Cardi B's "Rumors."[68] Internationally, it won Best Collaboration and was nominated for Best Song at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards, expanding its global footprint.[69] The track also received the iHeartRadio Titanium Award in 2022 for surpassing one billion total audience impressions from all sources.[70]| Award | Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | 2022 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2022 | Record of the Year | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2022 | Song of the Year | Nominated |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2021 | Best Collaboration | Won |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2021 | Best Art Direction | Won |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2021 | Video of the Year | Nominated |
| Soul Train Awards | 2021 | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| Billboard Music Awards | 2022 | Top Hot 100 Song | Nominated |
| BET Awards | 2022 | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | 2021 | Best Collaboration | Won |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | 2021 | Best Song | Nominated |
| iHeartRadio | 2022 | Titanium Award | Won |
Year-end and retrospective rankings
"Kiss Me More" earned significant recognition in year-end rankings for 2021, reflecting its commercial and critical impact that year. It placed at number 6 on Billboard's Hot 100 year-end chart, underscoring its strong performance across airplay, streaming, and sales metrics. The track also ranked number 16 on NME's list of the 50 best songs of 2021, praised for its catchy hooks and playful energy.[71] In retrospective assessments, "Kiss Me More" has maintained a notable position among modern pop highlights. As of the 2025 update, it ranked number 211 on Rolling Stone's list of the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century so far, highlighting its lasting appeal as a disco-infused anthem.[72] Fan-driven rankings further affirm the song's popularity. It holds the number 2 spot on Ranker's crowd-sourced list of the best Doja Cat songs, based on votes from over 200 music enthusiasts.[73] By 2025, anniversary retrospectives continued to celebrate its enduring TikTok presence, where viral dances and challenges propelled its initial rise and sustained cultural relevance.Track listing
Digital single
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kiss Me More" (featuring SZA) | 3:28 |
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Planet Her and Tidal.[75]Vocals
Songwriting
- Amala Zandile Dlamini (Doja Cat) – songwriter
- Solána Imani Rowe (SZA) – songwriter
- Jesse Burdick (Yeti Beats) – songwriter
- Rogét Chahayed – songwriter
- Jaucquez Lowe (tizhimself) – songwriter
- Carter Lang – songwriter
- Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke) – songwriter
- Stephen Kipner – songwriter (interpolation)
- Terry Shaddick – songwriter (interpolation)
Production
- Yeti Beats – producer, programming
- Rogét Chahayed – producer, programming
- Tizhimself – additional production
- Carter Lang – additional production
Engineering
- Joe Visciano – recording engineer
- John Hanes – engineer, additional engineering
- Lloyd "2Fly" Mizell – vocal engineer
- Serban Ghenea – mixing engineer
- Chris Gehringer – mastering engineer