So, Bella Poarch of TikTok fame has released a single titled “Build a Bitch.” Where others might see this release as another C-list celebrity trying to build off their social media fame by releasing a lousy, forgettable song, I see it a little bit differently. What I see is a successful woman of colour who’s faced more adversity than people give her credit for, trying to branch out through the release of a bop.
“Build a Bitch” isn’t a complex song. There’s definitely no nuance to it, but I think it’s still effective as a straight-forward, well-intentioned pop song. The chorus holds the bulk of its message:
“This ain’t Build a Bitch / You don’t get to pick and choose / Different ass and bigger boobs / … This ain’t Build a Bitch / I’m filled with flaws and attitude / So if you need perfect, I’m not built for you.”
Essentially, the song criticizes men who scrutinize the bodies of women and hold them to a higher standard than their own since they themselves “don’t look like Ken at all.” It’s a message that definitely should be promoted, and the song doing it is honestly catchy. Instrumentally, the single is laid-back with its use of bass and chimes, choosing to focus on Poarch’s voice for the chorus before jumping into short bursts of heavy instrumentals that sound like a creepy fun house —“la, la, la” chants over top of heavy bass and percussion.
I think it’s easy for people to dismiss the success of young women, but I think Poarch not only released a decent single but is especially deserving of her fame (this comes from someone who doesn’t actually use her platform of choice, TikTok, a lot). She’s suffered childhood abuse, was adopted and raised in the U.S., and has even served in the U.S. Navy. She’s more than just a TikToker; she’s a patriot, a first generation immigrant, and an abuse survivor. I genuinely look forward to any future music endeavours she releases. Also, James Charles’ cameo was rumored to have been removed from the music video after allegations came out that he was grooming underaged individuals for sex. Smart move, Poarch. I respect you more for it.
Chandy is a biology major/chemistry minor who's been a staff writer, Arts editor, and Managing Editor at The Cascade. She began writing in elementary school when she produced Tamagotchi fanfiction to show her peers at school -- she now lives in fear that this may have been her creative peak.
