By Larisha Paul
When JoJo Siwa announced her latest single, it came with a cautioned warning: “The following content is not made for children and may be disturbing or offensive to some viewers. May contain sexual themes, violence, strong language, traumatic scenarios, and flashing lights. Viewer discretion is advised.” She gave listeners nearly a month to prepare for “Karma,” and now it’s here.
A Break from the Past
JoJo Siwa, the 20-year-old dancer and singer, has been in the spotlight for over a decade. From her early days on “Dance Moms” to her colorful and upbeat pop music, she has been a beloved figure among young audiences. But with “Karma,” Siwa takes a bold step away from her cleaner image and dives into a more mature sound.
The lyrics of “Karma” reveal a different side of Siwa. She sings, “And when I lay me down to sleep, it’s not your body next to me / This lonely room feels so empty, just me and my regrets / And cold blue eyes look back at me, the mirror has no sympathy / My guilts become a symphony that won’t let me forget, oh.” The song’s chorus declares, “Karma’s a bitch, I should’ve known better / If I had a wish I would’ve never effed around / When I saw the pics of you and her I felt the knife twist / Karma’s a bitch (Karma), and she’s with you right now.”
A Co-Directed Music Video
Accompanying the single is a visually striking music video, co-directed by Siwa herself and Marc Klasfeld. The video complements the song’s darker tone, featuring Siwa in edgier outfits and exploring themes of regret, betrayal, and self-reflection. It’s a departure from the glittery bows and high-energy dance routines we associate with the young star.
Breaking Away from the Past
In a listening party ahead of the song’s release, Siwa shared her intentions behind “Karma.” “I’ve grown up for eleven years now in front of the world, and I have always been about making art. That’s what I love to do. I’ve always been genuinely myself and I’ve always created stuff that felt true to me,” she explained. “As I got older, I really wanted to create stuff that was gonna make the world say, ‘What the f***?’ And the fun thing is with ‘Karma,’ I wanted this first breakout adult moment to do that. I wanted this first adult breakout moment to make people’s heads turn.”
The XOMG Pop! Controversy
Siwa’s transition to a more mature sound comes on the heels of reports about the dissolution of XOMG Pop!, the girl group she assembled with her mother in 2021. Allegations of verbal abuse and physical duress surfaced, with one former member stating, “It’s like, they use you, and then they throw you in the trash.” The Siwas denied these allegations through legal channels.
JoJo Siwa’s journey from child star to an artist exploring adult themes is a testament to her growth and willingness to challenge expectations. “Karma” marks a pivotal moment in her career, and it’s clear that she’s ready to embrace this new chapter with open arms.
“Karma” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
