The song is a genre-bending "Southern rap-techno mashup" that blends .
Perry utilizes a more restrained, "sultry" and "foreboding" tone compared to her usual belting. Critical Consensus Katy Perry Dark Horse
While Village Voice called it "perfectly tacky" and a visual feast, it faced heavy criticism for cultural appropriation and "orientalist attitudes" toward Egyptian culture. The song is a genre-bending "Southern rap-techno mashup"
Unlike typical pop songs, it lacks a traditional explosive chorus, instead opting for an "anti-chorus" that grinds to a halt after a melodic build-up, reverting back to a thudding bass drop. it lacks a traditional explosive chorus