The song is a genre-bending "Southern rap-techno mashup" that blends .
The music video, set in a stylized "Memphis, Egypt," features Perry as "". Katy Perry Dark Horse
The song was at the center of a high-profile copyright lawsuit involving Christian rapper Flame's song "Joyful Noise." Although a jury initially ruled against Perry, a judge later overturned the verdict , stating the musical motif in question was not unique enough for copyright protection. 'Dark Horse' by Katy Perry | CAUTION: May contain words 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. 'Dark Horse' by Katy Perry | CAUTION: May
While Village Voice called it "perfectly tacky" and a visual feast, it faced heavy criticism for cultural appropriation and "orientalist attitudes" toward Egyptian culture.