In April 2024, JoJo Siwa, renowned for her vibrant, child-friendly persona, released "Karma," signaling a significant shift toward a more mature image. The dance-pop and EDM track, unveiled on April 5, 2024, was originally recorded by Brit Smith in 2012 under the title "Karma's a Bitch" but remained unreleased until Siwa's version brought it to public attention.

The release of "Karma" sparked considerable discussion regarding Siwa's rebranding efforts and the song's originality. The accompanying music video, directed by Marc Klasfeld and choreographed by Richy Jackson, features bold visuals and choreography, including themes of a love triangle between Siwa and two other women. Hannah Dailey of Billboard described the video as "truly wild" and noted it as an "extreme departure" from Siwa's previous persona.

Critically, "Karma" received predominantly negative reviews. Ivan Guzman of Paper labeled the song as "raucous" and "early 2010s-esque," while drag queen Aquaria compared it to "early-2010s Jeffree Star." Sydney Brasil of Exclaim! criticized the production as "poorly produced" with "no real hook," questioning Siwa's commitment to her new persona. Variety included "Karma" in their "Worst Songs of 2024" list, describing it as "tepid" and "unconvincing."

The revelation that "Karma" was originally recorded by Brit Smith in 2012 added another layer to the controversy. Smith's version, titled "Karma's a Bitch," gained traction online following Siwa's release, leading Smith to officially release it as a single on April 13, 2024. Siwa addressed the situation, stating, "I didn't steal anything" and was unaware of Smith's prior recording. Smith defended Siwa, clarifying that Siwa "did not steal" the song and was "totally in the right" to record her version.

Despite the backlash, "Karma" achieved notable chart positions, peaking at number 5 on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and reaching number 22 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100. Internationally, it charted at number 24 on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart and number 93 in Ireland. In contrast, Brit Smith's "Karma's a Bitch" received positive reception, peaking at number 8 on the US iTunes Pop Charts, surpassing Siwa's version, which peaked at 89.

Siwa's transition from a child-friendly image to a more mature persona highlights the challenges artists face when rebranding. The mixed reception to "Karma" underscores the complexities involved in such transformations, especially when they involve drastic changes in style and content. Additionally, the controversy surrounding the song's origin brings to light issues of song ownership and the ethics of recording previously unreleased tracks by other artists.

JoJo Siwa gained fame through her participation in the reality TV show Dance Moms and subsequently built a brand centered around a vibrant, child-friendly image. Her previous works, such as the 2016 single "Boomerang," addressed themes like cyberbullying and resonated with a younger audience. Brit Smith, born Brittany Smith, began her career as part of the pop duo Brit & Alex before pursuing a solo career under the name Matisse. She released her debut single "Better Than Her" in 2010, which topped the US Dance Airplay charts. After a brief hiatus from the music industry, Smith returned in 2024 with the release of "Karma's a Bitch," following the renewed interest sparked by Siwa's version.

The events surrounding "Karma" and "Karma's a Bitch" serve as a case study in the complexities of artistic transformation and the ethical considerations in the music industry. They highlight the delicate balance artists must maintain when evolving their image and the importance of transparency and respect for original works in the creative process.