Honestly, I’m annoyed that I’m late to the Doechii party. A true talent with all kinds of southern flair, her style is what everybody’s looking for.
Doechii was born Jaylah Hickmon and raised in the Hillsborough County of Tampa, Florida. Her family encouraged her love of performing, enrolling her in ballet, tap, cheer, and acting classes. She began her music career by uploading tracks to platforms like SoundCloud, quickly catching the ears of listeners with her exciting mix of hip-hop, R&B, and experimental sounds. Her breakout moment came in 2020 with the release of her single “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” Her unique flow, witty lyricism, and playful, yet sharp commentary on societal norms made listeners want more and caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment.
Her 2022 release “Persuasive” also became a viral hit, with its catchy hook and infectious energy resonating widely on social media and streaming platforms. The single’s success was followed by her critically acclaimed EP “She / Her / Black Belt,” which further solidified her versatility as an artist. Her most recent mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal”, marks a pivotal moment in her career, Pitchfork calling it “her most ambitious and musically diverse project to date.” The project blends hip-hop and punk with R&B and house, all tied together by Doechii’s sharp lines and bold artistic vision. She is playfully raunchy and then sincerely intimate, the picture she paints grows with each track and we’re left with the greatest pieces of her creation. With tracks like “CATFISH” and “Boiled Peanuts,” she delivers infectious hooks and thought-provoking verses, exploring themes of resilience, personal growth, and the complexities of identity. The mixtape is both energetic and introspective, capturing the full range of Doechii’s artistry.
Critics have praised her ability to push the boundaries of genre while still maintaining a distinctive, authentic style that resonates with listeners. It not only showcases her musical versatility, but also positions Doechii as a fearless voice in the contemporary music industry.
NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts gives artists the chance to showcase their creativity and talent live on the platform. In an intimate, stripped-down setting, Doechii captivated the audience with her raw energy and commanding presence. Her set was a masterclass in vocal and lyrical delivery, showcasing her ability to switch between rapid-fire raps and smooth, melodic moments with ease. The stripped-back arrangement allowed her to shine as both a performer and a storyteller, creating an unforgettable experience for listeners. The performance earned widespread acclaim, with many noting how Doechii’s dynamic abilities and versatility transcended the small stage. The praise was not without the typical naysayers, with taunts about her music being “slave and Harriet Tubman music,” an obvious jab at Doechii’s Black heritage and culture. She responded on X, “We use hip hop to evolve. To protest… Don’t let these people brainwash you into disconnecting from the soul of hiphop by you it isn’t cool or ‘too deep’.”
Our music has always been deep. It’s always been complex and it’s always been soulful/spiritual. We use hip hop to evolve. To protest. To celebrate. Etc. Art/music plays a role in why a lot of us are proud to be black today. Our culture is all through these genres. Don’t let…
— Swamp Princess
Doechii has continued to push the boundaries of her craft, experimenting boldly with different genres and even using her music to protest the confinements of rap itself. Her fearless approach to both music and self-expression has made for a promising debut, and after the year she’s had, it’s clear Doechii has our attention.
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