All Hail Doechii: The Queen of Rap You Can’t Sleep On!

Listen up: Doechii’s new album, Alligator Bites Never Heal, cements her status as the undeniable queen of rap. She’s a powerhouse in the music industry, and if you haven't heard her yet, you’re truly missing out on some of the best tracks of the year. Her unique sound and bold artistry make her an unstoppable force, setting new standards in hip-hop and captivating audiences worldwide.

Rolling Stone/John Jay

Born Jaylah Hickmon in Tampa, Florida, Doechii grew up with her mother and two twin sisters. Immersed in the performing arts—ballet, dance, gymnastics, and acting—Doechii’s mom ensured her artistic journey was nurtured from an early age. Her sisters contribute to this creative atmosphere; one has painted multiple pieces that adorn Doechii's home, while the other collaborated with her on an unreleased song, showcasing their shared interest in creativity. This supportive family environment has ultimately shaped Doechii into the dynamic artist she is today.

Attending Howard W. Blake High School further fueled her artistic development, as this is where she began writing poetry and rap. She recalls a full-circle moment in an interview with ABC, visiting her old high school:

“When I would get on this stage, I would feel and imagine myself on Jimmy Kimmel.”

Fast forward to June 2024, and she performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside rapper JT—peak manifestation.

ABC Entertainment

Timeline of Doechii’s Success:

Doechii released her debut song, “Girls,” on SoundCloud in 2016, gaining attention initially for her unique sound and style. Then in 2019, her project, Coven Music Session, Vol. 1, emerged as an experimental and genre-blending EP, creating a rich sonic landscape. Overall, it’s a bold and cohesive work that sets the stage for her continued evolution in the music scene.

By November 2020, Doechii decided to invest in funding her next EP, Oh The Places You’ll Go, named after Dr. Seuss’s final book. She loves to utilize good references; “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” a single from the EP released in September 2020, is named after a Junie B. Jones children's book. It was inspired by her reading The Artist's Way, a self-help book that connects artistic creativity with a spiritual connection to God.

In 2021, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” made waves, amassing millions of tags on TikTok. It caught the ear of Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, president of TDE, who stated, “The backpack rap that we're known for at TDE on that second half. But then this kind of obnoxious first half where Doechii's just being Doechii. It's complete star quality.” The virality of “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” also led to her finally being playlisted by Spotify. Doechii tells Rolling Stone, “I was like, OK, how do we get more? Let’s get merch! What’s the next step?” highlighting her ambition and willpower as an artist. Doechii eventually signed a joint deal with Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol.

Variety/Lester Cohen

Signing an indie artist like Doechii aligns well with TDE's reputation for fostering unique talent and pushing creative boundaries. TDE has a history of embracing artists with distinctive sounds and styles, such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Isaiah Rashad. Doechii's genre-blending approach and innovative music reflect TDE's ongoing commitment to discovering and developing innovative artists who challenge the status quo in hip-hop. Being in TDE further solidifies her status in the music industry. Doechii speaks about her label and what makes it feel special: “N—...Black people. It's Black-owned. And also, the artists. It's a certain energy and culture on TDE, and I wanted to be a part of that".

Rolling Stone/Maria-Juliana Rojas

In April 2022, Doechii stirred the pot with the release of the “Crazy” video on YouTube, which eventually got banned from the trending playlist. The striking visuals feature nude women dancing fiercely, guns, an albino alligator, and a pregnant woman amidst the chaos. While Doechii has provided some insight into certain elements, the video ignited controversy around its intended narrative. Still, the message resonated with those who understood it, and the video went on to be critically acclaimed as a strong feminist statement.

Her first major label debut and second EP, She / Her / Black Bitch, was released on August 5, 2022, marking a pivotal moment in Doechii’s career. The title itself is a bold reclamation of a slur often weaponized against her, turning it into a statement of power, resilience, and identity as a dark-skinned Black woman. The EP showcased Doechii’s unapologetic artistry, seamlessly blending fierce rap with vulnerable R&B while addressing themes of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the complexities of womanhood. Tracks like "Bitch I'm Nice" and "Swamp Bitches" displayed her lyrical dexterity and her ability to balance aggression with confidence, while songs like "This Bitch Matters" revealed her introspective side. The project not only challenged industry norms but also highlighted Doechii’s refusal to be boxed into a single genre or identity.

TDE

Exactly two years later, on August 5, 2024, we are blessed with the release of Alligator Bites Never Heal. This album builds on the foundation laid by her previous works, with bolder experimentation and deeper introspection. Alligator Bites Never Heal is nothing short of a bold evolution. Mixing raw lyricism with dynamic production, the project reflects her growth, both artistically and personally. The track “Bullfrog” oozes undeniable confidence as Doechii boldly raps,

“Do you wanna take a ride on my ego trip?”

—a line that perfectly captures her unapologetic confidence and dominance. On the flip side, a song like "Alligator Bites Never Heal" delves into the emotional scars left by her journey to success, showcasing the deep introspection and vulnerability that balances the album. This duality between assertive self-assurance and personal reflection is a key theme throughout the project, as Doechii navigates both the highs and the hidden struggles of her rise to fame. The album dives into themes of self-preservation, survival, and overcoming adversity.

Variety/Christopher Polk

“Death Roll” is undoubtedly my favorite track from the album. The heavy beats and haunting melodies craft an intense, almost hypnotic atmosphere that mirrors the feeling of being trapped in a relentless cycle of external pressures and internal struggles. As she reflects,

“I contemplate how'd I get this rich or get this bag; I wonder what the label sees in a bitch this black,”

her words resonate deeply. The raw energy and vulnerability in this track are undeniable, and I often find myself playing it on repeat, reflecting on my own life experiences.

She’s currently on tour promoting Alligator Bites Never Heal and making waves with her unapologetic performances and stunning visuals. Doechii’s impact goes beyond music—she’s become a voice for young Black women reclaiming their narratives and embracing their power. Whether performing on iconic stages or continuing to break boundaries in the studio, Doechii is poised to leave an indelible mark on hip-hop for years to come.

TDE

As much as I admire Doechii's versatility, I can't help but feel eager to hear what her core sound will ultimately be. Her ability to effortlessly switch between rap, R&B, soul, and even alternative genres is undeniably impressive—it’s one of the reasons she stands out in today’s music scene. However, with so many different influences and styles at play, I find myself wondering what her unique, defining sound will be as she continues to grow as an artist. Doechii is riding the wave of success brought by her latest album and building an empire with every move she makes. She’s not just an artist to watch but one who’s here to change the game entirely.

Check out her website for updates and tour dates here: Doechii's Official Website