So, who exactly is Doechii, and what makes her one of the most exciting voices in rap right now? Well, for starters, Doechii (born Jaylah Hickmon) is turning heads with her unapologetic individuality and electrifying presence.

She's a game-changer, fusing powerful lyrics with a distinctive style and an unfiltered passion. Her journey is anything but ordinary — she embodies strength, evolution, and a fearless commitment to being unapologetically herself. 

Emerging from Tampa, Florida, Doechii’s journey to stardom is about so much more than just music. It’s about breaking boundaries and reshaping the hip-hop scene. Her raw, boundary-pushing sound has struck a chord with listeners, thanks to her deeply personal storytelling, poetic lyrics, humor, and innovative approach to rap. It’s no surprise that she’s captured the hearts of many across the globe. 

And it’s not just her music that’s making waves. Doechii’s lyrics explore themes of self-discovery, mental health, and sexuality — making her a beacon of empowerment, especially for women and the LGBTQIA+ community. Her unapologetically queer identity, combined with her dedication to sobriety, adds so much depth to her artistry. In an industry that’s often lacking in diverse voices, Doechii stands tall as a trailblazer for those who don’t always see themselves represented in mainstream rap. Her rise has been nothing short of meteoric, and now, with her history-making Grammy win, she’s only getting started.

On February 2, 2025, Doechii made her indelible mark on music history at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, etching her name alongside the titans of rap. Her win for Best Rap Album was nothing short of groundbreaking — only the third woman ever to claim this prestigious honor in the category's history, joining the ranks of legends like Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.

As she stepped onto the stage, visibly moved, the weight of the moment hit her. In front of a room full of industry heavyweights, Doechii had claimed her place in the hip-hop pantheon and shattered the glass ceiling for women in rap.

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Presented the Grammy by none other than Cardi B, Doechii’s acceptance speech was a blend of gratitude, humility, and resilience.

“I put my heart and soul into this mixtape,” she began, her voice steady but emotional. “I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me that I would be rewarded and that he would show me just how good it can get.”

For Doechii, this win was more than just a career milestone – it was a testament to the personal sacrifices she had made along the way. Sobriety had been a pivotal part of her journey, and her words reflected the deep spiritual connection she found in this transformative process. In a moment of raw honesty, she expressed thanks not only to her mentors and collaborators but to her mother, the rock who had been her guide throughout it all. She also acknowledged her label, TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment), and the team that helped turn her dream into a reality. But Doechii’s message was far from just about her personal success.

“There’s so much culture in Tampa,” she declared, proudly representing her roots. "Whenever people think about Florida, they only think about, like, Miami, but Tampa has so much talent. Labels, go to Tampa; there’s talent there, okay?” 

Yet, it was her final words that reverberated the loudest.

Addressing the young Black girls watching her, Doechii delivered a rallying cry that was nothing short of revolutionary: “I know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there, that are watching me right now, and I want to tell you, you can do it,” she said with unshakable conviction. “Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, to tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, or that you’re not smart enough, or that you’re too dramatic, or you’re too loud.” 

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Her words struck at the heart of the adversity she herself had faced – facing down the biases that sought to limit her potential and overcoming them with an unwavering belief in her own worth.

“You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are, and I am a testimony right now,” she affirmed, her voice a beacon of empowerment for every young girl who might doubt herself.

Doechii's meteoric rise to fame has been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in her historic Grammy win. Let's dive into five fun facts about this rising star who's redefining the rap game.

Listen to her Grammy Award winning LP Alligator Bites Never Heal below:

1. She’s A Tampa ‘Swamp Princess’ With A Historic Grammy Win

On February 2, 2025, Doechii made history at the 67th Grammy Awards, becoming only the third woman ever to win Best Rap Album. But what really stole the show was her heartfelt acceptance speech, where she put a spotlight on her hometown. "There's so much culture in Tampa," she declared, her voice filled with pride. "Whenever people think about Florida they only think about, like, Miami, but Tampa has so much talent. Labels, go to Tampa. There's talent there, OK?" 

Tampa Bay shared that Doechii's roots run deep in Tampa, from her days at Blake High School to her early performances in Ybor City clubs and hookah bars. Her win sparked a wave of celebration back home, with Mayor Jane Castor and even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers joining in to congratulate their homegrown Swamp Princess. 

IN THE 813! THIS MY LEGACY! ⁰⁰SALUTE TO THE SWAMP PRINCESS, TAMPA'S VERY OWN! 🐊👏 https://t.co/EXTYxdg3EX

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 3, 2025

2. The Unique Origin of ‘Doechii’: A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

The name "Doechii" isn't just a stage moniker; it's a symbol of resilience and rebirth. Born Jaylah Hickmon, she created her alter ego at the tender age of 11, following a heartbreaking experience with bullying and a suicide attempt. In a moment of profound self-realization, she told Billboard, "I decided that you will not kill me. You will not stop me. I found something to live for." This new identity, complete with a fierce attitude and love for music and art, became her way of embracing her uniqueness and standing up for herself. The transformation from Jaylah to Doechii wasn't just a name change; it was the birth of an artist unafraid to stand out and express herself authentically.

Some of Doechii's viral hits include "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake," “What It Is,” "Boiled Peanuts," "DENIAL IS A RIVER," and "CATFISH," each of which blew up for different reasons. "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake" gained massive attention for its bold, unapologetic celebration of queerness, drawing in a loyal LGBTQ+ fanbase while spreading like wildfire across social media platforms. 

@umgph What's up?? Get to know @iamdoechii, the fabulous icon behind the viral hit #WhatItIs ♬ original sound - UMUSIC Philippines - UMG Philippines

"Boiled Peanuts" became an anthem for her hometown of Tampa and the south, with its catchy hooks and confident lyrics resonating with listeners who felt empowered by her cultural honesty. "DENIAL IS A RIVER" and "CATFISH" not only showcased her lyrical dexterity and innovative production but also went viral after Doechii's unforgettable performance at the 2025 Grammys, where they earned a standing ovation. These tracks not only earned her critical acclaim but cemented her place as one of rap's most exciting and forward-thinking voices.

Watch a medley of some of her biggest songs performed at The Grammys:

Her collaborations have also garnered her massive success, working with major players SZA, Tyler, The Creator, and Katy Perry on massive hits. See her collaboration with Tyler on "Ballon."

3. Her Fashion Is Off-The-Charts Incredible

Doechii's style is as unique and boundary-pushing as her music. Her fashion choices have sparked fascination and even inspired fan tributes. One of her most talked-about accessories? Face tape. Typically used in drag performances to elevate facial features, Doechii boldly showcases hers over her braids. When fans questioned if she knew it was visible, she cheekily responded on TikTok, confirming it was intentional. Her stylist, Sam Woolf, explained to the New York Times, "She enjoys revealing what is typically hidden. She thinks outside the box, embraces vulnerability, and likes to showcase elements that are usually kept under wraps.” Doechii's style oscillates between what she calls "swamp girl aesthetic" - think trucker hats and alligator-textured boots - and a more studious persona with striped polo shirts and pencil skirts. Her Grammy performance outfit, a Gucci ensemble featuring visible face tape and intricately woven braids connecting her to her backup dancers, was a powerful statement on her connection to black women through Hip Hop.

See the BTS of her looks with VOGUE below: 

4. She Is An Openly Bisexual Artist

Doechii's impact extends far beyond her music; she's a powerful voice for LGBTQIA+ visibility in the industry. As an openly bisexual artist, she uses her platform to amplify queer voices and experiences. In a heartfelt letter for Pride Month, she shared her journey with Billboard: “As a bisexual woman residing in Tampa, Florida during the early 2000s, I felt ostracized by my Southern milieu. My sexuality set me apart from the perceived norm, leaving me feeling marginalized and disconnected from my community.”

One of the most prominent moments that highlighted Doechii's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community came when she made an appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race. In January 2025, she appeared as a guest judge on the popular show, further solidifying her advocacy for the drag community and LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media. During this episode, the queens lip-synced to Doechii's track "Alter Ego," a song that speaks to her bold and confident alter ego, embracing the complexities of identity and gender expression. This collaboration was a clear indication that Doechii is not just a musician but also a proud supporter of the drag scene, which continues to be a source of inspiration and empowerment for the queer community. By lending her music to a moment as significant as this, Doechii not only amplified her influence but also demonstrated her willingness to embrace and support other LGBTQ+ artists in their quest for visibility.

@needles.drag_ "Lexi Love vs Crystal Envy"  #dragracese #rupaulsdragrace #rupauldragrace #dragrace #dragraceseason9 #dragraces14 #rupaul #dragraces17 ♬ sonido original - Palali Music

Her impact goes beyond her collaborations, though. Doechii's advocacy is rooted in the idea of creating space for diverse stories and experiences within the music industry, which has historically lacked inclusion. As an artist who has faced the challenges of being both a woman and a queer person in a male-dominated and heteronormative industry, Doechii understands the power of representation. She doesn't just talk about LGBTQ+ issues; she actively works to make space for queer artists and stories to thrive in mainstream media. Through her work, she encourages her fans and fellow artists to express their true selves, free from the constraints of societal expectations.

5. She Was The First Female Rapper Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (Kendrick Lamar, SZA)

Doechii's journey from a DIY artist to a Grammy-winning superstar is a testament to her talent and hustle. Before hitting it big, she was the ultimate one-woman show, handling everything from content creation and marketing to styling and video production. Her hard work paid off when she became the first female rapper to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), joining the ranks of stars like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. This historic signing was just the beginning of Doechii's industry takeover. Her collaborations and performances have been turning heads and breaking barriers. At the 2025 Grammys, she delivered a show-stopping rendition of several hits, earning a standing ovation.  Her win for Best Rap Album with Alligator Bites Never Heal not only solidified her place in hip-hop history but also marked a significant milestone for women in rap. As only the third woman to win in this category since its creation in 1989, Doechii joins the ranks of legends like Hill and Cardi B.

Photo Credit: @doechii on Instagram.