Between Rap and Performance: How Doechii is Shaping the Future of Music

When we look at the musical scene of rap, it is almost impossible to ignore artists who not only master the lyrics but also the presence and authenticity in the urban landscape. Constituted by a great personality and attitude, these aspects stand out to those who see them amidst the stages — it’s not for nothing that Doechii is proof of that.

Blending rap, alternative R&B, and elements of hyperpop, the new female personality in rap challenges the rules of the game and refuses to be boxed into a single label. From her first viral tracks to her meteoric rise with TDE, DoeChii proves that the future of female rap is diverse, bold, and unafraid to experiment. More than an artist, she is a symbol of representation and reinvention.

The rapper, born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, started her journey in rap by posting tracks on SoundCloud, where she caught attention with a unique and authentic sound. This led to her first big breakthrough with “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” an autobiographical track that went viral on TikTok and made her a name to watch. With a versatile flow and a magnetic stage presence, it wasn’t long before Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) — home to names like Kendrick Lamar and SZA — reached out to the rapper and invested in her career. Signing with TDE was a milestone. Unlike many female rappers who follow predictable formulas, Doechii brought something new: a fusion of aggression and theatricality, with references ranging from punk to voguing.

CHILDHOOD AND THE RISE OF DOECHII

Since childhood, the rapper has already been giving hints of her future success and that she was destined for the stage. With a background focused on artistic areas from ballet to choir, she has always demonstrated a high aptitude for different forms of art. But her focus came from her connection with music — where she found her own space. Creating the persona “Doechii” in her teenage years to protect herself from bullying, she turned this attitude into fuel for her career. “I was becoming less of myself to fit into the box that [the bullies] wanted to put me in, and that wasn’t really who I was. I was bright and I’ve always been stunning,” said the rapper — showing that not even the most tumultuous moments could take her away from her goal and from herself.

In 2016, she began releasing tracks on SoundCloud, and the breakthrough came with Yucky Blucky Fruitcake on TikTok, paving the way for major contracts. As the first female rapper signed by Top Dawg Entertainment, she continued to gain recognition with awards and high-profile collaborations, including Beyoncé and Katy Perry. But it was with the mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal that the world really stopped to pay attention. Her prominence was so assertive that it quickly showed that she didn’t come just to be another — but to make her mark.

FASHION

In terms of fashion, her style is quite characteristic and mixes theatricality, humor, and a striking aspect of the rap scene. Doechii, through her clothes, brings the spotlight to her entire artistic identity, showing she is a complete performer — not just another rapper. “I also started to feel drawn to more comfortable clothes. I never dressed for comfort; that wasn’t me. I liked to wear avant-garde things, the most uncomfortable and theatrical possible. Now, I prioritize comfort above everything,” says the artist, stating that despite playing with various aesthetics and styles — she prefers comfort.

This visual construction aligns with her sound, marked by comedic and provocative verses, unafraid to expose her truths, addressing themes such as mental health and sexuality. Her essence caught the eyes of audiences outside her bubble, winning over fans of Nicki Minaj for her wordplay and of SZA for the vulnerability and sensitivity in her lyrics. Additionally, her presence has graced the front row of various fashion shows such as Schiaparelli, Tom Ford, Acne Studios, and her iconic participation in Dsquared2 — where she opened the show impacting the audience by coming out of a tank while the sounds of “Nissan Altima” played.

TRAJECTORY/ DECISIVE MOMENT

The artist has always had a frenetic energy and insane stage presence, but in a turning point, she made a decision that directly impacted her art and well-being: reducing the use of certain substances to focus entirely on music. In several interviews and posts, she has implied that she wants to be more present, sharper, and more connected with her creative process.

This shows not only maturity but also how seriously she takes her career. The music industry has a heavy history of excesses, but seeing an artist like Doechii choose mental clarity to elevate her sound not only sounds inspiring but also showcases the result of her evolution. This only reinforces what she represents: authenticity, control over her narrative, and a real commitment to her artistic evolution.

“I’m hungry. I want to be the best. If I have two days, or 24 hours, I’ll work the hardest to give the best performance because I want to be the best. Period,” claimed the rapper.

Doechii quickly proved that she was not just another artist of the new generation. Her feats, performances, and releases showcase the weight of her presence in the scene. “Persuasive,” in collaboration with SZA, is an example of this: one of the songs that consolidated her space in TDE, with an addictive groove and a chorus that became a mantra. At the BET Awards 2022, her performance was one of the most talked-about moments of the event, blending rap, dance, and futuristic aesthetics. Additionally, her work with Black Bitch demonstrated her versatility, exploring different facets of her identity and musicality.

ALBUM 'ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL'

One of her biggest highlights came from her R&B and hip-hop mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal”, which took 30 days to be written, recorded, and produced — with references to Minnie’s album “Adventures in Paradise”. Just as Minnie used a real animal (in this case, a lion) for the execution of her project, Doechii followed suit and included an albino alligator. The entire album expresses her love for Florida — her home state; and that’s why the chosen animal fits perfectly with the project’s message, as it’s used as a symbol of Florida. “I poured my heart and soul into this mixtape,” the artist said when receiving the “Best Rap Album” award at the Grammys. “I opened my life. I’ve been through so much. I committed to sobriety, and God told me that this would be rewarded,” the rapper stated.

Additionally, the mixtape shows total cohesion and harmony when she highlights her journey, indicating that, just like in the title “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” — that was shaped by the wounds/bites from people close to her or that she inflicted on others; highlighting that she is who she is because of her narrative. “When people are listening to this project, they are really witnessing me reconnecting with my roots. I learned to rap through boom bap beats, through classic beats. My first rap I made was a diss track,” says Doechii.

This moment marked not only her career but also the industry, receiving three Grammy nominations, including Best Rap Album, nominated in the category with a mixtape format. Accordingly, Doechii became the third woman alongside Lauryn Hill and Cardi B to win the “Best Rap Album” at the Grammys.

MILESTONES

The rising artist is in a gradual moment, and during this time, Doechii earned the title of Billboard Woman of the Year in 2025, adding her name alongside Taylor Swift, Karol G, SZA, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, and Lady Gaga.

Doechii also made history by entering the Billboard Hot 100 twice with the same song - “Anxiety” - a rare and impressive moment. The journey of the hit began in 2019 when the singer released the track on YouTube. Years later, the rapper Sleepy Hallow used her chorus to create his own version, with Doechii credited as a feat. The explosion came in 2023 when both versions went viral, propelled by TikTok and even Will Smith, who recreated an iconic scene from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to the sound of the track. In addition to global success, Doechii also has a special connection with Brazil: her version of “Anxiety” includes a sample of “Seville” by legendary Brazilian violinist Luiz Bonfá.

RELATIONSHIP WITH BRAZIL

The relationship with Brazil, however, has its highs and lows. In 2024, the rapper disappointed fans by canceling her show at the Afropunk Experience in São Paulo, but now seems willing to make amends. In February, she promised to come to Brazil soon and, on the Hot Ones Versus show, revealed that one of her goals is to visit the country frequently and even speak Portuguese fluently. If she keeps her promise, Doechii's connection with Brazil could go far beyond a sample.

REPRESENTATION

Today, she stands out as a symbol of courage and creative essence, unafraid to be who she is — becoming a representative icon that resonates with many. As a Black and queer woman, she challenges the normative standards of rap, a genre still dominated by men and by a traditional view of femininity. Her visual style, lyrics, and performances reflect an authentic and powerful identity, paving the way for other artists who do not want to follow the industry's imposed script.

Doechii's aesthetic and sound show that hip-hop knows no limits. She plays with different styles, from aggressive rap to experimental pop, proving that the new generation of artists can be multifaceted. Additionally, her authenticity inspires young creators to express themselves without fear, whether in music, fashion, or attitude. “You have to dream and find time to dream, or else you stop creating new things to pursue,” said the rapper in an interview with Dazed magazine.

Furthermore, when we look at the social and cultural aspect, Doechii notably stands out as a powerful figure for Black girls, offering a model of both authenticity and empowerment, and overcoming challenges. “I know there is some Black girl watching this right now, and I want to say that you can make it. Don’t let them project stereotypes onto you. You are exactly who you need to be, and I am proof of that,” said Doechii.

While many contemporary female rappers follow a more commercial line, Doechii challenges this logic by bringing a sound and image that are more alternative. She is not limited to sexy or gangsta – she is all of that and much more. Her performative energy reminds artists like Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaj but with a futuristic twist and a strong commitment to experimentation.

THE FUTURE OF RAP

It seems that Doechii is not just a rising star – but a metamorphosis that is shaping the future of rap. Her presence goes beyond music, challenging norms while expanding possibilities and opening doors for a new generation. Today, as she represents what she already is, we confirm the obvious — that Doechii is one of the most innovative voices in the scene, destined to be even more impactful.