Doechii's Rise to Stardom: How the Rapper Became Hip Hop's Brightest New Star
Recently, the name Doechii has been on everyone's lips. The Tampa-born rapper made history by becoming the third female artist ever to win the award for Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards, following in the footsteps of icons Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Her journey to this major accolade has been remarkable, particularly since the release of her highly praised mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal.
The Beginning of Her Career
Doechii began her music career as an independent artist, launching her self-funded mixtape, Oh the Places You’ll Go, in 2020. This project captured attention, especially due to the viral success of her single, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” Reflecting on those early days, Doechii shared, “That was me 100 percent independently. I spent every last dime I had on that project. I came up with all of the concepts, hired the team, and even drove the U-Haul truck to take the props out. I did everything by myself at that time.”
Signing With Top Dawg Entertainment
In 2022, after gaining fame for her EP and collaborations with artists like Isaiah Rashad, she signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). This label is known for featuring top artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Doechii made history as the first female rapper to join TDE. She stated, “With TDE, we have the same vision about where I’m going. It feels great to have that machine next to me, but I was prepared to be that machine with or without them.”
Major Hits and Acclaimed Mixtape
Shortly after her signing, Doechii released her breakthrough single, “Persuasive,” which showcased her incredible rhymes and captivating dance skills. This followed with another hit, “Crazy,” where she empowered women by redefining the term "crazy" to express uncontained power and confidence.
In 2023, Doechii delivered her biggest success to date with “What it Is (Block Boy),” a song inspired by the 90s that cleverly samples the TLC classic “No Scrubs.” This track reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for the MTV VMAs’ Song of the Summer award.
A Continuous Flow of Creativity
As 2024 unfolded, Doechii continued to release infectious singles, including “Altar Ego” featuring JT, “MPH,” and “Rocket.” These tracks highlighted her versatile musical style and extensive knowledge of the craft. However, the most significant moment came with her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, which marked a pivotal point in her career.
Upon its release, the mixtape earned immediate acclaim, with critics praising its genre-blending style and honest lyrics that explore her career, creativity, and personal struggles. In particular, the single “Denial is a River” went viral, showcasing her storytelling ability as she reflected on personal experiences of love and betrayal.
A Memorable Grammy Night
At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Doechii not only secured the Best Rap Album award but also delivered a spectacular live performance featuring her popular songs “Catfish” and “Denial is a River.” Through her impressive presence and undeniable talent, Doechii reaffirmed her position as a rising star in the hip hop scene.
As we reflect on her journey, it’s clear that Doechii is not just a passing trend; she is here to stay and is likely to continue making waves in the music industry for years to come.
Doechii, Grammy, Music