Just five years ago, Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon—better known as Doechii—was a young woman from Tampa, Florida, struggling to survive without a stable income or a home. Today, she holds a Grammy, boasts millions of streams, and has secured a record deal with Kendrick Lamar’s label. Her rise to fame is nothing short of extraordinary.
Moving to Los Angeles and Signing with TDE
In 2021, Doechii caught the attention of Anthony "Moosa" Tiffith Jr., president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). Impressed by her talent, he encouraged her to move to Los Angeles. A year later, she officially signed with TDE, becoming the label’s first female rapper, joining the ranks of artists like SZA and Kendrick Lamar.
Alligator Bites Never Heal – A Raw, Unfiltered Mixtape
In 2024, Doechii released Alligator Bites Never Heal, a project that went beyond a typical debut mixtape—it was a deep, personal confession. Songs like Denial is a River delve into themes of pain, depression, recovery, and personal loss.
"I poured my soul into this mixtape. God told me I’d be rewarded for everything I went through—and He was right."
Critics praised the project for its authenticity, describing it as a fearless blend of ‘90s boom-bap beats and raw lyricism, unfiltered and unapologetic.
A Historic Grammy Win
On February 2, 2025, Doechii made history by winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album. She stood as the only woman nominated among rap giants like J. Cole, Future, and Eminem. More importantly, she became only the third female rapper to ever win the award, following Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.
"I know there’s a little Black girl watching me right now," she said in her emotional acceptance speech. "I want her to know—anything is possible."
With tears in her eyes and her mother by her side, she sent a powerful message of empowerment:
"Never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong here. You are exactly where you’re meant to be."
From TikTok Sensation to Global Star
Doechii’s breakout moment came in 2021 when her song Yucky Blucky Fruitcake went viral on TikTok. Since then, she has continued to make waves:
✔ Her Tiny Desk Concert in 2023 surpassed 13 million views and was hailed as "triumphant" by Rolling Stone.
✔ In 2025, her song Anxiety resurfaced thanks to a viral TikTok connecting it to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
✔ Through her electrifying performances on The Late Show and other major platforms, she continues to challenge stereotypes about women in rap.
A Fearless, Authentic Artist
Doechii isn’t just another rapper—she’s a force of nature. She openly embraces her bisexuality, speaks out against racism and sexism, and brings a fresh perspective to female rap.
She’s unafraid to discuss mental health.
She refuses to hide her vulnerabilities.
She boldly claims her space in the industry.
From losing everything to standing on the world’s biggest music stage, Doechii is more than just the next rising rap star—she’s a phenomenon, and her journey is only beginning.
