Doechii: Elevating the Female Rap Landscape
Right now, one of the most potent forces in rap isn’t just a rising star but a woman redefining the entire genre. Her name is Doechii, and she’s not just riding the wave of the rap game; she’s steering it somewhere entirely new. The Tampa-born rapper, singer, and self-proclaimed “swamp princess” is one of the most exciting artists elevating the landscape of female rap.
In a genre where women have long had to fight for space, respect, and creative freedom, Doechii is actively creating history. Through her use of energetic and fun beats and playful lyricism that is layered with deeper themes of mental health issues, drug abuse, gender, race, and many other aspects of self-discovery, Doechii’s vulnerability in her music gives her this sense of authenticity that makes her so unique. Her 2024 mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, is a perfect example. In songs like “Denial Is a River,” she raps in conversation with her therapist alter ego, blurring the line between stream-of-consciousness confession and stylized storytelling. That duality of raw emotion wrapped in sonic experimentation makes Doechii one of the most compelling artists working today.
Combining her music with her theatricality makes Doechii more than just an artist; she is a performer. In the music video for “Denial Is a River,” Doechii does more than simply use the nostalgic aesthetics of classic Black sitcoms; she reimagines and reinvents them. Drawing heavily from the format of “Family Matters,” Doechii creates a parody of the iconic ‘90s show, infusing it with her own personal narrative while paying homage to Black media's cultural significance. The video perfectly combines humor and satire, as Doechii makes light of her journey and uses the sitcom medium to highlight the broader themes of race, identity, and community within the Black experience.
Beyond her music videos, her live performances have further solidified her as a true performer. In her Late Show performance, Doechii made a bold statement with her visual presentation, showcasing her cornrows intricately tied to those of her two background dancers, creating the illusion of a continuous braid. Her cornrows weren’t just a hairstyle; they were deliberate, artistic choices that symbolized unity and connection among the performers, along with braids' more profound cultural significance. The hair artist behind the look, Malcolm Marquez, explained that “connectivity” was central to the concept, reflecting how braids can link people together while also serving as a personal connection to one's identity. The connected cornrows evoked a sense of community within individuality, celebrating the cultural roots of braids while exploring their deeper symbolic meaning. Once again, this moment highlighted Doechii's commitment to using her platform to express her racial identity, connecting her to her heritage and the collective power of Black artistry.
In creating authentic art, Doechii has become a force in the rap landscape, and her impact isn’t going unnoticed. In February 2025, Doechii made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, becoming only the third woman ever to receive the honor, standing alongside Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Her win wasn’t just personal; it was a cultural moment—a reminder that women like Doechii, who dare to be different, can shift the foundation of an entire genre.
What makes Doechii’s journey remarkable is her ability to blend cultural community with individuality. She uses her platform to champion Black culture and showcase her identity within it. Doechii isn’t here to adapt to the rap world; she’s here to reimagine it. She challenges conventional norms through her unapologetic lyrics, visual aesthetics, and performances, breaking boundaries with each release. Doechii is doing something beyond just making music; she’s making statements and just getting started.
Strike Out,
Writer: Daniella Garcia-Novas
Editor: Grace Groover
Graphic Designer: Ryan Hanak
Tallahassee