It’s Doechii’s World
May 30th, 2025
By Arianna Freels
Examining the rapper’s stardom
2025 has to be the year of Doechii. You probably have heard a few songs of hers or you are probably a full blown fan by now. It is undeniable that Doechii is a household name now.
Doechii is the stage name of Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, was born August 14th, 1998 in Tampa, Florida. She gained early internet fame with her YouTube channel in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Chronologizing her early music career and and truly humble beginnings by vlog. She posted about working retail, getting dumped and moreon her channel. Her first mixtape
Her first viral hit was back in 2023 . What it is hoe? Literally. An Instant hit. What it is (Block Boy), featured rapper Kodak Black and another version with just her. The single was released March, 17th 2023. A viral hit with over million videos used across TikTok , Instagram Reels, and Youtube Shorts. People making dances and more. It is considered her breakout hit, with her first billboard entry. Topping the Hip-Hop/R&B Charts in 2023 within the top 8 and 3 positions. Hot 100 #29 spot.
2023 was a big year as she starred in an A24 film, Earth Mama. Based on the short film by Savannah Leaf and Taylor Russell. The movie is about A pregnant single mother, with two children in foster care, embraces her Bay Area community as she fights to reclaim her family. Doechii stars as Trina.
Doechii also began touring with fellow rapper and singer, Doja Cat on her Scarlett Letter tour as a supporting act.
2024 Doechii Released her 2nd Mixtape; Alligator Bites Never Heal. An instant hit in the Hip-Hop scene. I may say that this release, has made its mark for this decades top Hip-Hop/Rap album.
Alter Ego featuring JT , along with Anixtey (re-released in 2025) became a sleeper hits. Alter-Ego was featured in January 2025 on Rupaul’s Drag Race, which Doechii guest judged.
Nissan Altima was the first single from her mixtape. I really apertaite the nod to the culture( & stigma of Altimas FYKYK LOL!). That single became another viral hit. Weeks ahead of her own mixtape drop. She charted on Tyler The Creator latest album single “Ballon” into the hot 100. She went through another huge push into the new year. Her second single “Denial is River” featured a star studded music video featuring Zach Fox as her boyfriend who she catches with her friend, played by Ricky Thompson. Appearances by Baby Tate, DJ Miss Milan, Earl Sweatshirt, H Wood, Schoolboy Q, SiR and Teezo Touchdown.
Doechii is officially making her stride in mainstream culture. Doechii is everywhere at the same time. 2025 is the year of Doechii. 2025 is hers. She was opening act ofr Kendrick Lamar’s & SZA;s Grand National Tour this year. In addition in Febuary, Doechii won her first Grammy for best Rap Album. That same month she she appeared at NYFW at the Dsqaured show , closing the runway show with Naomi Campbell. She doesn’t stop there. She will be toruing throughout the summer. She was also one of the headliners at Chicago’s music festival Lollapalooza, which JT was her music guest. She received honors at the Billboard Women in music show.
Doechii reminds me of late 90s early 00s rappers who experiminted with their image. They were the quirky black women who used their sexuality against social norms. I think of Missy Elliot. Her sounds were just relent on her sexuality or her looks. Her music always took you on a trip. Doechii must be doing something right because Lauryn Hill co-signed suring a performance for the Jazz in the Gardens in Miami in March of 2025.
There is just something about Doechii. It’s for the good. She is something we need so desperately back to music.
