Doechii: 10 Reasons Why She’s Not Just an Artist, She’s a Movement

I’m completely and unapologetically obsessed with Doechii. Her music, her personality, her creativity, her brain—it’s all captivating. My first time hearing her music was “Persuasive,” her collaboration with SZA. While the song immediately grabbed my attention, I didn’t fully dive into Doechii’s world at the time. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a TikTok video of someone raving about her “Boiled Peanuts” live performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that I truly began exploring her art. Since then, I’ve had her album on repeat. And now, it feels like she’s everywhere. She’s collaborating with everyone (including Katy Perry, Tyler, The Creator, Banks, JENNIE), doing everything (and proving she can do pretty much anything she sets her mind to), and it seems like her rise has been meteoric.

Here are just a few of the many reasons why I’m so in love with Doechii:

#1 Empowerment in Every Shade:

Doechii is an empowered Black queer artist hailing from Florida. She fearlessly embraces her roots and refuses to compromise her authentic self. This unapologetic self-expression is incredibly inspiring. If you don’t know much about her yet, you’ll understand why she’s so inspiring, so keep reading…

#2 Versatility is Her Superpower:

She effortlessly blends the personas of a baddie rapper with that of a silly, nerdy girl, and seamlessly transitions between being a powerful activist and a vulnerable human being. This versatility is part of her unique charm. Tyler, The Creator perfectly captured this essence in an interview with @nardwuar, calling Doechii a “genius” and an “alien.”

#3 A League of Her Own:

We’ve been blessed with incredible female rappers like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Latto. But let me tell you, Doechii brings something entirely new to the table. I’m beyond excited to see what she does next!

#4 Down-to-Earth Diva:

Beyond her real and vulnerable lyrics, Doechii’s openness about her struggles resonates deeply. A resurfaced 2020 video shows a pre-Grammy-winning Doechii sharing her experience of being fired from a job and her strong determination to pursue her music career, declaring, “I literally have nothing to lose.” This raw honesty serves as a powerful inspiration, particularly for young, creative Black girls. And now, she’s a Grammy winner – a testament to her resilience and talent.

“Sometimes the universe will remove or withhold, not to hurt you, but to free you or save you from what doesn’t lead you home.”

– butterflies rising

#5 Turning Anxiety into Art:

Doechii bravely tackles the sensitive and prevalent issue of anxiety in her music, turning personal struggles into some of the year’s most listened-to and shared songs. Her commitment to mental health extends beyond her music, as she launched the mental health resource website anxietyiswatchingme.com, born from her own experiences.

#6 A Sample Made in Heaven:

Let’s talk about the brilliance of “Anxiety.” Doechii sampled Gotye featuring Kimbra’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” and the result is simply divine. “Somebody That I Used to Know” was a defining song of 2011, a time when I was constantly hitting up indie bars and nightclubs in my hometown. I remember being completely captivated by its lyrics, vocals, and visuals. Interestingly, Gotye’s melody itself sampled the 1967 instrumental song “Seville” by the Brazilian artist Luiz Bonfá. It’s a beautiful layering of musical history!

#7 A Voice Like No Other:

Doechii’s voice is exceptional. Her rap delivery is clean, sharp, and smooth all at once—a combination that’s difficult to describe but instantly recognizable. As a non-native English speaker, I sometimes struggle to decipher rap lyrics, but with Doechii, I can clearly understand her words, her tone, and the emotions she transmits. Her songs easily move between various genres, bringing a fresh and innovative sound to the industry.

#8 Fashion Darling:

On top of everything else, Doechii is absolutely gorgeous and has impeccable style! I adore her fashion sense. She has a fantastic body and we love to see all that beautiful skin, but it’s even better when we get to see Doechii dressed in her incredible outfits. I always look forward to her photoshoots and red carpets. It’s no surprise that the CFDA named her a “Fashionable Celebrity to Watch.”

#9 “Alligator Bites Never Heal”: A Masterpiece:

Her album, “Alligator Bites Never Heal” (which I recently bought on vinyl—worth every penny!), is flawless from beginning to end. It’s the perfect soundtrack for strutting down the street, whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a night with friends. The album mixes rap, hip-hop, R&B, and indie pop, creating a rich collection of sounds and references. You’ll find everything from explicit lyrics (like in the unapologetic “Nissan Altima,” which I love) to deeply reflective ones (like in the raw “Bloom” and “Profit”). Listening to “Alligator Bites Never Heal” is almost like experiencing a captivating audiobook. If I had to use one word to describe Doechii, it would be “storyteller.” She’s a master of crafting narratives, especially her own, which requires immense courage. And get this: Doechii wrote this entire album in just 30 days! She set herself a strict 30-day timer, declaring, “I will not tweak anything, after 30 days it’s done.” Isn’t that wild?

And let’s not forget the album cover—it’s a work of art! The composition, the chic colors, the perfect symmetry, and the rich symbolism all contribute to its brilliance. If you’re a vinyl collector, this album is an absolute must-have! (I found mine on Amazon here).

#10 “Doechii the Don, Doechii the dean, Doechii supreme, the Swamp Ruler”:

Doechii is a force to be reckoned with. So far, she has not only won a Grammy Award (Best Rap Album) from three nominations, but also received the 2023 Rising Star, the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist, and 2024 Woman of the Year from Billboard Women in Music. She’s going to need a bigger trophy case, because the accolades are sure to keep coming.

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I could go on and on about why I love Doechii, but ultimately, you need to experience her magic for yourself. So, do yourself a favor and listen to her album on Spotify or your preferred music streaming platform. Then, please share your own reasons for being as obsessed as I am in the comments below!