In 2023, Doechii, the stage name of Florida-born rapper Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon, proudly announced she was three years into her five-year journey to become a leading figure in the music industry. "By year five, I want to be at my peak," she expressed in a Billboard interview. At that time, although known for viral hits like "Persuasive," which even made it onto Barack Obama's summer playlist, she had yet to penetrate mainstream music.
Fast forward to 2025, and Doechii stands as a Grammy Award-winning artist honored as "woman of the year," preparing for one of the most anticipated performances at Glastonbury Festival. The turning point in her career is often debated: some credit her captivating performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last December, where she invoked her therapist in a theatrical depiction of personal trials in songs like "Boiled Peanuts." Others highlight her infectious Tiny Desk Concert, performed just days later, which radiated with vibrant energy and led to the fame of her mixtape, "Alligator Bites Never Heal."
Her exceptional Grammy performance further solidified her status as a role model, especially for young, black, queer women, as she encouraged them not to abide by stereotypes and to embrace their uniqueness. Her blend of artistry combined with powerful social messages resonated deeply, allowing her to reach new heights of success.
Born to a single mother in Tampa, Florida, Doechii began her life in a "heavily Christian" upbringing but found solace in creativity and poetry. Overcoming a painful childhood marked by bullying, she created her alter-ego, Doechii, and delved into her love for music. Her time at Howard W. Blake School of the Arts enabled her to explore various artistic expressions, which included pursuing gymnastics, and later led to abandoning her original ambition of being a chorister to focus on her own music production.
Doechii's first foray into music began in 2016 with the release of her initial tracks. After some struggle, her breakthrough came with the 2020 release of “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” That catchy tune marked a pivotal change in her writing approach; her lyrics became more honest and reflective of her personal experiences. Subsequent singles like "Persuasive" gained traction, drawing admiration from prominent figures in the industry.
Despite facing setbacks with less successful releases, Doechii's artistic prowess was recognized, ultimately leading to the release of "Alligator Bites Never Heal," which gained critical acclaim. Her rise continued as she exhibited her creativity through theatrical performances at major events, booking her appearances on platforms like the Colbert show and NPR's Tiny Desk.
Although she initially planned to release her debut album in time for Glastonbury, she chose to take her time perfecting it. In her upcoming projects, Doechii plans to continue sharing her growth as an artist, symbolizing her evolution from a student of hip-hop to a confident star. As she prepares to headline Glastonbury with a promise to deliver an unforgettable experience, her resolute spirit and unique voice ensure that Doechii is here to stay, echoing in the lyrics of her single, "Will she ever lose? Man, I guess we'll never know."
