Doechii, the most versatile rapper of the moment

Doechii, stage name of Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon (born 1998), is one of the most dynamic and versatile artists on the contemporary music scene, standing out in the world of rap, but evolving in her sound to the point of touching on many other genres.

With an admirable ability to fuse genres and styles, many of us have been following her career for some years now, eager for everything she has to offer.

The evolution of her career from her first independent releases to signing with Top Dawg Entertainment is a testament to her talent and determination.

We are faced with a complete artist, who makes us feel, especially among fans of black music, things that we had not felt in music for some years. Especially if we look at it about a single person.

“Girls” (single, 2016), “Coven Music Session, Vol. 1” (2019) and “Oh The Places You’ll Go” (2020), her first works

Doechii began her career in 2016 with the release of her first single “Girls” on SoundCloud while she was in high school. This initial release allowed her to begin building a fan base. In 2019, she released “Coven Music Session, Vol. 1,” a project that combines autobiographical elements with raw, experimental sounds, cementing her place in the underground scene.

“Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” Doechii’s first big hit

In 2020, Doechii released the aforementioned “Oh The Places You’ll Go.” This EP includes the track “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” A song that went viral on TikTok in 2021 and racked up millions of streams, attracting the attention of major record labels and marking a turning point in her career.

Regarding the song’s references, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” takes its title directly from the books of Junie B. Jones, the main character of a series of children’s books written by Barbara Park. Junie B. Jones is known for having a vibrant personality, for her curiosity and for a rather direct way of seeing the world, characteristics that are also reflected in Doechii’s song.

But the singer goes further. In “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” Doechii brings back elements that evoke school and college, alluding directly to experiences and doubts typical of youth. This parallel not only highlights the naivety, anxiety, or energy of age, but also connects the song’s lyrics with exploration and self-expression, recurring themes in both the book series and Doechii’s music.

The song (and the video) stood out for its narrative, something that, in the end, if you’re lucky, gives much more play on social media. The mix of luck and talent made it viral on TikTok, which not only increased its popularity, but also led her to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment, home of artists such as Kendrick Lamar (at the time) and SZA.

It was from this moment on that many began to see in her an artist capable not only of composing and performing great songs, but also with a great personality and the ability to show herself artistically as someone unique.

2022, the year of confirmation with “Persuasive” (with SZA) and creative control with “Crazy”

2022 was a pivotal year for Doechii. Signing with Top Dawg Entertainment, she released the single “Persuasive,” a collaboration with SZA that celebrates marijuana use. Noted for its laid-back beat and witty lyrics, the song cemented her unique and distinctive style, despite not being particularly different from other female rappers or R&B singers.

Shortly after this single, Doechii released “Crazy,” a much bolder song that mixes rap, trap, and rock, showcasing her versatility and creative control. Both releases reaffirmed her position in the music industry and showcased her ability to innovate and surprise.

Visually, “Crazy” is a work that challenges the viewer to look at stigmatized images and asks them to see beyond the first impression: to see the female form not in moments of sexuality but in moments of truth, intensity and power; to see a woman express vivid and honest emotions.

Narratively consciously chaotic, it conveys a refreshing and very powerful energy. Like a kind of This Is America (by Childish Gambino), but in a female version and as a complement rather than an imitation or homage. A video that, despite starring naked women, does not exude sexuality. It exudes intensity, emotion and empowerment.

It is from this point on, when she does nothing but songs from different genres, that it seems that Doechii has found her sound, that it is no longer as important how she does it as what she does. It is from this moment that whenever we hear one of her songs we will know that it is hers, regardless of the genre or subgenre she plays. Even visually, where she also puts a lot of interest.

2023 and 2024, the last singles from the most versatile Doechii

Rap, trap, rock, house, representation, jazz fusion and gospel. In 2023 and 2024, Doechii has continued to prove her versatility with a string of successful releases. “What It Is (Block Boy)” featuring Kodak Black reached high positions on the charts and received platinum and gold single certifications.

Other notable singles for me are “Alter Ego” featuring JT and “Pacer,” which showcase her ability to fuse rap, trap and rock in innovative ways. Aside from these big hits, I don’t want to forget Booty Drop or her collaboration with Sminoy Fatman Scoop on Pro Freak, but especially the Mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal.

For me it’s clear, and even more so if we talk in international terms, given that Doechii is already an entity in the United States, but in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries perhaps not so much. So, if you’ve come this far, give her a chance (or several).

There’s no doubt that she deserves to be more recognized, she has the creativity, the art, the stage presence and the energy, as well as all the talent in the world, to be able to achieve what other rap greats have achieved before. Her flow, her lyricism, her style… they say that the music industry wasn’t ready for someone like her… because she’s remaking the canon.

Other Doechii’s collaborations and awards

Doechii has collaborated with several prominent artists and has been recognized numerous times for her talent. She has worked with artists such as Isaiah Rashad on “Wat U Sed,” and her collaboration with Babyface on “Girls Night Out” showcases her ability to cross genres and styles. She has been nominated and won several awards, including the “Rising Star” award at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards.

Her participation in “The Scarlet Tour” with Doja Cat and Ice Spice has further expanded her popularity and with the energy she displays on stage she has gained more fans than she already had. In fact, she has not only grown in number of followers.

In interviews, Doechii has spoken about the importance of community and connecting with other artists. Her artistic vision is very collaborative and her desire to support other women in the industry highlights her character and artistic vision, as seen in many of her songs and most of her music videos.