How Doechii Became A Dynamic Force In Pop Culture [Gallery]

Source: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV / Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting the Swamp Princess, Doechii. Read more about how she’s becoming a dynamic force in music and pop culture, and celebrate with a gallery of her most fabulous and stylish looks inside. Doechii hails from Tampa, Florida, where she gets her moniker “Swamp Princess.” We want to highlight how she rose from a striving independent artist to international acclaim, epitomizing resilience, authenticity, and innovation.

Early Life and Musical Genesis

Born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon on August 14, 1998, in Tampa, Doechii’s artistic inclinations were evident early on. Engaging in ballet, tap dancing, acting, cheerleading, gymnastics, and soccer during her youth, she cultivated a diverse creative foundation. Her father Snatcha Da Boss’ involvement in rap introduced her to the genre, and a friend’s encouragement led her to release music online as an independent artist.

Rise to Prominence

Doechii’s breakthrough came from TikTok, where her distinctive style captured widespread attention. This surge in popularity led to her signing with Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records in 2022. Her 2023 single, “What It Is (Block Boy),” featuring Kodak Black, marked her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Critical Acclaim and Achievements

In 2024, Doechii released her third mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim. The mixtape won Best Rap Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, making her the third female artist to receive this honor. The project also produced two additional Billboard Hot 100 entries: “Nissan Altima” and “Denial Is a River.” Her accolades include a Grammy Award from three nominations and the 2023 Rising Star Award from Billboard Women in Music. She has also been nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards, a BET Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards.

Artistic Evolution and Influence

Doechii’s artistry is characterized by an animated rap delivery and quirky narratives, drawing comparisons to Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott. She describes her music as alternative hip-hop and cites influences such as Nicki, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Tyler, The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA. Her versatility is further showcased through her evolving style and aesthetic, which has been highlighted in various fashion circles. Beyond her professional achievements, Doechii’s personal journey includes her openness about her bisexuality and recent sobriety. In a 2024 interview with Joe Budden, she discussed her decision to embrace sobriety after years of heavy drinking, reflecting her commitment to personal growth and well-being. The beloved rapper believes her dedication to sobriety and her faith is what brought her the fame and notoriety she desired.

Recent Highlights

In January 2025, Doechii reconnected with her soccer-playing roots in a Major League Soccer (MLS) “Game On” advertisement, showcasing her multifaceted talents. She also appeared alongside one of her influences Lauryn Hill, performing “Doo Wop (That Thing)” together at Jazz in the Gardens. Doechii’s journey from a multifaceted artist in Tampa to a Grammy-winning musician serves as an inspiring testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and artistic innovation. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, her story reminds us of the profound impact that embracing one’s true self can have on the world.