Doechii Is Who Hip-Hop Has Been Waiting For

Whether she’s calling herself the hip-hop Madonna, the trap Grace Jones, or the swamp princess, in 2025, everyone knows the name Doechii. 

For many, the first introduction to her discography came with her 2020 hit song “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” inspired by the popular Junie B. Jones children’s book series from the 90s. The titular kindergartener was bold and rebellious, a persona that resonated with Doechii throughout her childhood in Tampa, Florida. 

The song initially caught listeners’ attention because of its honest storytelling and fast-paced vocals, while many others noticed how it deviated from the industry’s predictable, overused rap music formulas. 

On TikTok, the hashtag “yuckybluckyfruitcake” has over three million uses. The track has also been streamed over 56 million times on Spotify and landed on 70+ editorial playlists, including its flagship hip-hop series, RapCaviar. Following her viral success, Doechii began collaborating with mainstream artists like Doja Cat, Katy Perry, and SZA, solidifying a loyal fanbase who wanted to learn more about the inspirations behind her music and style.

Now, over the past four years, Doechii’s been locked in and stacking major milestones. She became the first female rapper to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment, performed onstage with Lauryn Hill, and, most recently, won the Grammy for Best Rap Album with her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. She is only the third woman ever to win the award since it was introduced in 1989.  The mixtape is considered a “no-skip” by fans and critics alike, with standout hits like “Denial is a River,” “Nissan Altima,” “Catfish” and the extended version’s latest addition, “Anxiety.”  Her unique and memorable performances elevate the tracks further, showcasing the many facets of her artistry. 

One of Doechii’s most powerful songs, “Denial is a River,” went viral for its raw, introspective lyricism. It opens with a faux-recorded conversation with a concerned friend (voiced by Doechii herself). She deflects the concern by focusing on her success:

(Platinum record this, viral record that/ I’m makin’ so much money, I’m all over the net). 

However, the façade crumbles in the second verse when she confronts her struggles head-on and analyzes the psychology behind her risky choices (I mean, fuck, I like pills, I like drugs/I like gettin’ money, I like strippers, I like to fuck/I like day-drinkin’ and day parties and Hollywood / I like doin’ Hollywood shit, snort it? Probably would). 

On one hand, sharing such personal experiences makes her authentic, but on the other it still allows her sound to be impossible to pin down or replicate, and that’s exactly why she’s winning. Her passion for reviving old-school hip-hop culture is tangible in the same way Missy Elliott’s raw energy, Nicki Minaj’s versatility, and Lauryn Hill’s boldness can still be felt. However, Doechii presents her work with a fearless originality that’s entirely her own.

Like the female rap legends before her — think Salt-N-Pepa, Lil’ Kim, and Eve — Doechii’s influence extends beyond her musical prowess. Her visual storytelling is just as striking, aided by distinctive, character-driven fashion choices. 

Her pinstripe academic aesthetic has become a major talking point among fashion bloggers and publications. A stark contrast from her self-described “trashy-core” aesthetic, this new era is preppy, tailored, and reflective of her personal and artistic growth.

In a Vogue interview, she explained, “I did a lot of studying; studying myself and a student of hip-hop, which you can see reflected in some of the academia looks.”

Her Grammy performance with the theatrical strip away, revealing a pinstripe-lined white bikini underneath her suit, embodied the duality of her new persona — polished rap star and unfiltered performer, moving to her own rhythm. 

But that’s not the only style she’s been showcasing lately.  At Paris Fashion Week (where she also performed) she opened her tour with a star-studded golden-yellow Maison Valentino gown at Le Grande Dîner du Louvre. Her final look was a two-tone denim and pleated white fabric dress, paired with a voluminous blowout at Schiaparelli. Wearing the couture gowns highlighted her ability to balance sophistication and her usual eclectic style.

Doechii is redefining what it means to be a female rapper in an era where being aesthetically pleasing is how you get people’s undivided attention. But what makes her so necessary right now?

She’s bringing rap back to its roots — raw, fearless, and constantly evolving. She isn’t just the next big thing; she’s the future of hip-hop, the artist we didn’t know we needed but absolutely can’t ignore.