At the 2025 Grammys, Doechii made a strong impression when she won the category “Best Rap Album”. This success not only affirmed her outstanding talent but also strengthened the position of female rappers in the modern music industry.
Doechii , whose real name is Jaylah Hickmon, was born in 1998 in Tampa, Florida. As a child, she attended the Howard W. Blake School of the Arts, which introduced her to the freestyle rap genre. Doechii then began her music career as an independent rapper , releasing her first tracks on SoundCloud and YouTube. Her unique style and versatility quickly gained her attention on social media.
The nickname “Swamp Princess” comes from the rapper’s hometown of Tampa.
Doechii’s career breakthrough came in 2022 when she signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), a label that has launched artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA . She became TDE’s first female rapper, marking a major milestone in the artist’s journey.
2022 is an important milestone in Doechii’s career.
What makes Doechii stand out from many rappers of her time is her ability to blend different genres of music in her work. She doesn’t just rap, but also incorporates elements of R&B, Pop, and even Alternative music, creating a unique musical color.
Doechii’s songs often have deep content, from personal stories such as alcoholism, drug abuse to social issues. She is not afraid to express herself in a strong, straightforward and creative way.
Tracks such as “Persuasive” , “Crazy” , “What It Is”, “DENIAL IS A RIVER” and “I’m His, He’s Mine” (featuring Katy Perry ) all received critical acclaim for their distinct sound and energetic performance style.
In addition to music, Doechii also impresses with her unique image, unique fashion and excellent stage skills. Her performances are always explosive, artistic and make the audience unable to take their eyes off.
In late 2024, she was named ” Hip-Hop Trendsetter of the Year” by Variety magazine in recognition of the artist’s growing influence in the music industry.
She has been honored by magazines for her influence on the hip-hop music scene.
At the 2025 Grammys , Doechii beat out tough rivals in the Rap world such as Eminem , J.Cole, Future & Metro Boomin to take home the prestigious golden trumpet in the category “Best Rap Album”.
Before Doechii, only two female rappers had won this category: Lauryn Hill (1999) and Cardi B (2019). Doechii becoming the third female rapper to win the award has great significance for the Hip-Hop music scene in particular and the music industry in general. This not only affirms the change of the industry, but also opens the door for many other female rappers to enter the game, which has long been dominated by male artists.
Appearing since 1989, Doechii is only the third female artist to receive this award.
Doechii shared about her win: “I poured my heart and soul into this album. I exposed my life, what I’ve been through… There are a lot of people who probably don’t know who I am. I used to call myself ‘Swamp Princess’ because I’m from Tampa, Florida! I want to tell all the black women who are watching me right now, you can do it. Anything is possible. Don’t let anyone put any stereotype on you. You are the perfect version of yourself to be where you are – and I am living proof of that . “
The 2025 Grammys witnessed a historic moment in Hip-Hop music, and this is certainly just the beginning of Doechii’s breakthrough journey. With her talent and endless creativity, the female artist is expected to become one of the leading names of the new generation of rappers.
Doechii is an inspiration to women of color.
