Tampa rap music star Doechii, fresh off a groundbreaking year that earned her three Grammy nominations, took to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert to showcase her hometown pride and musical talent. The 26-year-old, born Jaylah Hickmon, delivered a high-energy medley of tracks from her critically acclaimed 2024 mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, including the fan favorites “Boiled Peanuts” and “Denial is a River.”
Her performance, which features a self-choreographed routine and backup dancers, caught fire on social media, racking up nearly 5 million views on TikTok within a day. As she rapped into a gator-green microphone, Doechii shouted out her roots, declaring, “In the 813, this my legacy,” referencing the area code for Tampa.
The rising star, who has dominated the rap scene with her unique blend of Southern flair and sharp lyricism, has seen her career skyrocket since 2023. That year, she celebrated a No. 1 single on the Billboard charts and toured with Doja Cat, opening for the rapper in her hometown with an unforgettable airboat performance.
Now, with Grammy nominations for Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance (“Nissan Altima”), and Best Rap Album (“Alligator Bites Never Heal”), Doechii is further cementing her place in the music world. The mixtape, which pays homage to her Florida roots, has earned critical acclaim, landing on top year-end lists from Pitchfork and Rolling Stone.
As she continues to shine, Doechii’s week isn’t over yet—today marks the debut of her highly anticipated Tiny Desk concert on NPR, adding to a whirlwind year that shows no signs of slowing down.
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