Doechii is making a powerful statement as she launches into 2024, recently taking the spotlight in NPR’s Tiny Desk Series. Accompanied by an all-female ensemble of Black musicians, the dynamic performance showcased her unique sound and artistry.
The set opened with the calm but clever “Boom Bap,” a track from her debut mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, produced in collaboration with Top Dawg Entertainment. Her jazzy interpretations of songs like “Boiled Peanuts” and “Hide and Seek” were evocative, and fans were treated to a softer version of “Denial is a River”—a song that chronicles a challenging period in her life and has garnered recognition from Rolling Stone as one of the best songs of the year.
Transitioning to a harder sound, Doechii unleashed the energetic “Catfish,” showcasing her fierce vocals accompanied by an energetic horn section. She also delivered an impressive a cappella rendition of part of “Nissan Altima,” creating an electrifying atmosphere with her high-energy performance, which concluded with a spirited praise break.
During the performance, Doechii included “Black Girl Memoir” from her 2020 EP Oh, The Places You’ll Go, explaining its personal significance as a tribute to the experiences of Black women. “I wrote this song specifically for Black women,” she stated, emphasizing her dedication to celebrating their resilience and beauty.
As Doechii continues to rise in the music industry, she has received three Grammy nominations for the 2025 awards, including categories for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Performance. Additionally, Kaytranada’s remix of her song “Alter Ego” featuring JT has been nominated for Best Remixed Recording.
Her album Alligator Bites Never Heal has been well-received, landing at No. 9 on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2024 list. Recently, she captivated audiences with another outstanding performance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and also participated in a conversation with Brittany Howard at Rolling Stone‘s Musicians on Musicians event at the Apollo, further solidifying her status as an emerging force in the music scene.
With her unique sound, powerful messages, and a commitment to uplifting Black voices, Doechii’s journey in the music industry is one to watch. Her ongoing contributions and recognition highlight an inspiring trend toward greater representation and diversity in the arts.