Doechii is kicking off her 2024 in style, marking her presence as the latest featured artist in NPR’s Tiny Desk Series. She captivated the audience alongside an ensemble of talented Black women, all sporting complementary cornrows, delivering a dynamic and powerful performance.
The set began with the mellow track “Boom Bap,” a playful single from her debut mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, released under Top Dawg Entertainment. The audience was treated to jazzy renditions of tracks like “Boiled Peanuts” and “Hide and Seek.” Notably, she introduced a softer version of the frenetic rap “Denial is a River,” which Rolling Stone hailed as one of the best songs of the year.
Switching gears, Doechii brought the energy up with the hard-hitting track “Catfish,” where her growls set the stage for an intense performance underscored by a striking horn section reminiscent of C-Murda’s iconic style. She showcased her rapid-fire rap skills during an a cappella rendition of “Nissan Altima,” demonstrating her versatility as an artist. The spirited performance culminated in an infectious praise break, leaving the audience energized.
In a heartfelt moment, she chose to perform “Black Girl Memoir” from her 2020 EP Oh, The Places You’ll Go, expressing its significance: “I wrote this song specifically for Black women.” Doechii dedicated the track to all the beautiful dark-skinned women present, highlighting the unique experiences that resonate deeply in today’s social climate.
With significant accolades already in her portfolio, Doechii has been nominated for three Grammy Awards at the 2025 ceremony, including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Performance. Additionally, Kaytranda’s remix of her song “Alter Ego” featuring JT has earned a nod for “Best Remixed Recording.”
Alligator Bites Never Heal has impressively secured the No. 9 spot on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2024 list. This week, Doechii also delivered another remarkable performance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, following a recent live conversation with Brittany Howard at Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians event at the Apollo, where both artists left memorable impressions.
This vibrant start to 2024 not only highlights Doechii’s talent but also exemplifies the incredible contributions of Black women in the music industry today. As she continues to rise, her dedication to her roots and community shines through, offering hope and inspiration to many.