Doechii Delivers Grammy-Nominated Brilliance at Tiny Desk
Doechii, affectionately known as the “Swamp Princess,” has risen as one of music’s most exciting and fearless voices. Born Jaylah Hickmon in Tampa, Florida, she’s built a reputation for seamlessly blending rap, R&B, and experimental sounds to craft a style that is uniquely her own.
December has been an extraordinary month for Doechii, the three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist. Fresh off her sold-out Alligator Bites Never Heal Tour—which brought her dynamic artistry to the U.S., Europe, and the UK—Doechii graced NPR Music’s Tiny Desk stage, delivering a performance as bold and mesmerizing as her rapid rise in the music industry.
Doechii’s Tiny Desk Concert is a testament to her versatility and creativity, offering a performance that not only showcases her vocal talent but also her ability to transform a small, intimate stage into a full-fledged experience. Performing tracks from her acclaimed mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal—recently nominated for Best Rap Album at the GRAMMYs—Doechii transformed the intimate Tiny Desk setting into a celebration of her Southern roots and genre-defying artistry. Known for her unique ability to blend rap, R&B, and soul with swampy undertones, she reaffirmed why critics have hailed her as one of the most exciting voices of the year.
Opening with “BOOM BAP,” Doechii brought raw energy that set the stage for a dynamic setlist. The track’s infectious beats, paired with jazzy instrumentals and enriched by the harmonious vocals of her talented background singers, added depth and dimension to an already bold and adventurous song. Delivered with an almost taunting tone, the song feels like a playful yet pointed response to critics and “fans” alike. Seamlessly weaving in references to her past projects and songs, Doechii pays homage to her artistic journey while reasserting her place in the music world. The track’s clever wordplay and self-aware humor make it an undeniable standout for the opening song, showcasing her ability to turn scrutiny into a celebration of her creativity. Her charismatic stage presence was visible as she transitioned into “BOILED PEANUTS,” a playful yet moving ode to her Southern upbringing. The song’s clever metaphors and melodic charm exemplified her Swamp Princess persona, balancing humor with storytelling.
She brought an emotional depth with “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” a haunting track that explores themes of vulnerability and reflection on a previous relationship. Having debuted a melody of this song earlier in the week during a choreographed version on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Doechii infused the Tiny Desk rendition with even greater intensity. Her vocals were filled with aching sincerity, drawing the audience into her world of raw emotion while still holding up the same energy from the previous songs.
“CATFISH” and “NISSAN ALTIMA” followed, with each track highlighting Doechii’s versatility as an artist. “CATFISH” showcased her experimental edge, with its gritty production and daring lyricism pushing creative boundaries. Meanwhile, “NISSAN ALTIMA”—a track that earned her a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rap Performance—was a standout moment. The live instrumentation gave the song a fresh, organic feel, enhancing its clever storytelling and infectious energy.
“BULLFROG” was a song dripping with swampy cadences and rhythmic soul. It encapsulated her unique ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally engaging. In this track, Doechii employs the metaphor “if you’re feeling froggy, then jump” to craft a song that captivates from the very first note to the final one, leaving listeners in awe with its seamless transitions and powerful delivery. The set progresses into “HIDE N SEEK,” a groove-heavy track that reveals her lyrical agility and command of the stage. Doechii closed her Tiny Desk performance with “Black Girl Memoir,” a deeply introspective anthem that served as the emotional centerpiece of the concert. Reflecting on themes of identity, resilience, and self-discovery, she captivated the audience with her masterful storytelling. Her soulful delivery elevated the song into a spiritual experience, forging a deep and meaningful connection with listeners.
The success of Alligator Bites Never Heal has solidified Doechii as a force to be reckoned with in 2024. The mixtape not only earned her three GRAMMY nominations, including Best New Artist, but also secured a spot in Rolling Stone’s top 10 albums of the year. Acclaimed by NPR, Paste, and UPROXX, she has been celebrated as a trailblazer reshaping the boundaries of hip-hop.
In addition to her Tiny Desk appearance, Doechii’s December calendar has been packed with milestones. She recently performed at Variety’s Hitmakers celebration, where she received the Hip-Hop Disruptor award. On December 12, she took the stage at the TDE Holiday concert and toy drive in Los Angeles, a beloved community event. Later this month, fans will have an opportunity to connect with her at the Spotlight: Doechii event at the GRAMMY Museum’s Clive Davis Theater.
Doechii’s Tiny Desk performance wasn’t just a showcase of her talent—it was a masterclass in how to own a moment. With her distinct Swamp Princess identity, her infinite creativity, and her ability to balance vulnerability with empowerment, she continues to captivate fans and critics alike. As she looks ahead to 2025, it’s clear that Doechii is not just performing music—she’s building a legacy.