Jaylah Hickmon

Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon, known professionally as Doechii, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress. Born on August 14, 1998, in Tampa, Florida, she first gained widespread public attention when her music went viral on social media. Renowned for her versatile vocal delivery, dynamic lyricism, and theatrical performances, Doechii has quickly established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop and alternative R&B.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Raised in Tampa, Hickmon developed an interest in the performing arts at a young age, practicing dance, gymnastics, and acting. She attended Howard W. Blake High School, where she initially trained as a choral singer before turning her attention to writing poetry and hip-hop music. In 2016, she began releasing original songs independently under the name Iamdoechii on SoundCloud. Her major breakthrough occurred in 2020 with the release of "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake," a single from her EP Oh the Places You'll Go that sparked widespread social media trends.

Rise to Fame and Major Records

Following her viral success, Doechii signed a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in joint venture with Capitol Records in 2022, becoming the first female rapper on TDE's roster. She released her debut major-label EP, she / her / black bitch, that same year, which featured collaborations with artists like SZA. In 2023, her single "What It Is (Block Boy)" featuring Kodak Black earned platinum certification and became her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That year, she also made her feature film debut in the drama Earth Mama.

Critical Acclaim and Accomplishments

In 2024, Doechii released her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, which reached the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart. The critically acclaimed project won Best Rap Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, making her only the third female artist to win the honor. The release included hit singles such as "Nissan Altima," "Denial Is a River," and "Anxiety." Honored as Billboard's Woman of the Year in 2025, Doechii continues to perform internationally while advocating for mental health awareness and artistic freedom.