Text and illustrations by Zoe Silveyra.
Doechii is having a breakout year and shows no signs of slowing down. Fresh off her Grammy win for Best Rap Album with her 2024 LP Alligator Bites Never Heal, and the news that her single “Anxiety” hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, the American rapper hit the stage at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 event on Saturday, March 29, to accept her 2025 Woman of the Year award. With her one-of-a-kind music and striking style, she’s quickly becoming a major force in both industries. From overcoming challenges to dominating the game, her journey is nothing short of inspirational. Let’s dive into how she’s flipping the script.
Determination for Doechii as an Art of Success
Five years ago, while facing unemployment and personal struggles, Jaylah Hickmon, better known as Doechii, found solace in Julia Cameron’s self-help book The Artist’s Way. Embracing its practices reignited her creative spark, marking a pivotal shift in her artistic journey. Her transparency—documenting every step of her evolution and dedicated work on YouTube and by openly sharing both her challenges and creative process, she has fostered a deep connection with her audience, proving that vulnerability can be a powerful force for transformation.
Revolutionising the Industry
Doechii is not just another artist; she’s a disruptor. Her ability to fuse genres, switch flows effortlessly and incorporate theatrical elements into her performances sets her apart from the rest. This year, she earned the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album with Alligator Bites Never Heal, making her the third female rapper in history to receive this honour. One of the most powerful statements from her acceptance speech was: “You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are. And I am a testimony of that.” This statement serves as a reminder of her journey and reinforces the message of perseverance she shares with her audience.
Alligator Bites Never Heal marks a bold departure from conventional rap aesthetics, exploring personal themes with subtle confidence while blending 90s hip-hop elements with contemporary sounds. A standout track, “Denial Is a River,” not only highlights her lyrical prowess and willingness to explore vulnerability but also showcases her creative and distinctive visual language.
The music video for the song continues the 70s aesthetic that defines the album, serving as a masterclass in vintage-inspired storytelling. Shot with warm, grainy textures and dynamic cinematography, it blends elements of retro glamour with raw emotion. The visuals evoke the effortless cool of icons from that era, while dreamlike transitions and saturated hues add a surreal, almost cinematic quality. Every frame feels intentional, reinforcing her status as both a musical and visual innovator.
Doechii’s Fashion Evolution
Drawing inspiration from the roots of 1970s hip-hop, she revives a fashion style deeply influenced by preppy and nautical aesthetics, with references to iconic brands like Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger. Alongside her stylist, Sam Woolf, she has reinterpreted this classic look, infusing it with a contemporary edge that feels both nostalgic and fresh. For instance, her signature face tape adds a rebellious contrast, solidifying her status as a true innovator. While most artists conceal functional accessories, she deliberately leaves them visible, turning them into a signature detail. This small but powerful choice aligns with her artistic philosophy: embracing the unconventional and making it her own. As her stylist put it, “Doechii likes to reveal things that aren’t meant to be shown. She enjoys breaking traditional thought patterns and embracing her natural beauty.”
This approach has not only set her apart from her peers but also caught the attention of the fashion world, earning her the status of a modern muse for Thom Browne.
Statement Looks Everywhere She Goes
Doechii has established a distinctive style and inspires her audience wherever she goes, effortlessly stealing the spotlight with her breathtaking looks—each one reflecting the bold aesthetic of her latest album. This unique fashion sense has solidified her status as a style icon. For example, her appearances at the Fall/ Winter 2025 Fashion Week were particularly noteworthy, as she captivated audiences with her eclectic and daring ensembles. She shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of her fittings for renowned designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, offering fans an intimate look into her fashion journey.
During Milan Fashion Week, she opened the 30th Dsquared2 runway show celebration and closed it with an incredible performance, proving that her fashion influence extends beyond the stage, making her a central figure in the fashion world. Moreover, during Paris Fashion Week, she delivered stunning looks for every runway while staying true to her unique style and aesthetic. Notable examples include:
- For the Acne Studios show, her glam team created a quirky outfit with layers of plaids and spectacles, paired with a hybrid hairstyle that blended futuristic elements with a private schoolgirl vibe.
- Schiaparelli featured a glamorous Old Hollywood star look with voluminous waves and bold makeup and accentuated her waist with a white dress and a denim corset.
- For Chloé, she went for a more boho and relaxed vibe with long braids left loose, barefoot, and wrapped in frills and faux fur, embodying a carefree yet elevated aesthetic.
With every appearance, Doechii demonstrates that she is not just wearing clothes; she is making statements. Her fearless approach to fashion mirrors her unapologetic creativity in music, showing the world that true icons lead with authenticity and boldness in every aspect of their craft.
An Icon of Our Generation
With an ever-evolving sound and an unapologetic presence, she is redefining what it means to be a modern artist. She is more than a musician—she is a visionary, a trendsetter, and a cultural force. She embodies determination, proving that clear vision and relentless effort can turn dreams into reality. No matter how many obstacles she faced, she always knew exactly where she was headed.
What makes her journey even more powerful is the pride she takes in it. Throughout her videos, she openly showcases the struggles, setbacks, and victories that have shaped her path. It wasn’t an overnight success; it was years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in herself. Because of that, she values where she stands today even more.
Whether through her genre-blurring sound, bold aesthetic choices, or fearless authenticity, one thing is clear: Doechii isn’t just here to stay—she’s here to lead.
