A tidal wave of excitement surrounds rapper Doechii, who will headline the 2025 Glastonbury Festival as part of her ambitious five-year plan to establish herself as a leading figure in the music industry. Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon, known by her stage name Doechii, recently reflected on her journey and the milestones that have led her to this pivotal moment.
Initially, Doechii announced that three years into her plan, she envisioned reaching her peak by the end of year five. "By then," she shared with Billboard, "I want to be at my peak... in my Sasha Fierce era." Despite her viral hits such as “Persuasive,” which made its way onto former President Barack Obama’s summer playlist, Doechii had yet to break into the mainstream charts.
The trajectory of her career shifted significantly following standout performances, notably on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she showcased her unique style in a choreographed piece reflecting personal themes. Many attribute her sudden rise to fame to her mesmerizing Tiny Desk Concert, which highlighted her blend of soulfulness and energy. The set featured jazzy renditions from her mixtape "Alligator Bites Never Heal," shaping her identity as a fresh presence in hip-hop.
Doechii’s influence was further solidified when she claimed a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, becoming only the third woman to do so. In her acceptance speech, she earnestly encouraged young, black, queer women to break free from the constraints of societal stereotypes. Her subsequent performances, infused with iconic references to legends like Michael Jackson and Bob Fosse, cemented her status as an artist of national interest.
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Doechii faced challenges, including bullying during her formative years. Discovering her alter ego allowed her to channel her creativity and assertiveness as an escape from her turbulent experiences. She attended Tampa's Howard W. Blake School of the Arts, where her diverse curriculum—including ballet and gymnastics—nurtured her artistic talents and resilience.
Despite initial struggles making ends meet, including sleeping at a McDonald's and relying on friends, Doechii's breakthrough came with her 2020 project, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” This honest endeavor about her childhood won her a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment, paving the way for her hit “Persuasive.” The song resonated across platforms, even garnering praise from Barack Obama.
Though faced with setbacks—flops in subsequent singles and creative battles—Doechii's mixtape received critical acclaim, breathing fresh air into a genre often rooted in complacency. Rolling Stone praised the project, identifying her as a standout voice in contemporary hip-hop.
Diving deeper into her artistry, Doechii recently released "Anxiety," a pop-rap track reflecting mental health struggles, further enriching her discography. As she prepares for her debut album, expectations are high, especially ahead of her Glastonbury performance.
In a conversation with Dazed, she hinted at a character evolution in her music, transitioning from the student of hip-hop to a reflective artist. Despite her meticulous nature, Doechii's upcoming set is sure to leave an indelible mark on the festival. The anticipation culminates as she prepares to showcase both her talent and personal growth on one of music’s grandest stages—marking a pivotal chapter in her thriving career.
