Billboard. (2025, February 6). Doechii’s five-year-old video about getting fired resurfaces following her Grammy win. Billboard. [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/doechii-video-getting-fired-resurfaces-grammy-win-1235894248/

By: Isaac Woo

Jalylah Ji’mya Hickmon (Doechii) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who forged her success out of a seemingly unremarkable beginning, defying all odds. First gaining attention on TikTok, she signed with Top Dawg Entertainment and a joint venture with Capitol Records in 2022. Soon after, she produced the first major song of her career, What It Is (Block Boy) in a single featuring Kodak Black, becoming her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving immense praise.

Doechii didn’t have an easy road to success. Just 5 years ago, Doechii was a struggling artist trying to create a voice within the music industry who recently lost her job. In a YouTube video, Doechii expressed her struggles with employment and loneliness. With no money, career, or success, she gave it all to the music industry and became dedicated to fulfilling her dreams of becoming a musician. Furthermore, despite her recent success, numerous claims have been made that her stardom was artificially propelled by the industry, often being seen as talentless and even accused of lip-syncing. However, through perseverance and strength, she overcame her personal tribulation and continued to be a pioneer for women within the hip-hop industry.

Numerous songs reflect Doechii’s diversity and adaptability if you’re interested in learning more about her work. Her ability to combine rap with calming melodies to create a sound that is both introspective and contagious is captured in Mood Swings. Moreover, the song Balloon, collaborating with Tyler, the Creator, is an explosive and upbeat side of both artists where they express success, ambition, and a unique perspective on life. Phantom stands out if you want to hear her experimental side because of her hypnotic vocals and eerie production, which push the boundaries of traditional rap. Doechii’s discography has something for everyone, regardless of whether you like catchy rhythms, memorable hooks, or something completely different.

“Doechii’s Five-Year-Old Video About Getting Fired Resurfaces Following Her Grammy Win.” Billboard, 6 Feb. 2025, https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/doechii-video-getting-fired-resurfaces-grammy-win-1235894248/.

“Doechii Opens Up About Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts.” HotNewHipHop, 20 Feb. 2025, https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/887410-doechii-struggling-suicidal-thoughts-hip-hop-news.

“Doechii’s Success Story: From Losing Job Five Years Ago to Inspirational Grammy Win.” The Economic Times, 5 Feb. 2025, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/doechiis-success-story-from-losing-job-five-years-ago-to-inspirational-grammy-win/articleshow/117925652.cms?from=mdr. 

“Capitol Records Strikes Partnership with Top Dawg Entertainment, Signs Breakout Artist Doechii.” Music Business Worldwide, 31 March. 2022, https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/capitol-records-strikes-partnership-with-top-dawg-entertainment-signs-breakout-artist-doechii/.