Doechii clinched the Best Rap Album award at the 67th Grammy Awards last night, taking the opportunity to acknowledge her roots.
The 26-year-old artist, known offstage as Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, was visibly moved as she accepted her first Grammy from Cardi B for her album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” In her acceptance speech, Doechii thanked her mother, record label, and fans, while highlighting the overlooked talent in Tampa.
“There are so many people out there who probably don’t know who I am,” Doechii remarked. “I call myself the Swamp Princess because I’m from Tampa, Florida! There is so much culture in Tampa. Whenever people think about Florida, they usually think of places like Miami, but Tampa has a wealth of talent. Labels, go to Tampa. There is talent there.”
Before the awards ceremony, the “Swamp Princess” had been nominated in four categories, including Best New Artist, Best Remixed Recording, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Album. She celebrated these nominations last November with a visit to her high school.
“This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won, Lauryn Hill —” Doechii paused before continuing, “Three women have won. Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii.”
The Tampa rapper, who has performed at local venues like The Bricks and The Ritz, has quickly risen to fame following the success of her 2020 single “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” which became the soundtrack for a popular TikTok trend. She was also featured in the 2022 XXL Freshman Class.
“I know there’s a Black girl out there, many Black women watching me right now, and I want to tell you, you can do it. Anything is possible. Anything is possible. Don’t let anyone project stereotypes onto you that suggest you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, not smart enough, or too dramatic or loud,” she urged. “You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are, and I am living proof.”