Doechii is the third woman to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys.
The “Alligator Bites Never Heal” hitmaker, born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, garnered TikTok notoriety with the viral hit “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” in 2021. Soon after, she became the first female rapper to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment. Now, the rapper is a Grammy Award winner.
“This category was introduced in 1989 and two women have won,” Doechii began her acceptance speech before correcting herself. “Three women have won! Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii.”
The category’s previous winner, Cardi B, presented her with the award.
“I’ve put my heart and my soul into this mixtape. I bared my life. I went through so much, I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me that I would be rewarded and that he would show me just how good it can get,” the rapper continued. “And I have to thank God. I need to thank my beautiful mother for coaching me. . . My fans to the swamp.”
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“There’s so many people out there who probably don’t know who I am. I call myself the Swamp Princess because I’m from Tampa, Florida. There’s so much culture in Tampa. Whenever people think about Florida, they only think about Miami. But Tampa has so much talent. Labels go to Tampa. There’s talent there.”
The “CATFISH” artist continued by thanking hip-hop before using the moment to speak directly to the Black women watching around the world. “The last thing I want to say . . . I know that there is some Black girl out there—so many Black women out there— that are watching me right now. And I want to tell you, you can do it. Anything is possible. Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, or that you’re not smart enough, or that you’re too dramatic or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be right where you are, and I am a testimony!”
Shortly after winning, the artist delivered a stellar performance that had rock stars, rappers and pop singers on their feet. Billie Eilish was caught on camera mouthing, “Oh my god.”