Doechii’s Perspective on Hip-Hop
Doechii stated that the belief that hip-hop and rap are not as “intellectual” as other music genres “is rooted in racism”.
- Read more: Doechii – “The bites of the alligator are never healed.” Review: Frank sound diary of struggle and sustainability
The artist elaborated on her views in a discussion with Cut. She highlighted how these genres played a pivotal role in shaping her album “Alligator Never Heal,” which earned her a trophy for best rap album at the 67th annual Grammy Awards this year.
Addressing Misconceptions about Hip-Hop
“I am the gravity to the pure skill that was turned on,” she remarked. “Anyone who does not think that hip-hop is an intellectual genre, I believe that assumption is grounded in racism.”
In 2018, Kendrick Lamar, who was signed to the same label as Doechii, Top Dawg Entertainment, made history as the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 work “Damn.” According to Grammy.com, various academic classes and seminars have been developed that draw inspiration from Lamar’s lyrical narratives, integrating his work with renowned authors like James Baldwin and James Joyce.
“Hip-hop of an old school-visuality. I am the gravity to the pure skill that was turned on. Anyone who does not think that hip-hop is an intellectual genre, I think that the assumption is rooted in racism.”
Photos of Richie Shazamhttps://t.co/33r95LMK4Z pic.twitter.com/9gs8msvdlk
– section (@thecut) 19 February 2025
Women’s Influence in Rap
In another segment, Doechii spoke about influential women in the rap genre, such as Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott. “The feeling I experience when I listen to Lauryn Hill’s music is the same feeling I want some young Black girl to have when she listens to me,” she expressed. “To evoke that feeling, I must share my own emotions.”
In a four-star review, NME stated, “Alligator Never Heal” showcases Doechii exploring vulnerability, ultimately finding comfort and strength, rendering the mixtape a poignant sound diary of her emotional journey.
In other news, Jenny from Blackpink recently released a snippet of her upcoming single “Extral,” which features Doechii.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/doechii-says-the-denial-of-rap-as-intellectual-is-rooted-in-racism-3839954?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=doechii-says-the-denial-of-rap-as-intellectual-is-rooted-in-racism
