The self-proclaimed "Swamp Princess" is only the third woman to win the category
Hillsborough County native Jaylah Hickmon, also known as Doechii, made national headlines at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on Feb. 2. Her album "Alligator Bites Never Heal" won Best Rap Album.
Doechii is only one of three women to have won the category since it was first awarded in 1996. Lauryn Hill with the Fugees and Cardi B won in 1997 and 2019 respectively.
Doechii was also nominated for Best New Artist for her song "Catfish," as well as Best Rap Performance for her song "Nissan Altima." If that wasn't enough to prove her talent, her song, "Alter Ego," was used to create "Alter Ego - KAYTRANADA Remix," which was nominated for the Best Remixed Recording category.
Her Grammy triumphs were accompanied by high-energy renditions of the songs "Catfish" and "Denial is a River." The impressive performance included acrobatic-like choreography as she danced across a built-in conveyer belt and did a casual front flip, all while rapping. She did not miss a beat. The rapt audience gave her a standing ovation.
813 roots
Doechii refers to herself as a "Swamp Princess" in homage to her Florida upbringing. Born and raised in Hillsborough County, she gravitated towards performing throughout her early years. She spent her childhood dancing, acting, cheerleading, doing gymnastics, and producing her own music and choreography. Doechii attended Howard W. Blake High School when she started writing poetry and rap.
The Swamp Princess gained national attention in 2020 when her song "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake" became a viral hit on TikTok. Soon after she cut a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment, becoming the first woman to sign with the label.
Now, at 26 years old, Doechii has a slew of accomplishments and accolades under her belt. In 2023, she performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. In January 2025, she appeared as a guest judge on a reality-based competition TV show with her song "Alter Ego" featured in a lip-sync contest.
Tampa shoutout
Doechii made sure to let Grammy attendees and viewers know where she's from. She highlighted her hometown and its rich culture in her acceptance speech.
"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, like, Miami, but Tampa has so much talent. Labels, go to Tampa; there's talent there, okay?" Doechii said.
What she said after praising her hometown was just as noteworthy.
Doeschi continued, "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, to 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 to be right where you are, and I am a testimony right now."