**Doechii’s Rise: From Ambition to Headlining Glastonbury**
In 2023, Doechii, the stage name of Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, asserted her ambitions by announcing that she was three years into a meticulously crafted five-year plan aimed at establishing herself as a major force in the music industry. During her interview with Billboard magazine, she expressed a confident vision for her future, stating, “By year five I want to be at my peak,” referencing her desire to enter her “Sasha Fierce era,” a nod to Beyoncé’s influential alter ego. Her mention of reaching her prime while striving for continuous growth hinted at the levels of determination she carries forward.
At that time, it may have seemed like an audacious claim. The Florida-born rapper had already made waves with viral hits like “Persuasive,” a catchy homage to marijuana that found its way onto Barack Obama’s summer playlist. However, her ascent to mainstream success had yet to materialize. Fast forward to 2025, and the narrative has dramatically shifted. Now a Grammy Award-winning artist, Doechii is poised to deliver a highly anticipated performance at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival—one of the most coveted stages in music.
Identifying the specific moment that catalyzed her rise is challenging, as numerous pivotal events contributed to her performance. Many point to her captivating appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” where she mesmerized audiences with her skillful choreography and delivery during performances of “Boiled Peanuts” and “Denial Is a River.” The latter featured a whimsical narrative in which she revealed her struggles with infidelity in a humorous, cartoon-like manner, showcasing her unique artistic style.
The momentum from her television performance was quickly compounded by her participation in the Tiny Desk Concert series, where she presented herself in a vibrant and animated manner, performing selections from her mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” This delightful set garnered critical acclaim, highlighting her ability to seamlessly blend soul into hip-hop while showcasing her dynamic stage presence.
Her achievements continued to accumulate in March at the Grammy Awards, where she clinched the coveted Best Rap Album title. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she addressed young Black women, particularly queer women, urging them not to succumb to stereotypes and societal expectations. The powerful and acrobatic performance that accompanied her award added further to her visibility and reputation, establishing her as not only a rising star but a voice of empowerment.
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Doechii’s childhood shaped her identity as a performer. Raised in a “heavily Christian” household by her mother, Celesia Moore, and combining interests in dance and gymnastics, her formative years were marked by a keen artistic spirit. The bullying she endured in school profoundly impacted her, leading her to develop her alter-ego, Doechii, as a means of empowerment and resilience.
As a young student at Howard W. Blake School of the Arts, she honed her craft over four years, delving into various artistic disciplines. During this phase, she embraced her queerness among supportive friends and eventually transitioned from aspiring to become a chorister to focusing on her own music.
Despite initial struggles, including working at Zara to make ends meet, her first song on SoundCloud in 2016 laid the groundwork for a gifted career. By 2020, Doechii experienced a breakthrough with “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” a track that accurately portrayed her childhood experiences and secured her a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment—home to artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
Her song “Persuasive” further broadened her recognition, even catching the attention of Barack Obama. Now, as she gears up to headline Glastonbury, Doechii continues to embody resilience and artistic evolution, embodying every aspect of her grand five-year vision while inspiring countless others with her dynamic journey.
As the spotlight falls on her during the festival, it’s clear that every moment she spends delivering her set will reflect not just her hard work and planning, but the vibrant, multifaceted artist she has become—one who is set on continuously breaking barriers in the music industry.
