Tampa’s very own Doechii, born jaylah Hickmon, has made history by winning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal”. At just 26 years old, she joins an elite group of women, including Lauryn Hill and Cardi B, as only the third female artist to win this prestigious award since its inception in 1989.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Doechii didn’t forget her roots. “Labels, go to Tampa. There’s so much talent there,” she declared, shining a spotlight on her hometown. Her words resonated deeply with the Tampa community, which has rallied behind her in celebration of this monumental achievement.
mayor Jane Castor took to X to express her pride, posting, “Tampa in the house! Incredible to see your hard work pay off and win BIG, Doechii! Tampa is cheering you on!” The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also joined in, sharing their excitement on social media with the message, “IN THE 813! THIS MY LEGACY! SALUTE TO THE SWAMP PRINCESS, TAMPA’S VERY OWN!”
Even Amalie Arena, where Doechii opened for Doja Cat during the Scarlet Tour in 2023, shared a celebratory clip on Instagram. The venue,a cornerstone of Tampa’s entertainment scene,has been a witness to her rise from local talent to global superstar.
Doechii’s journey began in Ybor City, where she honed her craft in clubs and hookah bars. A graduate of Howard W. Blake High School’s arts magnet program, she credits her unique upbringing for shaping her artistry. “My family, we’re very country Southern people. Like typical boiled peanuts, frozen cups, candy lady, pickled eggs. We went strawberry picking. I remember going to school and they would take us to Cracker Country for field trips, like that type of Florida experience,” she shared in a 2023 interview with the Tampa Bay Times.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the rich cultural tapestry of Tampa. From racing barefoot to shooting BB guns, doechii’s childhood was filled with the kind of experiences that fuel creativity and authenticity.
Key Highlights of Doechii’s Grammy Win
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Album | Alligator Bites Never Heal |
| award | Best Rap Album |
| Historic Achievement | Third woman to win the award as 1989 |
| Hometown Shoutout | “Labels, go to Tampa. There’s so much talent there.” |
| Community Support | Celebrations from Mayor jane Castor, the Buccaneers, and Amalie Arena |
doechii’s win is not just a personal triumph but a victory for Tampa’s music scene. Her call to labels to explore the city’s talent pool coudl pave the way for the next generation of artists.
For more on Doechii’s Tampa roots and her rise to stardom, click here.
