Top Dog Entertainment artist Doechii becomes the third woman to receive the award for Best Rap Album at the 67th annual Grammy awards for her album 'Alligator Bites Never Heal'. The Tampa, Florida native was emotional as she left her seat, accepting the award from her predecessor Cardi B, who won the accolade in 2019.
Never failing to fashionably impress--- a niche that has effectually complemented her artistry---Doechii took the stage in striking parachute pants from Thom Browne. Her quirky braided hair provided an alternative finish; something you can always expect from the femcee.
Emotional, yet spirited, Doechii expressed the influence behind her work, while paying homage to her roots and the historic achievement that rarely occurred in almost seventy years.
"This category was introduced in 1989, and two women have won," she began, then rephrased in excitement. “THREE women have won! Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii!” She continued, "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. Tampa has so much talent… labels, go to Tampa.”
“I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me I would be rewarded and he would show me how good it would get.”
Compared to prior winners in the category, Doechii didn't achieve similar success in her album's release. 'Alligator Bites Never Heal debuted at #117 on Billboard's 200, #41 on the Top Hip Hop /R&B chart, amassed 11, 000 sales in it's first week.
Both Lauryn Hill and Cardi B's albums debuted at number one, garnering sales in the hundreds of thousands in it's first week. It makes one ponder, what allowed Doechii to become victorious against the likes of J. Cole, Pete Rock, Metro Boomin, and Future? Is it all about numbers or something more? Doechii concluded her speech with a heartfelt incitement to girls and women of color.
“I wanna tell you, you can do it. 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, to be right where you are and I’m a testimony.”
'Alligator Bites Never Heal' has climbed to Billboard's Top 10 Hip Hop/R&B Albums chart. Watch the video for the album's standout single "Nissan Altima" below :