As her star continues to rise in the music industry, Doechii (real name Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon) remains grounded, thanks to the unwavering support and humility instilled in her by her family. In an exclusive Cosmopolitan cover story, the “Denial is a River” rapper revealed how her loved ones keep her grounded, even as her career takes off to new heights.
The Importance of Family in Keeping Doechii Grounded
For Doechii, fame hasn’t changed who she is at her core. Despite her meteoric rise in the music world, the rapper emphasizes how her family plays a crucial role in helping her stay humble. Speaking candidly in her Cosmopolitan interview, she explained how her family’s presence in her life keeps her level-headed.
“They’re always keeping me grounded,” Doechii shared, highlighting how she maintains a sense of normalcy despite the glitz and glam of fame. “Most of the time, I don’t talk about work with them,” she added, emphasizing that her relationship with her family is about more than just her career.
A Humorous Family Moment: “I Don’t Fart!”
One of the most relatable and humorous moments from her interview came when Doechii recalled a recent encounter with her family that perfectly exemplifies their ability to keep her grounded. She shared a hilarious moment when she was in the car with her family and team, dressed up and looking fabulous, when her sister asked, “Did you fart?”
“I was in the car with my family and my team, in a dress looking fab, and my sister chose that moment to ask if I farted,” Doechii recalled with a laugh. “Like, number one, no I didn’t, and number two, why would you say that? Like, I’m a superstar!” The rapper went on to jokingly add, “I don’t fart!”
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This candid moment highlights how her family keeps things real and brings a sense of humor into every situation, regardless of her superstar status. To them, Doechii is simply Jaylah, the woman they’ve always known and loved.
Jaylah, Not Doechii: The Real Her
Despite the global recognition that Doechii has achieved, she revealed that to her family, she will always be Jaylah. “I’m just Jaylah to them,” she said, a sentiment that speaks to the grounding influence of her family. They aren’t starstruck by her fame, and instead, they focus on the person she is beyond the stage persona.
“Anybody who truly knows me calls me Jaylah, and I don’t even have to protect it,” she added, reinforcing the idea that her family’s familiarity with her real name is a comforting constant in her life. “It’s like nobody who knows me calls me Doechii,” she continued, highlighting how her inner circle recognizes her for who she is at heart, not just as a public figure.
Love Life and Inspiration: A Queer Black Woman’s Voice in Hip-Hop
Beyond her family and fame, Doechii also opened up about her personal life, sharing that she is currently in a loving relationship with a girlfriend. The rapper, known for her bold and unapologetic presence in the hip-hop scene, also reflected on how her relationships have shaped her music.
“All of my relationships inspire my music because they make up my life experience,” she said, describing how her personal life serves as a major influence on her work. “This is such a Leo thing to say, but my literal existence as a queer Black woman is a major contribution to the hip-hop genre,” she continued, making it clear that her unique perspective is central to her artistic identity.
As a queer Black woman in hip-hop, Doechii recognizes the importance of amplifying her voice and sharing her experiences with the world. “I’m speaking truthfully from a queer Black woman’s perspective,” she said. “Being honest about my life through my lens is amazing.”
This honesty has become a cornerstone of her music, as she seeks to highlight the importance of queer perspectives in hip-hop. She explained, “That perspective is being highlighted, and we need queer perspectives.” Doechii’s authenticity is one of the reasons why her music resonates so deeply with her fans.
New Music on the Horizon: Conversations to Be Had
As she continues to build her music career, Doechii is already looking ahead to her next project, revealing that she is hard at work on a new album. While she didn’t divulge too many details, she did tease that the album would spark important conversations.
“On my next project, I plan on having conversations,” she revealed. “They might be hard for some people to have, but I think I want to bring up a dialogue about topics that might be hard for people to hear.” The rapper has made it clear that her work is not just about entertainment; it’s about challenging societal norms and engaging her audience in critical conversations.
“I don’t want to give them away,” she added, keeping fans guessing about what’s to come. “But we’re going to have a conversation on the album.” Fans of Doechii can expect her next project to be just as bold and fearless as her previous work, with even more raw honesty and powerful messaging.
Doechii’s Impact on Hip-Hop and Representation
Doechii’s rise in the music industry is more than just about her success as an artist; it’s about the representation she brings to the hip-hop genre. As a queer Black woman, she’s carving out a space for herself in a predominantly male and heteronormative industry, and her unapologetic approach to her identity is reshaping the landscape of hip-hop.
By sharing her personal journey, Doechii is not only inspiring fans but also contributing to a broader conversation about representation and visibility for marginalized groups in the music industry. Her music is a testament to the power of being true to oneself and embracing all aspects of identity.
Conclusion: Doechii’s Future is Bright
As Doechii continues to rise in the ranks of hip-hop, she remains rooted in her authenticity and grateful for the support of her family, who keep her grounded. With her unique perspective, her relationship with her family, and her unflinching honesty, Doechii is poised to continue making waves in the music world. Fans can’t wait to hear what she has in store with her upcoming album, which promises to be another milestone in her already impressive career.
Her story is one of humility, family values, and queer representation in a space that has often lacked both. As she continues to break down barriers, Doechii is a voice that’s here to stay, and the best is yet to come.
