TDE’s rising Hip-Hop artist, Doechii sat down with Honda and Billboard for an alluring interview, and with fun moments in between. The queer artist at only 24 years old opened up about her early childhood past to early adulthood–on how everything that has transpired impacted her musical career at this point.
Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, also known by her moniker, Doechii, spoke about how her stage name came about. She highlighted her experience of bullying at an early age. It made sense to her, to create separate identities or rather create an alter ego as an escape. The artist told Billboard what her name represents–fearlessness, boldness, and an unapologetic version of Doechii’s younger self.
She also touched on her brief time as a fashion designer for a clothing line, “Stay woke, Stay Black.” Doechii emphasizes the line was a movement that promoted racial equality. Although the artist became an entrepreneur in retail, it is clear she utilizes skills amassed from that time.
Doechii explains further,
“I can’t remember when I decided [to pursue music], but I just knew that I was supposed to be doing this and performing, and when that [the hoodie business] failed, and I had no money, I was like, ‘well, I’m going to make music, and that’s going to be what it is.’”
Doechii Interview with Billboard & Honda
On the path to the music-making business, her influence from Howard W. Blake High School was tremendous and a big part of who she is. Doechii garnered creative skills, thinking outside of the box and the art of the music industry. She explains,
“Everything I know, I learned from Blake,” she continues, “[Blake] was my first exposure to real art and art ethics and what it means to be an artist.” and ends, “I would probably cry if I went back, but it would be a good cry…I hope I make them proud.”
The interview with Billboard broke into what makes her this creative artist. Doechii’s future is mighty bright, and we’re all excited to see what else she offers the industry.