Female rapper Doechii praised God numerous times during an emotional acceptance speech when she won her first ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Album during the 67th Grammy Awards show held in Los Angeles.
On Sunday night, the 26-year-old rapper — born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon — took the stage after rapper Cardi B called out her name for Best Rap Album for “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” She held back tears as she promised not to make her speech long before talking about the glory of God.
“But this category was introduced in 1989, and two women have won … three women have won — Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii,” the rapper said. “I put my heart and my soul into this mixtape. I’ve bared my life.”
“I went through so much. I dedicated myself to sobriety and God told me that I would be rewarded and that he would show me just how good it can get,” she added as she got emotional. “And I have to thank God. I need to thank my beautiful mother for coaching me.”
She went on to thank her label, her fans, and she said “to the swamp,” before she explained that she’s the Swamp Princess, because it’s where she comes from.
Doechii’s #Grammys acceptance speech for winning Best Rap Album 🤎 pic.twitter.com/N1Hy9Dhx1y
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 3, 2025
“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,” the rapper said. “Tampa has so much talent … labels, go to Tampa, there’s talent there.”
“The last thing I want to say is … I know that there is some black girl out there, so many black women out there that are watching me right now and I want to tell you: You can do it. Anything is possible,” Doechii said. “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,” she added. “You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are, and I am a testimony. Praise God!”
The comments definitely moved the crowd as the stars and performers in the room cheered and gave the young rapper a standing ovation.
Related: Country Music Star Talks ‘Dark Days’ Before Career Exploded
