It’s official: 2024 belonged to Doechii. The rising star proved her mettle yet again with a jaw-dropping Tiny Desk performance that left fans raving. NPR’s beloved concert series saw over 120 performances this year, but it’s Doechii’s set that continues to dominate conversations as the best of the year.
Backed by a striking ensemble of Black women donning coordinated cornrows, DoeChii kicked off her set with the laid-back, tongue-in-cheek vibes of “Boom Bap,” a track from her debut mixtape with Top Dawg Entertainment, Alligator Bites Never Heal. But the calm intro was only a precursor to the fiery showcase ahead.
Her jazzy renditions of “Boiled Peanuts” and “Hide and Seek” showcased her vocal control and lyrical wit, while a mellow reinterpretation of “Denial is a River” highlighted her emotional depth. Rolling Stone had already declared the track one of the year’s best songs, and her live performance proved why.
But the highlight of the set was undoubtedly “Catfish.” Switching gears, Doechii dove into hard rock territory, her growling delivery and intense bars perfectly complemented by a horn section riff reminiscent of C-Murda’s “Down for My Niggaz.” She even stripped it down for parts of “Nissan Altima,” delivering her fast-paced verses a capella, demonstrating why she’s hailed as one of the most dynamic rappers of her generation.
DoeChii’s Tiny Desk performance is the cherry on top of a career-defining year. Here’s a snapshot of her unstoppable 2024:
Debut Mixtape Success: Alligator Bites Never Heal became an instant fan favorite thanks to a perfect rollout strategy and powerful storytelling.
Sold-Out Tour: Every stop was packed, with fans clamoring to see her dynamic stage presence live.
GRAMMY Recognition: Four nominations solidified her place among music’s elite, recognizing her range and unique sound.
Camp Flog Gnaw Festival: Her set at Tyler, The Creator’s festival, was one of the weekend’s standout moments.
Variety’s Hip-Hop Disruptor of the Year: This honor cemented her status as one of the most innovative voices in hip-hop today.
Colbert Performance: She delivered another unforgettable moment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, showcasing her genre-defying talent.
Doechii shows no signs of slowing. With her meteoric rise, she’s already teasing new projects for 2025. If her Tiny Desk performance is any indication, the future of hip-hop has never looked brighter.
