Doechii and Issa Rae Collaborate in Groundbreaking “Denial Is A River” Performance
With Grammy nominations and one of the year’s most praised albums under her belt, Doechii has quickly emerged as one of the biggest new stars in music. But while her success has been meteoric, she’s still grappling with the complexities of fame, as she reveals in a powerful new performance. Teaming up with actress and producer Issa Rae, the collaboration brings a raw, emotional depth to Doechii’s hit song Denial Is A River as part of Genius’ “Open Mic” series.
In this innovative performance, Rae steps into the role of Doechii’s therapist, guiding her through a session that unfolds like a one-act play. The dynamic between Doechii’s vulnerable, unfiltered lyrical delivery and Rae’s poised presence has been widely praised for its emotional resonance and ingenuity. The performance is not only a showcase of Doechii’s musical prowess but also a deep, introspective exploration of the artist’s journey through self-awareness and accountability.
Genius producer Andrés Tardio shared the origins of the concept on social media, revealing that the idea came to him while listening to Doechii’s track Denial Is A River. “What if Issa Rae took on the role of Doechii’s therapist in a live version of the song?” Tardio wrote on X. “That idea is now a reality, thanks to their unmatched talent and charisma. Watching these two create magic together was incredible.”
The performance is a significant moment in Doechii’s career, reinforcing her status as one of the most boundary-pushing artists of her generation. Denial Is A River is a standout track from her Grammy-nominated mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, which has already received widespread acclaim. Doechii’s tour in support of the mixtape has also garnered rave reviews nationwide, further cementing her place in the music world.
Doechii’s collaboration with Rae follows her successful debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk and marks another key milestone in her growing career. Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in March 2022, Doechii joins a prestigious roster that includes SZA, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and the recently departed Kendrick Lamar. In 2024, she also worked with Tyler, The Creator on the track Balloon from his album Chromokopia.
Doechii’s musical evolution continues to surprise and inspire, and the performance with Rae adds another layer of depth to her artistry. Tardio hinted at a surprise after the credits, and speculation is already swirling that Doechii could join Kendrick Lamar and SZA on their upcoming tour, in support of Lamar’s GNX album. Lamar has publicly declared Doechii his “favorite new artist,” a sentiment that speaks to her undeniable impact in the music world.
Issa Rae, known for her Emmy-nominated work on HBO’s Insecure, continues to expand her horizons as a producer, with two new projects slated for release according to IMDb. Insecure recently made its way to Netflix, introducing the iconic series to a new audience.
With her unmatched talent and unwavering authenticity, Doechii is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the music industry. Her collaboration with Issa Rae is yet another reminder of her ability to blend art and introspection, making her one of the most compelling figures of her generation.
