Doechii Unveils “The Future of Hip Hop” with a Spellbinding Performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Doechii, the rising star of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), made a bold statement on December 4 with an unforgettable performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In what she describes as “the future of Hip Hop,” the rapper delivered a mesmerizing medley of tracks from her critically acclaimed mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal. Accompanied by two dancers in matching Gucci skirts, Doechii captivated audiences with a performance that blended music, movement, and deep cultural references.

A Tribute to Hip Hop and Black Women

The performance was more than just a showcase of Doechii’s musical prowess—it was a tribute to both Hip Hop and Black women. As she opened and closed the set with quotes from the late MF DOOM’s 2011 Red Bull Music Academy lecture, Doechii honored one of her greatest inspirations. She also choreographed the entire routine herself, a feat she proudly shared on social media, calling it one of the most important performances of her career.

“This one is for Hip Hop,” Doechii wrote on X, reflecting on her inspiration from Hip Hop’s rich lineage. “I felt heavily inspired by the lineage of Hip Hop and how it contributes to who I am today.” The artist went on to emphasize the role of Black women in Hip Hop and her personal connection to this powerful tradition.

She continued, “With the help of hair artist Malcom Marquez, we were able to make this symbolic art performance come to life in just a short week.” Doechii also gave a special shoutout to her stylist Sam Woolf for helping bring her vision of Hip Hop to life through fashion.

An Artist Shaping the Future of Hip Hop

Doechii’s performance marked the culmination of her artistic journey toward crafting a new narrative in Hip Hop. She has been vocal about her desire to restore a “classic” feeling in the genre, blending the past with a vision for its future. As she shared on social media, “This is my take on the future of Hip Hop. This is blackness. This is luxury. This is history.”

Her admiration for MF DOOM, along with other iconic artists such as Westside Gunn, Tyler, The Creator, and JAY-Z, further reinforces her deep understanding of the genre’s roots and its potential for evolution. In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, Doechii spoke about her growing appreciation for JAY-Z’s discography and her musical growth, saying, “Hearing his growth?! Wow, so incredible. He’s so cool.”

Doechii’s electrifying Late Show performance marks a turning point in her career, offering fans a glimpse of the artist’s future in Hip Hop. With her self-choreographed set, powerful tribute to the genre’s pioneers, and a dedication to uplifting Black women, she continues to position herself as a groundbreaking figure in the music world.

As Doechii moves forward, her commitment to pushing Hip Hop into new spaces while honoring its roots promises to bring exciting developments. For now, Alligator Bites Never Heal stands as a testament to her innovative approach and her vision for the genre’s future.