In a high-profile nod that is turning heads across the music world, pop megastar Lady Gaga has publicly praised rising rap artist Doechii as a musical force to be reckoned with. In a recent interview with British Vogue, Gaga described Doechii’s music as “immediately legendary,” highlighting the young artist’s compelling mix of raw lyricism, emotional authenticity, and fearless creativity.
“You don’t often see someone come out of the gate with a pen that feels immediately legendary. That’s Doechii to me,” Gaga stated. “I fell in love with her music and her raw, deeply personal perspective. The power in her words, her vulnerability, the way she rhymes — it struck me to the core.”
The public show of admiration comes just months after the two artists shared the stage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, where Doechii presented Gaga with the Innovator Award. During the emotionally charged moment, Doechii called Gaga a guiding light for those who feel like outsiders. “She gave us hope. She gave us art. She made weird okay,” Doechii said during her speech. Gaga, visibly moved, responded by calling Doechii an innovator in her own right, solidifying a mutual respect that has become increasingly apparent.
Doechii, born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, is a native of Tampa, Florida. She began her career by releasing music independently on SoundCloud, where she first gained traction with tracks that blended hip-hop, R&B, and spoken word. Her 2022 signing to Top Dawg Entertainment — the label that launched the careers of Kendrick Lamar and SZA — marked a major turning point in her career. With the release of “Persuasive” and “Crazy,” Doechii quickly built a reputation as an artist unafraid to challenge genre norms and explore personal themes such as mental health, identity, and empowerment.
Her song “Anxiety,” which initially caught fire on TikTok, exemplifies her ability to turn vulnerability into artistry. The track delves into her personal struggles with anxiety and depression, resonating with a generation increasingly vocal about mental health. Its viral popularity eventually prompted an official release on streaming platforms, where it was met with critical acclaim.
Beyond her music, Doechii has become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and mental health awareness. Openly bisexual, she uses her platform to uplift marginalized voices and has spoken candidly about the challenges of navigating the music industry as a queer Black woman. At the 2024 BET Awards, she delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the need for inclusion and hope. “We all deserve to live in hope,” she said, urging fans to embrace authenticity and community.
A significant part of Doechii’s artistic growth, she revealed in interviews, comes from her decision to pursue sobriety. “I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me that I would succeed,” she reflected. “He showed me just how powerful I could be.” Her spiritual journey, paired with her commitment to artistic truth, has positioned her as not only a musician but also a cultural voice for resilience and transformation.
Doechii is currently working on new material, hinting that her next project will continue to push creative boundaries. “I know it’s gonna be a similar impact,” she told Vogue, suggesting that fans can expect another bold and genre-defying body of work.
Her upcoming appearance at San Francisco’s Outside Lands Festival on August 8 is among the most anticipated performances of the summer. Known for her theatrical and visually dynamic stage shows, Doechii plans to deliver an experience that challenges expectations. “I love doing things that aren’t allowed,” she told Vogue, a statement that mirrors her overall approach to music and performance — daring, unapologetic, and transformative.
Lady Gaga’s endorsement of Doechii reflects a broader trend of established artists uplifting the next generation of innovators. It’s a symbolic passing of the torch that not only validates Doechii’s artistic trajectory but also underscores the importance of creative mentorship and solidarity among women in the music industry.
With a powerful voice, a fearless vision, and the backing of one of pop’s most influential figures, Doechii is poised for even greater success. As she continues to evolve, her impact — much like her music — already feels legendary.