‘Future Of Hip Hop’ – Doechii Stuns on ‘Colbert’ With Spellbinding Performance
Doechii continues to captivate audiences with her innovative artistry, delivering what she calls a glimpse into the “future of Hip Hop” during her performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on December 4. The Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) rising star showcased a medley of tracks from her critically acclaimed mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, leaving an indelible mark with her unique vision and execution.
A Performance Rooted in Hip Hop’s Legacy
With the self-proclaimed “Swamp Princess” at the helm, the performance featured a dynamic medley accompanied by two dancers in matching Gucci skirts. Paying homage to Hip Hop legend MF DOOM, Doechii opened and closed the set with quotes from his iconic 2011 Red Bull Music Academy lecture, further grounding the showcase in Hip Hop’s rich lineage.
On social media, Doechii revealed that the performance was entirely self-choreographed, making it a personal and symbolic celebration of both Hip Hop culture and Black womanhood. She wrote on X: “This one is for Hip Hop. I felt heavily inspired by the lineage of Hip Hop and how it contributes to who I am today. This is my take on the future of Hip Hop. This is Blackness. This is luxury. This is history.”
Artistry in Every Detail
Doechii worked closely with hair artist Malcolm Marquez and stylist Sam Woolf to create a striking visual narrative that translated her interpretation of Hip Hop through fashion. Despite only having a week to bring her vision to life, the performance radiated confidence, artistry, and intention.
She also gave a special shoutout to her inspirations, including Solange, Carlota Guerrero, and MF DOOM, crediting them for influencing her creative approach. She has given fans a taste of what she’s calling “the future of Hip Hop” with a spellbinding performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
A Reverence for Hip Hop Icons
Doechii has often expressed her admiration for Hip Hop pioneers. In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, she shared her deep appreciation for artists like MF DOOM, Westside Gunn, Tyler, The Creator, and JAY-Z: “Lately, I’ve been into a lot of MF DOOM, rest in peace. Westside Gunn — he’s so talented. Tyler, The Creator, JAY-Z. I’m from the South, so I didn’t grow up on a lot of JAY-Z, but I recently went through all of his discography. Oh my God! Hearing his growth?! Wow, so incredible. He’s so cool.”
A Vision for the Future of Hip Hop
Doechii’s Colbert performance represents a bold declaration of her intent to redefine Hip Hop’s trajectory while honoring its roots. Her ability to merge elements of luxury, history, and cultural authenticity positions her as a leading voice in the genre’s next generation.
As fans continue to celebrate her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii’s commitment to innovation and paying homage to Hip Hop legends signals a promising future. With her eyes set firmly on pushing creative boundaries, the TDE artist has proven that she’s not just a rising star but a transformative force in Hip Hop.
