Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Doechii

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Doechii Talks New Project, Kendrick's Praise, Bisexuality, Sobriety + More
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host: DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Doechii
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with rising hip-hop artist Doechii to delve into her latest projects, personal journey, and the various facets of her burgeoning career. The conversation navigates through her artistic evolution, personal struggles, and the recognition she's been receiving from industry heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé.

Career and Recent Successes

Doechii opens up about her whirlwind year filled with significant milestones. She shares her excitement over a recent Grammy nomination and receiving the Hip Hop Disruptor Award.

[03:44] Jessie Woo: "You were receiving a Hip Hop Disruptor award."
[03:47] Doechii: "They just made that. You know, it's real."

These accolades underscore her impact on the hip-hop scene and validate her innovative approach to music.

New Project: "Alligator Bites Never Heal"

The centerpiece of the discussion revolves around Doechii's new mixtape, "Alligator Bites Never Heal." Charlamagne probes into the meaning behind the title, leading Doechii to explain its deep, spiritual significance.

[04:34] Doechii: "It's about the never-ending cycle of life... patterns... accepting that there's always going to be more to discover about yourself."

She elaborates on the metaphorical nature of the title, emphasizing themes of continuous personal growth and healing.

Artistic Identity: Rapper vs. Overall Artist

Doechii reflects on her identity within the music industry, acknowledging herself primarily as a rapper but also as an overall artist.

[04:05] Doechii: "I think an overall artist. But first, a rapper for sure."

This duality highlights her versatility and commitment to evolving her sound beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Inspirations and Collaborations

The conversation shifts to the high-profile praise she's received from influential artists:

• Kendrick Lamar: Doechii discusses receiving what she describes as Kendrick's "hardest out," signifying his respect for her work.

  [10:53] Doechii: "He did say that he had the same feeling that he did when Kendrick dropped Section 80."

• Beyoncé: She shares her admiration for Beyoncé and the validation she feels from being recognized by such a global superstar.

  [28:02] Doechii: "She did. That was crazy."

These endorsements not only elevate her status but also inspire her to continue pushing artistic boundaries.

Personal Growth: Bisexuality

Doechii candidly discusses her bisexuality, addressing societal perceptions and personal experiences in her relationships.

[08:16] Doechii: "I’m bisexual. That’s cool. I’ve dated a bisexual man."

She emphasizes the importance of honesty and acceptance in relationships, challenging the double standards often faced by bisexual individuals.

Sobriety and Personal Struggle

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Doechii’s journey to sobriety. She recounts her past reliance on alcohol and partying as a coping mechanism and her decision to embrace sobriety to reconnect with her true self.

[06:09] Doechii: "I was always drunk, always drinking, always partying... I need to sober up."

She credits music as her new therapeutic outlet, allowing her to channel her experiences and emotions into her art.

[25:42] Doechii: "The new crutch is music. I am...sobriety. It feels better to be sober right now."

Relationships and Support Systems

Doechii highlights the unwavering support from her family and the importance of her relationship with fellow artist Scissors. She speaks highly of TDE's artist development approach, which fosters growth and collaboration among its members.

[36:47] Charlamagne tha God: "She seems like the type of person you could talk to about everything you're experiencing now."
[36:51] Doechii: "Absolutely. I could call her...which is fire."

This camaraderie within her support network plays a crucial role in her personal and professional development.

Mental Health and Anxiety

Addressing the pressures of fame, Doechii shares her strategies for managing anxiety and maintaining mental health. She emphasizes the importance of grounding herself and setting boundaries to preserve her well-being.

[35:11] Doechii: "I'm trying to ground myself right now...I need to calm down, you're safe."

By utilizing tools like Do Not Disturb (DND) and prioritizing "me time," she effectively balances her public persona with her personal needs.

Music and Artistic Vision

Doechii discusses her commitment to authenticity in her music, aiming to reflect real-life experiences and emotions rather than succumbing to industry pressures for materialism and distraction.

[26:30] Doechii: "I think especially in hip hop right now, it should be reflecting real life situations and real things that are going on."

Her dedication to truthful storytelling resonates through her lyrics, setting her apart in a saturated market.

Conclusion

The interview wraps up with a celebration of Doechii’s achievements and her unique place in the music industry. Hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne praise her for her resilience, artistic integrity, and the impactful messages she conveys through her music. Doechii’s journey of self-discovery, coupled with her professional successes and personal growth, positions her as a formidable force in contemporary hip-hop.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• On Sobriety:

  [07:04] Charlamagne tha God: "When did you get to that point, though?"
  [07:10] Doechii: "I have to make a change... let's make the album Bada Bing, Bada Boom."

• On Bisexuality:

  [08:34] Doechii: "I'm bisexual. That's cool. I've dated a bisexual man."

• On Artistic Authenticity:

  [26:30] Doechii: "I think especially in hip hop right now, it should be reflecting real life situations..."

• On Mental Health:

  [35:26] Doechii: "No, I find myself... trying to ground myself."

• On Music as Therapy:

  [25:42] Doechii: "The new crutch is music. I am...sobriety. It feels better to be sober right now."

Final Thoughts

Doechii’s candid and heartfelt responses provide listeners with an in-depth understanding of her as both an artist and an individual. Her commitment to personal growth, artistic integrity, and mental health serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring artists and fans alike. This episode of The Breakfast Club not only spotlights Doechii’s impressive career trajectory but also underscores the importance of authenticity and resilience in the face of fame.