Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, otherwise known as Doechii, has made a variety of music that shakes up the modern hip-hop era. From her first self-funded EP, Oh the Places You’ll Go, released in 2020, to her Grammy-winning mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, her work continues to push boundaries. The title itself signifies the enduring nature of past traumas and the challenges of processing and healing from them, particularly within the context of her journey and experiences.

Spanning 19 tracks, this mixtape is a deep dive into her eclectic sound, which moves seamlessly from raw rap anthems to introspective ballads, with some surprising twists along the way. Known for her fearless approach and genre-defying style, Doechii brings both vulnerability and attitude to this project, making it a must-listen for her fans and newcomers alike.

Stand out pop-rap heaters like “NISSAN ALTIMA,” classic boom-bap tracks such as “DENIAL IS A RIVER” and “BOILED PEANUTS,” and the occasional moody, atmospheric instrumental like “STANKA POOH” and “HIDE N SEEK.” (“BOILED PEANUTS” is my favorite) will have you bopping along your commute to school. 

To be honest, some tracks are a little weird. For example, “BOOM BAP” sees Doechii go to great lengths to troll pigeonholing critics (and possibly label execs, too) with silly bars and repetitive rhyme schemes. A lot of that energy shows up in her music videos as well.

Her song “DENIAL IS A RIVER” is a reimagining of the old sitcom Family  Matters, complete with explosive surrealism. Doechii has been grinding for perfection, and her songs show it. From an entire mixtape being funded with pocket money to a Grammy-nominated project backed by Top Dawg Entertainment, her growth is undeniable. 

From this evidence, it’s safe to say: the Swamp Queen will reign supreme.