Doechii gave a speech for the ages when she won the Grammy Award for best rap album for โAlligator Bites Never Heal.โ
Clearly moved, she fought back tears as she got onstage to accept the award, pointing out to a raucous crowd that only three women have it since it was introduced in 1989: Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and herself.
โI put my heart and my soul into this mixtape. Iโve bared my life. I went through so much. I dedicated myself to sobriety and Gold told me that I would be rewarded and that he would show me just how good it can get,โ she said as choked up.
โI need to thank my beautiful mother for coaching me,โ she said, as her mother, standing behind her onstage, walked over to her while they held hands.
The โWhat It Is (Block Boy)โ singer also took a moment to reflect.
โThere are so many people out there who probably donโt know who I am. I call myself the โswamp princessโ because Iโm from Tampa, Florida,โ she said before encouraging record labels to find talent in that city.
Doechiiย also used the opportunity to inspire others.
โI know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there that are watching me right now and I want to tell you: You can do it. Anything is possible. Anything is possible,โ she said, as she whipped the crowd into a frenzy before she ended on a note of inspiration that led to a standing ovation.
โDonโt allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, that tell you that you canโt be here, that youโre too dark or that youโre not smart enough or that youโre too dramatic or youโre too loud. You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are, and I am a testimony. Praise God!โ
