Rapper Doechii, A Tampa Native, Gives Shout Out To City During Grammys

LOS ANGELES, CA — Tampa native Doechii became just the third woman to win in the “Best Rap Album” category at Sunday night’s 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles for “Alligator Bites Never Heal.”

She beat out rappers J. Cole, Common and Pete Rock, Eminem, and Future and Metro Boomin to bring home the award.

“I don't want to make this long, but this category was introduced in 1989 and two women have won, Lauryn Hill,” she said during her acceptance speech, before pausing and correcting herself, “Three women have won — Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and Doechii.” (Watch a video of her speech here.)

The artist also gave a shoutout to her hometown during her speech.

“There’s so many people out there who probably don’t know who I am. I call myself the ‘Swamp Princess’ because I’m from Tampa, Florida,” Doechii said. “There’s so much culture in Tampa. Whenever people think about Florida, they only think about, like, Miami, but Tampa has so much talent. Labels, go to Tampa; there’s so much talent there.”

The Blake High School graduate performed her songs “Catfish” and “Denial Is a River” during the award show.

Doechii was also nominated for “Best New Artist,” which she lost to Chappel Roan.

During her “Best Rap Album” acceptance speech, she shared an uplifting message for other Black women.

“I 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,” the rapper said. “Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark or that you’re not smart enough or that you’re too dramatic or that you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are and I am a testimony. Praise God.”