Tampa’s Grammy Winner Inspires Blake High School Students

Students at Blake High School inspired by a Grammy-winning artist's journey

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News Summary

Doechii, the talented artist from Tampa, recently won her first Grammy for Best Rap Album and returned to Blake High School to inspire students with her journey. Her story of hard work and determination resonates deeply, showing that success can come from anyone, regardless of their background. With her new single and upcoming Met Gala hosting duties, Doechii continues to pave the way for future generations.

Tampa’s “Swamp Princess” Doechii Wins Grammy and Inspires Blake High School Students with Her Journey

In a city known for its sunshine and vibrant culture, Tampa has a new reason to celebrate. The incredibly talented Jaylah Hickmon, known to the world as Doechii, has snagged her first Grammy award for Best Rap Album for her show-stopping project “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” This monumental achievement happened on February 2, 2025, a night that forever changed the music scene. Notably, Doechii became only the third Black woman to receive this prestigious award, joining the ranks of legends like Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.

This Grammy win is a testament to Doechii’s hard work and dedication. Her album has been making waves, even landing a spot on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums list. Before her rise to stardom, she worked her way up the music ladder, performing at Ybor City bars and underground house shows. Talk about staying true to your roots!

New Music and Heartfelt Acceptance

Hot off her Grammy victory, Doechii wasted no time, releasing a brand new single titled “Nosebleeds.” During her acceptance speech, she proudly highlighted her Florida roots, reminding everyone that incredible talent shines from every corner of the state, not just Miami.

Recently, the rising star returned to her hometown and paid a visit to her former school, Blake High School, located in Hillsborough County. Her visit was filled with heartfelt interactions as she shared her journey from a girl trying to find her voice to a Grammy-winning artist. She reminisced about auditioning for the school’s Chorus program without any formal music training, showcasing her determination and dedication. It was her mentors, she credited, who were instrumental in helping her discover and develop her unique talent.

One of those mentors, her former band teacher Carmen Griffin, spoke fondly of Doechii’s effect on her students. She highlighted how Doechii’s storytelling ability captivates audiences and inspires others to pursue their passions wholeheartedly.

Bringing It All Together

During the Grammy ceremony, Doechii shared the spotlight with her mother, who joined her on stage amidst the roaring applause. In a moment filled with gratitude, she expressed thanks to her mother, the talented engineers behind her music, and her vibrant fanbase, affectionately dubbed “Gay-tors.” Her message was clear: don’t let stereotypes hold you back. Instead, she encouraged aspiring Black women to chase their dreams, reminding everyone that vulnerability and authenticity are powerful tools in art.

Doechii electrified the audience with a dynamic performance of her songs “Catfish” and “Denial is a River” from her award-winning album. Her stunning vocals and energetic stage presence truly left a mark on everyone present.

Exciting Future Ahead

Looking ahead, Doechii remains unstoppable. She is set to play a pivotal role in the fashion world as part of the hosting committee for the highly anticipated 2025 Met Gala. Scheduled for May 5, 2025, this glamorous event will be co-chaired by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Colman Domingo and A$AP Rocky. With Doechii’s flair and passionate spirit, there’s no doubt that she will shine just as brightly on this new stage.

This remarkable artist is not just winning awards; she’s paving the way for future generations and proving that dreams are indeed achievable. From the streets of Tampa to the Grammy stage, Doechii’s story is one of inspiration, determination, and immense talent.