Doechii experienced a dream come true when she performed alongside her musical hero, Lauryn Hill, at the Jazz in the Gardens festival in Miami on March 9, 2025. The rising rapper, known for her hit “Anxiety,” joined Hill onstage to perform the legendary artist’s 1998 classic “Doo Wop (That Thing).”
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Before welcoming Doechii to the stage, Hill introduced her with heartfelt words, saying, “I want to introduce y’all to another sistah.” The 26-year-old artist then rapped and danced alongside the iconic singer, delivering a performance that thrilled the audience.
Following the performance, Doechii took to Instagram to express her gratitude and admiration for Hill. In an emotional post, she reflected on the deep influence Hill’s music has had on her life.
“The first full-length album I ever listened to was The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” she wrote. “My mom would play it from top to bottom every day on my way to school for years. I would sing your songs as if I wrote them, imagining myself on stage. Each song deepened my love for music and my curiosity to write raps.”
She highlighted one lyric from “Doo Wop (That Thing)” that resonated deeply with her: ‘Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem.’ “That stuck with me anytime I wanted to ‘get even’ or harden my heart towards those who wronged me,” she shared.
“I carried your principles with me during my coming of age. And I carry them with me now at this current stage of my career. Your lyrics are close to my heart. Thank you, Miss Lauryn Hill. This is the greatest honor hip-hop could give me. Praise God.”
Doechii also shared a series of photos from the night, showcasing her denim ensemble, newsboy cap, and string bikini top, as well as moments captured from the powerful duet with Hill.
The performance came just weeks after Doechii’s historic Grammy win for Best Rap Album with her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. She became only the third woman to win in this category, following in the footsteps of Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.
During her acceptance speech, Doechii reflected on the personal journey that led to her victory. “I put my heart and soul into this mixtape. I bared my life. I went through so much. I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me I would be rewarded. And I have to thank God.”
She also took the opportunity to shine a light on her hometown, Tampa, encouraging music labels to invest in the city’s untapped talent.
“There’s so much culture in Tampa,” she said. “I know there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there watching me right now. And I want to tell you: You can do it. Anything is possible.”
In a moving conclusion, Doechii delivered an empowering message: “Don’t allow anybody to project stereotypes onto you—telling you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, not smart enough, too dramatic, or too loud. You are exactly who you need to be. I am a testimony.”