On December 4, 2024, Doechii delivered a transformative performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, presenting what she boldly describes as “the future of Hip Hop.” The rising star commanded the stage with a carefully curated medley from her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, accompanied by two dancers in matching Gucci skirts. The performance marked a significant moment in late-night television, blending high fashion, cultural commentary, and musical innovation.
Artistic vision and execution
The performance’s creative direction, choreographed entirely by Doechii herself, demonstrated her commitment to artistic authenticity. Working alongside hair artist Malcom Marquez, she transformed her conceptual vision into reality within a remarkably short timeframe of one week. This rapid yet meticulous execution showcases the artist’s dedication to her craft and ability to manifest complex artistic ideas under pressure.
Cultural homage
Opening and closing with carefully selected quotes from MF DOOM’s 2011 Red Bull Music Academy lecture, Doechii created a powerful bridge between hip-hop’s past and future. This intentional connection to one of the genre’s most enigmatic figures demonstrates her deep understanding of hip-hop’s legacy while charting her own innovative path forward.
Fashion and visual elements
The performance’s visual aesthetic, crafted in collaboration with stylist Sam Woolf, merged luxury fashion with cultural significance. The choice of matching Gucci skirts for the dancers served as both a fashion statement and a commentary on the evolution of hip-hop’s relationship with luxury brands. This careful attention to visual presentation elevates the performance beyond mere musical entertainment into a comprehensive artistic statement.
Choreographic innovation
Doechii’s self-choreographed routine demonstrated her multifaceted artistic abilities. The movement vocabulary drew from various cultural and contemporary dance traditions, creating a unique physical language that complemented her musical performance. This integration of movement and music reinforces her position as a complete artist capable of conveying complex ideas through multiple mediums.
Musical evolution
The medley from Alligator Bites Never Heal showcased Doechii’s versatility as a performer. Her ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles while maintaining artistic coherence demonstrates her understanding of hip-hop’s evolving nature. The performance highlighted her technical skill as both a rapper and vocalist, proving her capability to push genre boundaries while respecting traditional forms.
Doechii’s artistic influences
Doechii’s acknowledgment of influential artists like Solange and Carlota Guerrero reveals her diverse artistic inspirations. Her recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden provided insight into her discovery of JAY-Z’s discography, highlighting her commitment to studying and understanding hip-hop’s foundations. This deep appreciation for her predecessors informs her innovative approach to the genre.
Cultural significance
The performance represents a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of hip-hop culture. By explicitly addressing themes of Blackness and luxury while incorporating traditional elements, Doechii contributes to the conversation about hip-hop’s future direction. Her statement about the performance being “blackness” and “luxury” challenges conventional narratives about hip-hop’s presentation in mainstream media.
Technical production
The technical execution of the performance demonstrated sophisticated production values. Lighting design, camera work, and sound mixing worked in harmony to capture the nuances of Doechii’s artistic vision. The late-night television format, typically challenging for complex musical performances, was successfully utilized to showcase the full scope of her artistic expression.
Industry impact
This performance positions Doechii as a significant voice in hip-hop’s evolution. Her ability to command a mainstream television platform while maintaining artistic integrity and cultural authenticity sets a new standard for emerging artists. The industry response suggests a growing appreciation for artists who can successfully bridge traditional hip-hop elements with contemporary artistic expression.
Future implications
The success of this performance signals potential shifts in how hip-hop artists approach mainstream television appearances. Doechii’s integration of multiple artistic elements – from choreography to fashion to musical performance – creates a template for future artists seeking to make impactful statements on national platforms. Her emphasis on self-direction and artistic control also challenges industry norms about artist autonomy.
