Female Rapper Doechii Gives God the Glory for Sobriety during Grammy Acceptance Speech

In an emotional acceptance speech at the 97th Grammy Awards show held in Los Angeles Sunday night, Doechii praised God as she won her first Grammy for Best Rap Album. Doechii, whose real name is Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon, won the Grammy for Best Rap Album for her 2024 for "Alligator Bites Never Heal."
"But this category was introduced in 1989, and two women have won … three women have won — Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii," the 26-year-old rapper said in her acceptance speech. "I put my heart and my soul into this mixtape. I've bared my life."
"I went through so much. I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me that I would be rewarded and that he would show me just how good it can get," she added as she got emotional. "And I have to thank God. I need to thank my beautiful mother for coaching me."
She went on to thank her label, her fans, and "to the swamp," before she explained why she is known as the Swamp Princess.
"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," the rapper said. "Tampa has so much talent … labels, go to Tampa, there's talent there."
"The last thing I want to say is … 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," Doechii said. "Anything is possible."
"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 you're too loud," she added. "You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are, and I am a testimony. Praise God!"
A number of Christian artists also won Grammys Sunday night, including CeCe Winans, who won two Grammy awards, including "Best Gospel Album" for More Than This and "Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song" for her collaboration on "That's My King," which was recorded alongside Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks and Jess Russ, The Christian Post reports.
"Winning a Grammy is always an incredible honor, but to be recognized for music that uplifts and inspires makes it even more special," said Winans in a statement. "I'm beyond grateful to God, my team, and the amazing supporters who continue to believe in the music and the message."
Meanwhile, a group of musicians that included G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Naomi Raine as songwriters won a Grammy for "Best Gospel Performance/Song." The group also featured Jonathan McReynolds and Jekalyn Carr.
Additional awards went to Cory Henry for "Best Roots Gospel Album" for his album Church while DOE won in the "Best Contemporary Christian Music Album" with her album Heart of a Human.
WATCH: DOECHII Wins BEST RAP ALBUM | 2025 GRAMMYs
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Monica Schipper/Staff
Originally published February 03, 2025.