Doechii Brought ‘Editorial Rap’ to Hangout Music Festival
Doechii insists that she’s going for a more “stripped back” look for her performance at Hangout Music Festival, but her glam begs to differ. “Girl, that’s a whole other thing,” she jokes when we chat on Sunday, seated in her trailer just minutes before she’s set to take the stage. In addition to her lime green contacts and “cunty bang,” she’s rocking bold green and blue ombré eye makeup, thin brows, rosy cheeks, and a nude, shimmery lip. Even when she’s trying to keep it chill, she just can’t help herself.
But on stage, it was all about the music. “Tonight, I’m going to take you on a journey through my catalogue,” she told the crowd. “It’s gonna be a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of pop, a little house. The girls that get it, get it.” In the sweltering Alabama heat which was “sweating my wig out,” she performed hits like “What It Is,” “Crazy,” “Persuasive” (which then blended seamlessly into Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which she rapped along to), “Alter Ego,” and even teased a new song called “Sweat.”
Before it all went down, Doechii caught up with ELLE.com to talk outfit details, her new song “Alter Ego,” and why no other place compares to the south.
Since you always switch it up for your performances, what’s the vibe for tonight?
This performance is going to be moving a little faster than usual. I’m just going to be spitting the music out.
What are you going to wear?
Something more stripped back—a white crop top, booty shorts, and some Doc Martens. We got the nipples out and a really cunty bang, 40-inch hair situation. I’m keeping it really simple today. I want the audience to be focused on the raps and not so much on the theatrics.
How did you prep for your show tonight?
I talk with my DJ about what our intention is based on what crowd we’re catering to and what the message is. Today, I want to show the range of my music and take people to different places. And I wanted to do that without dancers.
In what ways have you grown as a performer since you first started?
I’ve grown a lot, especially with control. I’ve always had a lot of passion on stage, but I didn’t know how to tame myself. Now, I don’t let the adrenaline of the crowd get to me.
That’s interesting you say that because I feel like so many people love when you rage a little bit.
Well, maybe I shouldn’t say “tame it down.” It’s just that sometimes it can look sloppy if your energy is really hard. So I guess it’s more about controlled rage.
Do you still get nervous on stage?
No, I’ll usually only get nervous for TV performances because it feels a little bit more disconnected from the crowd. But when I’m in front of crowds like this at festivals, I feel so comfortable.
I assume your new song “Alter Ego” with JT is on the set list. Since you released it, how’s the response been?
This song is part of a genre that I’m curating right now called editorial rap. The response has been really positive and I think a lot of my fans are really embracing it, but I’ve also gotten all types of mixed reviews. It’s hitting people on both ends of the spectrum, which I like. You either really hate it or you really love it. So that’s been the feedback. But as long as people are talking about it...
What’s editorial rap?
A blend of house and hip-hop.
What was the inspiration for the “Alter Ego” music video?
I wanted to take my audience to the swamp. Not a lot of people see that very country Florida environment like that. Usually when people think of Florida, they think of Miami. So I wanted to take them out of the city and show them a country aesthetic. I’m gearing up for an album. Hopefully it comes out this year.
Do you have an album title?
[Laughs and looks over at her team] I can’t say the title yet.
Being that you’re from Florida and we’re currently in Alabama, what’s the best thing about the South?
The people. There’s just a different touch here—the southern hospitality, the sense of family, the culture. It can be chaotic in the South, but at the end of the day, you could go down the street and somebody’s auntie that you don’t even know will take you in. I love that.
What’s the most southern thing about you?
This country homegrown ass.
How do southern crowds differ from others?
They’re wilder. We’re just a little bit more free out here. They like to dance more. But southern crowds can also be tough. If it’s bad and you’re trash, they’ll just leave.
You’ll be at Gov Ball in New York next month. Will that set be as stripped back as this one?
No. Absolutely not. It’s gonna be dramatic, theatrical, and maximalist. Girl, I’m going all out. Plus, that one’s gonna be a fully taped performance, so I really want to show a scene. But I’m just excited to be at Hangout Fest right now. Everybody here has been super kind to me, and I’m excited to be talking to ELLE!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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