As a white, cis-male, hetero-enough man, I get the immediate sense that Tampa-born rap sensation Doechii isn’t really ‘for’ me, a point that’s immediately proven by the ear-shattering eruption of cheers when she screams “Where my lesbians at?” into the mic. But after seeing this bombastic, lethally articulate rapper perform for the first time, I can also say that, target audience or not, anyone can get behind the raw power that Doechii has to offer.
The hype begins well before her set as we watch a team of 20 set up a massive, lush nature scene onstage. And when she finally arrives on the elevated, grassy platform at centrestage, it’s like the queen of the swamp herself has appeared to cast her judgement on us. The first song is almost impossible to hear over the shrieking thousands around us, but her energy is undeniable. She moves with weight and authority, commanding respect and taking no prisoners as she fires off breakneck lyrics and booming hooks.
In spite of her fearsome bravado, Doechii doesn’t come off as disconnected. In fact, she took a break from being a bad bitch to get real with us, explaining that it was her first time in Canada and that she truly didn’t know there was so much love for her in the Great White North—a statement that received another deafening roar from the crowd. With her moment of genuine gratitude out of the way, it was back on the mic, her vocals coming in at about a thousand times the energy and power of her recordings, like she has a point to prove with every single line.
Doechii was also supported by DJ Miss Milan, who wound up punching way above her station when it came to bringing the energy, hype, and even lyrics to much of the set. Between this incredibly synchronized duo, the otherworldly set dressing, and the unapologetic allure of Doechii herself, it’s a mystery how this sensational act didn’t wind up on the mainstage.
Photos courtesy of Osheaga/ Benoit Rousseau
