Diving into Doechii’s “DENIAL IS A RIVER”
“Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon,” also known by her stage name “DOECHII,” was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She released her first EP in late 2021 but prior to that, she released many singles, including her first official single, “Girls,” which was released in 2018. Her most recent project titled “ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL” follows her journey through navigating Hollywood while achieving her economic status while making time for her love life with family and also relationships.
The song starts with DOECHII talking to herself in the third person reminiscing that she hasn’t really had a sit down with herself since her previous project “Oh The Places You’ll Go”. She speaks about how that EP was an outlet for her feelings and that people are worried about her. This seems to be correct because she talks about her past experience with a man who was “DL” and cheated on her. She found out through his Instagram account scrolling around that he got a text from his “Wifey” but it turned out to be a man.
“Took a scroll through his IG, just to get a DM from his wifey (What the fuck?)
I was so confused, what should Doechii do?
She didn’t know about me and I didn’t know ’bout Sue
I open up the messages then had to hit the zoom
Turns out the girl was really a dude? (Goddamn)”
Lyrics acquired by © Genius
Later on, after she talks about her neglected feelings she talks about her substance abuse and how she doesn’t care because it makes her feel good because her self-worth is very low.
Lyrics acquired by © Genius
The song ends with her finishing the conversation with herself as if she talking with her therapist by preventing herself from getting upset and doing a couple of breathing exercises.
My understanding of this song allows me to relate to how Doechii ignores her issues and focuses on other things (good things) happening in her life. The chorus and wordplay sonically are very cohesive and catchy.
Rating: 10/10
Artist: DOECHII
Genre: Hip-Hop/ Rap
