Doechii Shines Bright at Outside Lands 2025: A Festival Highlight

A Star is Born in San Francisco

As the fog lifted over Golden Gate Park, the anticipation for Outside Lands 2025 reached a fever pitch. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on Doechii, a 26-year-old rapper from Tampa, Florida, who has boldly claimed titles like the “new hip-hop Madonna” and the “trap Grace Jones.” Her performance left an indelible mark, setting the tone for the festival.

A Dazzling Performance

Doechii, whose real name is Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, took the main stage just after 7 p.m., captivating the audience with her electrifying choreography and a troupe of eight backup dancers. Dubbed “Doechii’s School of Hip-Hop,” her set was a theatrical spectacle that she had previously showcased at Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. The performance was structured into five engaging “lessons,” focusing on elements like bars, flow, and wordplay, reminiscent of a Super Bowl halftime show.

Fashion Meets Function

Her outfit—a schoolgirl ensemble paired with black Mary Janes and shin-high socks—perfectly complemented her unique aesthetic, which she describes as “country-club chic with a backwater Florida twist.” The merchandise, including a $100 cardigan and a “Genesee C—try Club” tote bag, further showcased her distinctive style.

The Swamp Princess

Embracing her persona as the “Swamp Princess,” Doechii introduced a playful element to her performance with inflatable alligators, a nod to her breakout album, Alligator Bites Never Heal. The album cover features an albino gator named Coconut, adding to her quirky charm. Interestingly, an albino alligator named Claude resides just a stone’s throw away at the California Academy of Sciences, hinting at a potential collaboration in the future.

Stage Design and Setlist

The stage design was equally imaginative, featuring a two-story boom box and playground slides. Doechii kicked off her set with a trio of songs from her album, showcasing her lyrical prowess and commanding stage presence. She even stood atop a school desk to deliver East Coast bars reminiscent of hip-hop legends like Wu-Tang Clan and Nas.

A Musical Journey

Throughout her performance, Doechii introduced her main musical partner, DJ Miss Milan, and covered Beyoncé’s “America Has a Problem,” seamlessly blending it with Daft Punk’s “One More Time.” The crowd erupted during her club track “Alter Ego,” where she and her dancers vogued with umbrellas, referencing a viral outfit mishap from the Met Gala.

A Call to Action

In a moment of spontaneity, Doechii led the crowd in chanting the URL for her upcoming November show, showcasing her savvy marketing skills. Unlike other artists who criticized the elite, she embraced the opportunity to connect with her audience and promote her brand.

Festival Impact

The buzz surrounding Doechii was palpable, with over 18,000 fans registering for her set via the Outside Lands app—more than any other artist at the festival, including headliners like Doja Cat and Tyler, the Creator. Post-performance discussions on social media platforms highlighted her as the festival’s standout act, even with two days still remaining.

Conclusion

Doechii’s performance at Outside Lands 2025 not only solidified her status as a rising star but also demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences with her unique blend of talent, charisma, and marketing savvy. As she prepares for her upcoming shows, including a return to the Bay Area, fans eagerly await what this dynamic artist will do next.

In summary, Doechii has proven that she is not just a fleeting trend but a formidable force in the music industry, ready to take on the world stage.