Swamp Princess Reigns: Analyzing Doechii’s ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’ Mixtape
From the heart of Tampa, Florida emerges a sound that’s as fresh and fierce as it is unapologetic. Doechii, the artist dubbed “Swamp Princess,” has made her mark with Alligator Bites Never Heal, her full-length debut under Top Dog Entertainment (TDE) released on August 30. In a compelling blend of boom bap, contemporary R&B, heartfelt soul, and experimental hip-hop, the 19-track mixtape is a testament to Doechii’s unique artistry.
Since breaking into the scene with viral hits such as “Persuasive” and “What It Is,” Doechii has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Alligator Bites Never Heal reinforces why she deserves the spotlight, acting as a journey through the swampy underbelly of Doechii’s psyche, guided by her razor-sharp pen and captivating charisma.
“To my Swamp, my devoted core fans, I hope you cherish this mixtape and create beautiful memories to it,” Doechii said in a press release. “Use my music to encourage you through the rough days and use it to imagine better ones. Allow Alligator Bites Never Heal to inspire you as you all have inspired me. I love you forever.”
Diving into the Swamp
The mixtape kicks off with “STANKA POOH,” where Doechii shows off her lyrical dexterity and cutting delivery. The song sets the stage for what’s to come, blending staccato production with an intense and striking style. Lines such as “I dirty shoes and put ’em back in the box / Like voilà, the Looney Tunes back in stock” are the epitome of her playful yet gritty style.
“BOILED PEANUTS” takes a more experimental approach, with an alternative beat that complements Doechii’s erratic, head-bobbing flow. Throughout the track, Doechii hits themes of mental health and industry pressures, dropping lines like “Label always up my ass like anal beads,” blending vulnerability with her blunt humor.
“DENIAL IS A RIVER” is a standout track on the mixtape thanks to its creative concept and introspective lyrics. Doechii navigates through personal and provocative subjects with a fearless attitude. Delivered through a rant/therapy session with her alter ego (which we’ve heard in “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake”), Doechii dives into her messy life, including failed relationships and substance abuse, with heavy-hitting rhymes. The therapist-like alter ego adds a compelling layer of self-reflection as the alter-ego plays a voice of reason as Doechii navigates through her darker moments with a raw honesty that is both gripping and cathartic.
Swamp Sessions
Before the mixtape’s release, Doechii posted a YouTube series of music videos du00bbed “Swamp Sessions,” which included four tracks off the mixtape: “BULLFROG,” “CATFISH,” “NISSAN ALTIMA,” and “BOOM BAP.”
“Swamp Sessions is a series where I set a timer for an hour and I write a song. Whatever I get in an hour is what gets posted,” Doechii said on Instagram. “This time, I’m adding one scene visuals to scratch that creative director itch, enjoy.”
“BULLFROG” is the second track on the mixtape, and the Swamp Session with the second most views. Doechii delivers impactful bars over a brief yet impactful beat of the raw, punchy energy track. With a duration of just 1:34, it’s a quick shot of Florida rap that asserts her dominance and doesn’t shy away from her braggadocious rhymes. On “CATFISH” Doechii channels ‘90s influences into a memorable track. The growling delivery and unfiltered rap drive home the song’s raw energy. Bold and commanding, Doechii amps up her pen game and status in the industry with lyrics like, “Shout out ese them and my chulas / Doechii the Don, Doechii the dean / Doechii supreme, the Swamp Ruler.”
“NISSAN ALTIMA” is the most viewed and streamed of the Swamp Session songs, and rightfully so. Doechii shifts between rapid-fire bars and melodic hooks, delivering a dynamic performance. The energy of “NISSAN ALTIMA” feels like a joyride, fast-paced and exhilarating with Doechii’s confident delivery cruising over the fast-paced beat. Filled with quotable lines such as “I’m the new hip-hop Madonna / I’m the trap Grace Jones” and “I got haters, I got fans, I got stans in the stands / Do they love her or they hate her? Either way, they spendin’ bands,” Doechii proves her lyrical prowess on this fan-favorite track. The music video also featured other TDE artists Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Isaiah Rashad.
“BOOM BAP” playfully critiques the expectations of some listeners while delivering a classic hip-hop vibe soaked in satire.The track starts off with infectious energy as Doechii scatts and blows raspberries, setting the tone for the goofy track. Doechii pokes fun at the die-hard “boom bap” rap enthusiasts who want her to stick to gritty hip-hop instead of experimenting with her poppier sounds like her recent hit “What It Is.” Yet, the irony is rich since throughout the mixtape Doechii proves her chops as a “real rapper” with hard-hitting raps, beats, and undeniable flow.
Highs and Lows of a Swamp Princess
“GTFO,” featuring KUNTFETISH, is an explosive collaboration that channels intense energy and sharp wordplay. Meanwhile on “Hide N Seek,” Doechii tries her hand at alt-rap and contemporary R&B. The track is elevated by a mesmerizing harmony that complements her soulful delivery. Doechii reflects a balance of vulnerability and strength while exploring themes of personal growth and self-worth.
Tracks like “Death Roll” and “Profit” are noteworthy for their raw emotional depth. “Death Roll” confronts existential dread and the cost of success, while “Profit” transitions to focus on financial success and personal validation. The voicemail outro in “Profit,” where a caller expresses pride in Doechii’s achievements, addresses her by her legal name, adds a heartfelt touch that highlights the mixtape’s emotional range.
Behind Alligator Bites Never Heal
As a follow-up to her 2022 EP She / Her / Black Bitch, this mixtape reveals a deeper, more complex side of Doechii. With seamless transitions from boastful anthems to introspective ballads, Alligator Bites Never Heal platforms her dynamic range. Doechii cements herself not only as a versatile artist but as a cultural force. Each track layers humor, aggression, and raw emotion, drawing on her Florida roots and undeniable pen game. While the Kendrick Lamar and Missy Elliott influences are clear, Doechii’s sound is entirely her own: brash, spunky, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this mixtape offers an exhilarating experience. A strong contender for album of the year, it signals the Swamp Princess’ continued rise and promises more groundbreaking work ahead.
Be sure to check out Alligator Bites Never Heal on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. To stay up to date with Doechii, fans can follow the rapper on Instagram, X, and TikTok.
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