Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii showcases the Florida rapper’s immense talent and versatility. Released through Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records, this project marks Doechii‘s full-length debut, cementing her status as one of the most promising voices in contemporary hip-hop.
From the opening track, “Stanka Pooh,” Doechii sets an ambitious tone, blending sharp lyricism with a diverse range of musical styles. The album navigates through gritty boom-bap, sensual electronic beats, and even touches of Miami jook, all while maintaining a cohesive narrative about her personal struggles, industry pressures, and her journey to self-realization. Her ability to switch between rapping and singing is seamless, with tracks like “Nissan Altima” showcasing her as both a formidable MC and a captivating vocalist.
One of the standout tracks, “Denial Is a River,” is lauded for its storytelling prowess, where Doechii plays both herself and her therapist, delivering a poignant reflection on fame, betrayal, and mental health. The production across the album is consistently excellent, with producers like Camper, Childish Major, and Monte Booker crafting beats that complement Doechii‘s dynamic delivery.
A predator in its own right, symbolizing her fight back against the adversities she faces.
The album’s length, with 19 tracks, is ambitious, and while this does allow for a broader display of her capabilities, it occasionally leads to a feeling of redundancy in the latter half. However, the highs are incredibly high, with tracks like “Boom Bap” and “Bullfrog” demonstrating her lyrical dexterity and humor.
Thematically, Alligator Bites Never Heal delves into the complexities of success, identity, and resilience. Doechii reflects on her battles with substance abuse, the music industry’s expectations, and her own growth, all encapsulated in her metaphor of the alligator — a predator in its own right, symbolizing her fight back against the adversities she faces.
Alligator Bites Never Heal is a bold statement from Doechii, filled with personality, creativity, and a raw honesty that resonates. It might not be a perfect project, but its ambition and execution make it one of the year’s most intriguing listens in hip-hop.
The Alligator Bites Never Heal vinyl is SOLD OUT on Doechii’s website, but you can find the Amazon exclusive variant here and the Target exclusive variant here.
Label: Top Dawg/Capitol
Release date: August 30, 2024