With Grammy nominations and one of the year’s most acclaimed albums, Top Dawg Entertainment’s Doechii has cemented her status as a rising star in the music industry. But in her latest project, she delves deeper into the complexities of success. Partnering with actress and Emmy-nominated creator Issa Rae, the “Alter Ego” rapper delivers a powerful performance for Genius’ celebrated Open Mic series.
The performance, inspired by Doechii’s song “Denial Is A River,” takes the form of a one-act play. Rae plays the role of Doechii’s therapist in a staged session that blends art, introspection, and emotional vulnerability. Doechii’s raw lyrical delivery paired with Rae’s composed presence has been lauded for its innovative storytelling and emotional resonance.
Genius producer Andrés Tardio shared the backstory of the project on social media. “One day, while listening to Doechii’s ‘Denial Is A River,’ I had this wild idea,” he wrote on X. “What if Issa Rae took on the role of Doechii’s therapist in a live version of the song? That idea is now a reality, thanks to their unmatched talent and charisma. Watching these two create magic together was incredible.”
The performance underscores Doechii’s talent for pushing creative boundaries. “Denial Is A River” is featured on her Grammy-nominated mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. The project, accompanied by a nationwide tour, has received widespread critical acclaim. This performance follows Doechii’s well-received debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk series.
Doe joined Top Dawg Entertainment in March 2022, joining a roster of heavyweights like SZA, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock. In 2024, she collaborated with Tyler, The Creator, on “Balloon,” a track from his album Chromokopia. Kendrick Lamar, who referred to Doechii as his “favorite new artist” earlier this year, may feature her on his upcoming tour alongside SZA in support of his GNX album.
Issa Rae, who lends her talents to this Open Mic collaboration, is also keeping busy with new projects as a producer, as noted on IMDb. Best known as the creator of HBO’s Insecure, Rae continues to expand her creative repertoire. This summer, her beloved series became available on Netflix, bringing it to a new audience.
As Doechii continues to innovate and captivate, performances like this demonstrate why she is one of the most compelling voices of her generation. Fans eagerly anticipate what’s next from both the artist and her collaborators.
