Kendrick Lamar Declares Doechii “The Hardest Out,” Shifts Spotlight in Female Rap Scene

 Kendrick Lamar, one of the most respected voices in hip-hop, recently took to Instagram to crown Doechii as "the hardest out." In an Instagram Story shared on October 17, Lamar showcased the cover art for Doechii’s mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, calling attention to the rising star just as the female rap scene is becoming increasingly competitive.

    Lamar’s praise didn’t just elevate Doechii—it re-centered the conversation on her artistry at a critical moment. With artists like Glorilla also releasing projects around the same time, Kendrick’s endorsement may have shifted the attention away from her peers and toward Doechii. This co-sign, coming from one of rap’s most elusive voices, holds weight, and immediately sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community.

    Doechii, known for her viral track “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” which exploded on TikTok in 2021, has been on the rise ever since. Her unconventional style and the ability to cross genres have set her apart in a landscape that has become heavily saturated with a specific sound. In an industry where many female rappers lean into similar aesthetics and sonic formulas, Doechii represents a refreshing deviation.

    The timing of Lamar’s public support is notable. Glorilla, who had just released her project, found her moment eclipsed as Lamar’s words directed attention back to Doechii. This not only showcases Kendrick’s influence but also highlights the growing need for diversification in the female rap scene. Doechii’s versatility and unique voice could very well signal a shift in the soundscape of female rap, making her one to watch as she continues to carve out her space in the industry.

    Doechii didn’t take the praise lightly. In a heartfelt response shared on her Instagram Stories, she thanked Lamar, writing, “Thank you Dot, you the greatest,” followed by another post that read, “Getting your flowers while you can still smell them >>>.” Her humility shone through as she recognized the magnitude of Lamar’s words, especially considering his rarity in publicly endorsing artists.

Kendrick’s support could mark a significant turning point for Doechii. As the rapper continues to build her career under the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) banner, Lamar’s former label, this co-sign might be the push she needs to fully break through the noise. The excitement surrounding this moment only adds fuel to the ongoing speculation about whether Lamar might collaborate with Doechii on future projects.

    While she expressed in a recent appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast that she doesn’t feel "entitled" to a Kendrick feature just yet, Doechii remains hopeful. "That’s the goal," she said. "I’m sure for my debut project, eventually I’m gonna ask... But I’ma be real, I don’t think I have the record right now for that opportunity."

    Whether or not that collaboration comes to pass, it’s clear that Doechii’s time in the spotlight is far from over. Kendrick’s nod is more than just an Instagram post—it’s a signal that the future of female rap may look and sound a little different, with Doechii leading the charge.