TDE’s Doechii and Issa Rae Deliver an Unforgettable Performance in Genius’ “Open Mic” Series

With Grammy nominations and a critically acclaimed album, Doechii has solidified her status as one of the most exciting new artists in music. However, in her latest collaboration with actress and producer Issa Rae, the rising TDE rapper reveals that not everything in her world is as perfect as it seems. Their partnership, featured in Genius’ celebrated “Open Mic” series, merges art and introspection in a groundbreaking staged therapy session.

The performance, inspired by Doechii’s song “Denial Is A River,” unfolds like a one-act play, with Doechii delivering raw, emotional verses while Rae embodies the role of a poised therapist. The collaboration has drawn widespread acclaim for its innovative concept and emotional depth.

Genius producer Andrés Tardio shared the creative inspiration behind the project on social media. “One day, while listening to Doechii’s ‘Denial Is A River,’ I had this wild idea,” he posted 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 collaboration not only showcases Doechii’s artistry but also her willingness to push boundaries. “Denial Is A River” is featured on her Grammy-nominated mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, which she supported with a national tour that earned rave reviews. This performance follows her standout debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.

Since signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in March 2022, Doechii has continued to rise in prominence, joining a roster of stars that includes SZA, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock. In 2024, she collaborated with Tyler, The Creator, on the Chromokopia track “Balloon.” Kendrick Lamar, a TDE legend himself, even named Doechii his “favorite new artist” earlier this year.

As the performance concludes, Tardio hints at a post-credits surprise, fueling speculation that Doechii might join Kendrick Lamar and SZA on their upcoming tour supporting Lamar’s album GNX. Meanwhile, Issa Rae remains as busy as ever, with two new projects in production and her classic HBO series Insecure recently made available on Netflix.

With this Genius performance, Doechii once again proves why she is one of the most compelling and innovative artists of her generation. The collaboration with Rae is not just a performance but a statement, cementing her place as a creative force in the industry.

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