Doechii has talked about how SZA's debut album CTRL assisted her during a trying moment in her life. She was 18 years old and in a relationship that restricted her. Her then-boyfriend did not believe in her music or her aspirations. This greatly affected her creativity and self-belief.
At that time, Doechii quit making music. Her boyfriend would criticize and tell her that what she was creating wasn't good enough. She confessed that she listened to him too much. She eventually noticed that he never got her or what she sought to do. That made her feel trapped.
Things turned around when she first heard CTRL. The album pushed her into the limelight. It made her realize her value and nudged her to remember that she was capable of standing on her own two feet. That was the turning point of her life and artistic career.
How did the relationship affect Doechii’s music?
Doechii described how the relationship made her question herself. She said that her boyfriend would say her music wasn't cool. Because of this, she quit writing. She felt that his opinion was more important than hers. That made her lose her voice as an artist.
She started repressing her creativity and ideas. She had always loved music, but the relationship made her scared to express it. This resulted in a time when she was not developing as an artist.
It was a tough lesson. Now she understands that she trusted too much a person who didn't support her. She thinks that having someone who respects and supports them is very important, especially for young artists.
What was it about SZA's CTRL that changed her thinking?
When Doechii initially listened to SZA's CTRL, it left a strong impression. The album is all about love, loss, and drawing on strength from yourself. That was a message that opened her eyes. It indicated that she was not by herself in how she was feeling.
She explained that SZA's lyrics empowered her to end her relationship with her boyfriend. To hear another woman talk plainly about pain and healing gave her hope. It made her feel heard and validated. She understood that she had feelings and that it was permissible to release what was causing her pain.
SZA's songs also made Doechii braver in her own songs. She observed that it is important to be honest and open. That made her begin to write once again, but more honestly and with more courage this time.
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How did this moment impact her as an artist?
Breaking free of the relationship freed up Doechii to claim her voice. She explained that it was a step towards becoming herself. She then concentrated more on creating music that spoke about her own life. She started to write from an honest place.
Since then, Doechii has employed her music to speak to who she is. As a queer Black woman, she said it's vital to speak her truth. She desires others to understand that they can do the same. Her music now speaks of her journey, growth, and identity.
She frequently talks about how music rescued her. By taking herself, she gained new strength. That transformation is evident in her sound and message now. She thanks SZA's CTRL for encouraging her to take that initial step towards freedom.
Doechii’s story shows how music can inspire real change. SZA’s CTRL helped her leave a relationship that was not healthy. It also helped her find her voice again. By choosing to be true to herself, Doechii grew stronger both personally and creatively.
Her story illustrates the strength of art to heal and lead. Most listeners resonate with CTRL for the same reason: it reminds them of their value. For Doechii, it was more than an album. It was a turning point.
Today, she wishes her own music would be an inspiration to others, too. Her story illustrates that you can get through even tough places when you have the proper help and faith in yourself.