By Shyann Morrow, Contributor

[Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment; 2025]

Rating: 8/10

Fresh off her first Grammy win for Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii’s new single “Nosebleeds” is bold, witty and energetic. There is no shame in Doechii’s game and no mistaking what she’s saying. “Nosebleeds” is more than just a celebration, it is a declaration of capability and growth.

The lyrical wit in “Nosebleeds” is the strongest part of the song for me. Doechii references Kanye West’s iconic 2005 Grammy’s speech when he stated, “Everybody wants to know what I would do if I didn’t win… I guess we’ll never know.” Truly, I hope Doechii stays winning. There is a definite irony to her lyrics, where the song gives off an overwhelming amount of confidence; there are also multiple allusions to the rapper’s roots and the struggle she’s experienced. It felt refreshing to listen to a song about having certainty in success from someone with genuinely humble beginnings.

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I didn’t care much for the instrumental. At times it was enjoyable, but occasionally it became harshly loud and distracting from the lyrics. Doechii alludes to the most popular song off of Alligator Bites Never Heal, “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” with recurring breath sounds throughout the song. After the final verse, the instrumental switches from its aggression to be driven to a softer, more experimental sound. This emphasizes Doechii’s lyrics, as she reminds listeners of who she is and where she came from. 

Not only did Doechii release “Nosebleeds” as a victory anthem, but also to communicate that she is unchanging even through success. While I wasn’t a fan of the end instrumental, I must admit that it was a perfect fit to round out an incredibly cohesive song.

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