"It's giving DEI hire": Azealia Banks sparks controversy with critical take on Doechii's skills and popularity

Singer Azealia Banks is once again in the news, this time for her rant against rapper Doechii, whose real name Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon. On Tuesday, January 2, 2025, Banks took to her X to repost a comment that called the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake hitmaker "one of the hardest rappers". In response, Banks wrote:

"Absolutely not. Lmao. She got def jam poetry slam newyorican cafe music/TDE writing camp sh*t. It’s giving DEI hire. Everybody has convinced themselves she’s good because she’s dark skinned."

Banks continued to add that if anyone criticizes Doechii or "admits" she is boring, then they are "automatically" called "colorist."

Banks' post (Image via X/ @azealiaslacewig)

Banks continued to add that Asian Doll was a better rapper and should be getting the hype instead. As the post went viral, it was quick to spark a discourse. Many called out Banks for her hateful speech. Here are some comments seen under Azealia Banks's post:

"Why u talking bout her hyperpigmentation Omg," one wrote.

"This is pure hate because her mixtape/album is amazing. Amazing," another countered.

Others noted that Banks was just expressing her opinion and some agreed that Asian Doll was the better rapper.

"Listen im never on this girls side … but yall calling her a hater is doing nothing.. she knows she’s one but this also is HER TAKE on things .. no need to be so upset because yall like doechii .. i like her too .. but the industry definitely picks n chooses!" an X user stated.

"Oop right on the head about Asian, she the only actually rapping," another added.

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"Someone at tde s**ked some d*ck for that Grammy nom"- Azealia Banks about Doechii's success

In her online tirade, Azealia Banks also got personal in her attack, commenting on Doechii's appearance. Banks claimed that the rapper's success didn't stem from her talent, adding:

"I’m not gonna lie to you and tell u doechii got one song that isn’t some corny issa Rae playlist black girl magic algorithm unexcitingness. She does nothing for me. Someone at tde s**ked some d*ck for that Grammy nom because no one knows any of them songs."

Banks noted that better singers in the hip-hop industry, like Cupcakke and Asian Doll, are usually overlooked over those like Ice Spice and Doechii because they don't get "sympathy support."

This is not the first time Azealia Banks has commented about the Alter Ego star. According to Buzzfeed, back in April 2023, Doechii took to her Instagram to share a series of photos that included her smoking, eating candy, and even getting her hair done.

In her post, the rapper asked her fans what their fandom name should be (like Beyoncé's fans are called the Bee Hive or Taylor Swift's fans call themselves Swifties). Per the publication, fans zeroed in on three options: Gators, Swamp, and Chii Chiis.

Per Buzzfeed, Doechii responded to the options, writing:

"swamp is giving community gator feels singular chii chii just girly n fun."

On April 10, Azealia Banks commented under the original post writing:

"Definitely should call them 'wannabe's.'"

Doechii responded and said she kept quiet "out of respect for (her) elders." She continued to state that it wasn't her fault that Azealia Banks was "sellin bussy soap" while she (Doechii) was selling "platinum records." She concluded her message by asking Banks to leave her alone.

Banks is known to have gone on feuds and one-sided online attacks against celebrities in the past. This includes Cardi B, ASAP Rocky, Beyoncé, Lil Nas X, and Iggy Azalea.

Doechii has so far not publicly reacted to Azealia Banks's latest comments.