Doechii explored the layered storytelling and Eminem-inspired intensity behind her track “Denial Is A River” in a recent episode of Verified.
The Florida rapper sat down with Genius Verified to break down the standout track from her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal.
Reflective yet satirical, the song draws inspiration from a viral Wendy Williams interview while highlighting Doechii’s talent for gripping narratives.
Discussing the song’s powerful climax, she emphasized the deliberate buildup leading to its final, explosive lines:
“I ain’t no killer, but don’t push me
Don’t wanna have to turn a nigga guts into soup bean”
“The last couple of lines are where I get really serious, and my voice starts to growl,” Doechii explained. “It is the first time in the whole song where I’m actually expressing anger as anger.
I built up this whole story, and I waited intentionally to the last lines to really give it to you and let you know: no, I’m actually really pissed off, and you’re about to have me revert to somebody I was supposed to leave behind. That’s why I did it that way.”
Artistic Influences
Doechii shared that her creative process is deeply inspired by legendary artists like Eminem, Slick Rick, and Nicki Minaj, citing their ability to stir strong emotions through their delivery and lyricism.
“I also have a lot of Eminem influence,” she noted. “That Slick Rick, even Nicki Minaj—the way she animates her voice to evoke an emotion.”
Rising Recognition
The rising hip-hop star has recently garnered praise from industry giants like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, The Creator.
By blending influences from iconic artists with her own fresh take, Doechii is steadily carving out her unique space in the rap world.