Doechii has once again turned heads by embracing her critics and transforming herself into “Ricardo,” a male alter ego featured on the latest cover of Paper Magazine. The rapper, known for her fearless creativity, adopted this new persona in response to comments from people claiming she looked like a man. Instead of shying away, she leaned into the critiques, creating a bold and memorable alter ego: a muscular, mustachioed, bisexual man from Panama.
In the interview with Paper Magazine, Doechii explained the inspiration behind Ricardo, saying, “Last year, I started seeing comments from people who would say, ‘She looks like a man.’ Or, ‘She has on too much makeup. She looks like a drag queen.’ None of it bothered me, but I thought, ‘If they keep saying I look like a man, I’m gonna give them exactly that. An eight-pack, mustache man.’” The transformation was completed with prosthetics that gave her defined abs and a pronounced bulge, adding to the fully realized character.
Creating alter egos is nothing new for Doechii, who has always been fascinated by personas and how they can enhance storytelling. In fact, she described herself as a “theater kid” growing up, using characters to explore her feelings and perspectives. “I want to make sure I can really give different characters,” she shared. “I think that’s so important in telling stories.”
The rapper found herself not only amused by the process but also unexpectedly attracted to her male version, joking, “Literally, when I put on the prosthetics, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I’m attracted to myself right now. I wish I could f*** me.’” Ricardo, complete with his eight-pack and bold mustache, allowed Doechii to delve deeper into her love for theatrical transformation.
While Ricardo has stolen the spotlight on the Paper cover, Doechii’s latest mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” showcases another one of her alter egos: the Swamp Princess. The project, released in late August, has already received praise from her Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) labelmates, including Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, who compared her work to Kendrick Lamar’s “Section.80.” “I have the same feeling I had when KDOT dropped Section.80,” Tiffith said in an Instagram post. “She’s one of those ones for sure.”
Fellow bael artist ScHoolboy Q also showed his support, writing on social media that Doechii’s music was all he cared about at the moment. The 19-track mixtape follows Doechii’s weekly “Swamp Session” releases and builds on the momentum from her earlier single “Alter Ego,” further solidifying her place as one of TDE’s rising stars.
Though the creative process for “Alligator Bites Never Heal” took time, Doechii drew valuable advice from SZA and ScHoolboy Q, who helped guide her along the way. Reflecting on the best advice she received, Doechii recalled a conversation with ScHoolboy Q, where he told her, “You know your album is done when you have nothing left to say.” This insight helped her pour everything into the mixtape until she felt it was truly complete.
With “Alligator Bites Never Heal” receiving high praise and her bold, inventive alter ego Ricardo making waves, Doechii continues to push boundaries and prove that her unique style and storytelling are here to stay.
Be sure to follow @hiphopuntapped for Hip Hop News, Entertainment , Fashion , & Sports.
