Doechii puts up a fantastic performance in “Alligator Bites Never Heal.”
STREAM
TOP 5
HONORABLE MENTION. BOILED PEANUTS
What do y’all know about boiled peanuts?
Doechii pays homage to her roots with “BOILED PEANUTS,” a track named after the unique Southern snack that’s beloved in rural areas. In the song, Doechii reflects on her upbringing in Tampa, touching on both the positive and challenging aspects of life in her neighborhood. What’s interesting is that the track rides on an edgy, West Coast-influenced beat, yet Doechii navigates it with ease. She switches up her flows effortlessly, delivers a super catchy hook, and turns this track into a banger that feels true to her 813 origins.
5. WAIT
There are tons of wise words from Doechii in this track.
“WAIT” features my favorite chorus on the album. It’s incredibly smooth with a timeless melody that will resonate with anyone who hears it. Doechii’s verses on this track have a Kendrick Lamar-like quality, using subdued vocals and a robotic flow to explore the theme of letting life unfold naturally, even during tough times. Overall, this therapeutic track delivers messages that feel essential and much-needed.
4. DENIAL IS A RIVER
Doechii gives us a loopy update on her life in “DENIAL IS A RIVER.”
Since dropping her last project, Doechii has been through a whirlwind of wild experiences, which she dives into on “DENIAL IS A RIVER.” In her verses, she opens up about dealing with a chaotic ex, getting swept up in the madness of Hollywood, and possibly dabbling in drugs. She also touches on being pressured to become a TikTok rapper. The song has a nostalgic vibe, channeling a late ’80s, early ’90s aesthetic with its simple rhythm and straightforward rhyme scheme.
3. DEATH ROLL
In “DEATH ROLL,” Doechii engages in a fierce battle with her own mind.
Doechii delves into introspection throughout this album, but it’s in “DEATH ROLL” where she truly bares her soul. Against a moody, laid-back instrumental with a steady tempo that will give you classic Kanye vibes, the Tampa rapper explores themes of feeling burnt out, isolated, and perhaps overworked. Despite the track’s somber tone, Doechii delivers her verses with a sharp flow and skillful wordplay, making her reflections both impactful and engaging.
2. SLIDE
“SLIDE” is probably the most commercial-sounding track on this album. I love commercial-sounding tracks!
As much as this album boasts some fantastic rap tracks, songs like “SLIDE” can potentially turn Doechii into a megastar. Powered by a dance-ready hip-hop beat that could easily inspire Ciara-level moves, Doechii effortlessly flexes her singing and rapping skills. Lyrically, we see her generically talking about wanting to be flipped like drug money while also enticing her man with both her body and her mind. Good is good, and “SLIDE” is that—very good.
1. CATFISH
Nah, you ain’t whooping Doechii.
In “CATFISH,” Doechii unleashes her raw and gritty side, calling out rap b*tches who talk too much, showing off her killer body, and venting about managing her anger through extravagant spending. The track is driven by a mean, hard-hitting beat that practically demands a serious attitude—smile to it, and you might catch a slap. Doechii’s punchy flow, punctuated by some fierce “rah-rahs,” will make you pull a stank face on instinct.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
1. STANKA POOH (4/5)
2. BULLFROG (4/5)
3. BOILED PEANUTS (5/5)
4. DENIAL IS A RIVER (5/5)
5. CATFISH (5/5)
6. SKIPP (4.5/5)
7. HIDE N SEEK (4/5)
8. BLOOM (4.5/5)
9. WAIT (5/5)
10. DEATH ROLL (5/5)
11. PROFIT (4.5/5)
12. BOOM BAP (4/5)
13. NISSAN ALTIMA (4/5)
14. GTFO (Ft. KUNTEFETISH) (4.5/5)
15. HUH (4/5)
16. SLIDE (5/5)
17. FIREFLIES (4.5/5)
18. BEVERLY HILLS (5/5)
19. ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL (4/5)
RGM RATING
(A-) (91%)
With this album, Doechii has proven she’s a number one option.
And the winner for most electric rap performance on an album goes to Doechii. In Alligator Bites Never Heal, she delivers punchlines that are so sneaky-good and clever, flows that are unpredictable and dynamic, and a competitive edge that’s cranked all the way up. Her entertainment factor is off the charts, making her performance feel larger than life and undeniably captivating from start to finish.
Lyrically, Doechii also does a great job of remaining down to earth. She addresses her relationships with refreshing honesty, discusses moments when her mental health feels fractured, reflects on her growing career and the expectations from her fans, and, of course, shuts down her haters. These topics feel authentic and are exactly what I want to hear from a young rapper, especially one in her position.
The best thing about Alligator Bites Never Heal might be the production. The album boasts a muddy, slightly dark feel that carries the signature TDE sound. At the same time, Doechii incorporates vibes that echo vintage Kanye, old-school hip-hop, and slight commercial appeal, creating a soundscape that feels both fresh and nostalgic.
Thanks to Doechii’s diverse skill set—her ability to seamlessly rap in various styles and sing effortlessly—she easily adapts to the different sounds. Honestly, this might be the most impressive thing about the album: her versatility across a wide range of production styles.
What would I change about this album? Absolutely nothing! Even though not every track got a perfect rating from me, I feel like Doechii intentionally allowed some tracks to serve the album’s overall flow, like entries in a diary, sacrificing individual perfection for cohesive storytelling.
Sorry, Doechii, I wasn’t familiar with your game.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
