Tonight, Doechii is scheduled to light up the stage at the 2025 Grammy Awards. If you tune into any live performance footage of Doechii, you’ll spot DJ Miss Milan, known for her vibrant red hair, hyping up the crowd behind the Grammy-nominated artist.

Recently, during a stop on the “Alligator Bites Never Heal Tour” in New York City, Milan was seen delivering sharp adlibs from her DJ booth and even joining “The Swamp Princess” in choreography at times.

“Doechii is involved in all aspects, from choreography to outfits, makeup, and hair. I’ve been lucky that she allows me the freedom to express myself,” Milan—also referred to as “The Fairy Vibemother”—shared in an interview with YSL News. “She has faith in my creative vision.”

Whether it’s voguing to “Persuasive,” assisting Doechii with the viral breathing routine for “Denial is a River,” or making a splash at NPR’s Tiny Desk, the two always showcase seamless chemistry.

“We each shine in our unique ways, thanks to the genuine sisterhood we share,” she continued. “Our collaboration felt very intentional from the start.”

Milan emphasized that their synergy has been strong since day one.

The connection began when she added Doechii to her GirlGVNG playlist on Spotify back in 2020, just before Doechii became the first female rapper signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the renowned record label associated with artists like SZA and Kendrick Lamar.

Milan recalled that Doechii contacted her on Instagram to express gratitude for the playlist inclusion during a time when women in music were truly dominating. Following that interaction, Milan offered to become her DJ, and their first performance together occurred at a concert for emerging artists in Queens, New York, in 2021.

“I saw the potential in her from the beginning. She had something special. I decided to reach out,” Milan reflected. “Our very first show together had no rehearsals. We jumped on a plane to New York for the gig, and it felt as if we had known each other forever.”

A ‘Monumental and Historic’ Duo

Milan, who has been a DJ for nearly ten years, has performed at various venues—from basement parties and clubs to events overseas, even jokingly saying, “somebody’s uncle’s 60th backyard boogie.”

Over the years, she has developed a talent for connecting with up-and-coming artists, starting her career with indie music before making a significant mark as Saweetie’s DJ during her rise after the “Icy Girl” era, paving the way for her collaboration with Doechii.

Their partnership is often likened to iconic hip-hop duos like Busta Rhymes and his hype man Spliff Star. Experts have noted that supporting performers play a crucial role in the emcee culture, which has diminished in modern live shows. Nevertheless, Milan stated that she and Doechii are revitalizing that tradition.

“We’re proudly carrying the torch for Black women in music,” she added. “I admire her artistry, and she appreciates my role as a DJ. Both of us have a theater background, and we genuinely love performing. This mutual respect allows us to be a groundbreaking duo in hip-hop and music overall. We are creating something truly significant and historic.”

She added, “I’m the type of DJ you can catch outside of Doechii’s performances, still dancing and enjoying myself. My involvement in choreography and routines highlights just how dynamic we are.”

Sharing an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’

In the following years, Milan closely followed Doechii’s rapid ascent to fame, where Doechii supported Doja Cat on the “Scarlet” tour, opened for Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour” alongside DJ Khaled in Los Angeles in 2023, and released the well-received mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal” last summer, which resulted in a series of international sold-out shows.

In November, Doechii garnered multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and Best New Artist, making her mixtape one of the few to earn such recognition.

Milan reminisced about the emotional moment her dreams became reality while on a work trip in New Zealand when she received the news. She is credited as a producer on “BOOM BAP,” a notably sarcastic track from Doechii’s project that features her DJ scratches and vocal contributions.

“I was stunned when I heard the news. This project meant so much to both of us,” she explained. “It really felt like a dream come true.”

“I was at the Grammys two years ago, watching Beyoncé set a record for the most Grammys won and envisioned myself there someday alongside the artists I genuinely love and work with, like Doechii, receiving our own awards. The fact that it actually came to fruition is just unreal.”

Milan noted that they share a deep connection grounded in their individual journeys towards sobriety and faith amid the demands of their careers. In an appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Doechii shared that being sober helps her receive guidance more clearly.

“We hadn’t formally discussed our sobriety journeys, but it felt instinctive. We both embarked on this path around the same time because we sensed we had a greater purpose. We wanted to eliminate distractions that could hinder that mission.”

“We’re both spiritual individuals, which brought us closer. Our shared gratitude mindset steadies us. We realize that our work aims to inspire and make a difference, especially as Black women in the music industry.”

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter.