Doechii took home the big prize at Billboard’s Women in Music event this year. But for the rapper, the night was about more than just an award.

Fresh off a history-making Grammy win for Best Rap Album and a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with Anxiety, the rising rap star took the stage at the Women in Music 2025 event on Saturday, March 29 to accept the prestigious Woman of the Year honour.

“Where’s the swamp? Do I have any fans in the house?” she asked, bringing cheers from the YouTube Theater crowd.

Reflecting on her journey, she recalled winning the Billboard Rising Star Award just two years ago.

“I had literally performed so hard I danced my shoes off and had to hop up to the mic,” she laughed. “And here I am.”

She thanked her team, family, and God, calling the award a “full-circle moment.” But beyond the personal milestone, she emphasised the event’s deeper significance.

“Women in the music business were tired of not getting their seats at the table or the credit they deserved,” she said. “This event was created out of a necessity.”

Even with progress, she noted, sexism and exclusion still plague the industry.

“This is our motherf***ing night to rightfully come together, support each other, and celebrate,” she declared. “We are the creators, we are the executives, we are the innovators… Clock it.”