Doechii Honored as Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year

Rapper Doechii has been named Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year. This prestigious honor places her among the ranks of previous recipients such as Taylor Swift, SZA, Lady Gaga, and last year's honoree, Karol G. The announcement comes just one month after Doechii won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, making her only the third woman in history to win in that category.

Doechii, whose real name is Jaylah Hickmon, has quickly gained recognition in the music industry for her bold creativity and impressive talent. Her breakout mixtape, "Alligator Bites Never Heal," released in August 2024, has been praised for its versatility, blending smooth R&B with sharp rap flows. The mixtape features hit singles like "Nissan Altima," "Boom Bap," and the viral sensation "Denial Is a River".

The Billboard Women in Music Awards will take place on March 29 at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles. Hosted by Laverne Cox, the event will celebrate Doechii's achievements and her impact on the music industry. Other award recipients include aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Blackpink's Jennie, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, Muni Long, and Tyla.

Doechii's journey to success has been nothing short of inspiring. From posting covers on YouTube and Soundcloud in 2016 to releasing her first mixtape, "Coven Music Session, Vol. 1," in 2019, she has steadily built a loyal fanbase. Her single "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake" gained widespread attention on TikTok, further propelling her into the spotlight.

In addition to her musical achievements, Doechii has been recognized for her unique style and candid lyrics. Her performances are known for their breathtaking energy and authenticity, captivating audiences across genres. As Hannah Karp, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard, stated, "Doechii is taking pop culture by storm, dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics, and utterly unique sound, style, and spirit".

As Doechii prepares to accept the Woman of the Year award, her fans and the music industry eagerly anticipate her next moves. With her talent, creativity, and determination, there's no doubt that Doechii will continue to make waves and inspire others in the years to come.