“We are the creatives, we are the executives”: Doechii seemingly addresses industry plant allegations during her Billboard Woman of the Year speech

Doechii, in her Woman of the Year speech, addressed industry plant allegations, saying:

“We are the creatives, we are the executives."

Singer and rapper Doechii, whose real name is Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon, has been making waves in the music industry. Recently, she won her first Grammy for Best Rap Album, becoming only the third woman in history to earn this accolade. Alongside this achievement, she has released a series of highly anticipated collaborations, including Alter Ego with JT, I'm His, He's Mine with Katy Perry, and ExtraL with BLACKPINK’s JENNIE.

And just like the saying "with great power, comes great responsibility," she has been a victim of multiple accusations of botting, industry plant pushes, and other shortcuts leading her to become a hit, not realising that the artist has been hustling since the pre-pandemic and got her first break in the form of virality during the lockdown.

But the swamp princess also believes in speaking up for what she believes in, as she is also a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She used her stage and her award-winning speech at Billboard’s Women in Music 2025 event while accepting the Woman of the Year accolade to address the rumours:

"We are the creatives, we are the executives, and we are the innovators who are just as central to this industry as the men—clock it."

Doechii continued with fervour:

"I want everybody to hear me clearly when I say, it is not a button, it is our brain. It is not a machine, it is our leadership. It is not a conspiracy, it is our vulnerability. It's not an agenda, it’s God. While I may be the one front and center who's rapping and singing and performing, I am not doing this alone. There are brilliant, savvy women on my personal and label team standing alongside me."

She referred back to her past and talked about this full-circle moment in her life, stating:

"I cannot believe it was just two years ago I stood on this stage right here and accepted the Billboard Rising Star Award. I had literally performed so hard I danced my shoes off and had to hop up to the mic. And here I am. That moment reflects how I approach my career – always go full out, always go hard and always be fab."

Doechii took this time to also talk about the importance of women in the business and in Billboard:

"I stand here as a fierce ally,” the Nissan Altima singer says. “That word is a key reason there is a Billboard Women in Music. This came to be because women in the music business were tired of not getting their seats at the table or the credit they deserved,” she continues. “This event was created out of a necessity. That word, necessity, is important. My mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, was a space I created out of necessity. A space where I could feel seen, heard and connect with other people through experiences.”

Doechii on LGBTQ+ rights

Doechii's outward and bold personality also shone through while she was at GLAAD Media Award and spoke about discrimination toward the LGBTQ community as she honored her fellow allies:

"I am thrilled at being recognized with such a prestigious award by GLAAD and to be joining prior honorees such as Renee, Lady Gaga, Lil Nas X, Sam Smith and Janelle Monáe."

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Doechii talked about how the media monitoring organization stands for acceptance, inclusiveness, and empowerment, just like her.

"Those are the same things I strongly believe in and advocate for and that continue to propel me forward, especially now that hard-won cultural change and rights for transgender people and the LGBTQ community have been threatened. And I am disgusted. Disgusted. But I want to say that we are here and we are not going anywhere."

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