The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards celebrated a night of diverse musical achievements, with Doechii emerging as a significant victor, clinching the coveted Best Hip-Hop award for her powerful track “Anxiety.” The ceremony, held on September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, was hosted by the legendary LL Cool J and broadcast live on CBS for the first time, drawing a massive audience eager to witness the year’s biggest music moments. This year’s awards honored music released between June 20, 2024, and June 18, 2025, showcasing a vibrant spectrum of genres and artists.
Doechii’s Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Triumph
Doechii’s win for Best Hip-Hop Video for “Anxiety” marks a pivotal moment not just for the artist but for female representation in the genre. This victory adds to an already stellar year for the Tampa-native rapper, who has been lauded as one of hip-hop’s most electrifying new stars. Her song “Anxiety,” produced by Kal Banx and Crooklin, resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a viral sensation on TikTok and soundtracking millions of videos that explored themes of mental health struggles. The track’s success also saw it debut in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and climb into the top 10, solidifying its widespread appeal.
Adding to her VMA haul, Doechii also secured the award for Best Choreography for “Anxiety,” a feat that made her the first female rapper in history to win both Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography awards in the same year. This dual achievement underscores the visual and performative artistry behind her music, celebrating not only her lyrical prowess but also her captivating visual storytelling and dynamic execution.
A Year of Unprecedented Acclaim
Doechii’s recognition at the VMAs caps off a period of significant career milestones. Earlier in 2025, she made history by winning Best Rap Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for her critically acclaimed mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” becoming only the third woman to achieve this honor. Her contributions to music were further recognized when Billboard named her the 2025 Woman of the Year, highlighting her influential presence and impact on the industry. Proudly embracing her roots, Doechii often refers to herself as the “Swamp Princess,” celebrating the rich culture and untapped talent found in her hometown of Tampa, Florida.
Her journey from an independent artist releasing music on SoundCloud, like her debut single “Girls” in 2018, to a Grammy-winning, VMA-recognized artist showcases a remarkable trajectory fueled by relentless dedication and a unique artistic vision. Doechii’s willingness to explore personal themes and blend genres has cemented her status as a groundbreaking force in contemporary music.
The 2025 MTV VMAs: A Night of Stars
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony was a star-studded affair, honoring a wide array of musical talent across numerous categories. Lady Gaga was a dominant force, collecting four awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Year, showcasing her enduring influence in the music landscape. Ariana Grande took home the night’s top honor, Video of the Year, for “Brighter Days Ahead,” alongside wins for Best Pop and Best Long Form Video.
Other notable winners included Sabrina Carpenter, who secured multiple awards including Best Pop Artist and Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet”. Rosé and Bruno Mars earned Song of the Year for their collaboration “APT.”. In genre-specific categories, Coldplay won Best Rock for “All My Love,” Shakira claimed Best Latin for “Soltera,” and Tyla took home Best Afrobeats for “Push 2 Start”.
The ceremony also paid tribute to music legends. Ricky Martin was honored with the inaugural Latin Icon Award, celebrating his decades-long impact on Latin music and culture. Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes received the Rock the Bells Visionary Award, commemorating his significant contributions to the genre. Music titan Mariah Carey was recognized with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
A Bright Future Ahead
Doechii’s double win at the 2025 MTV VMAs, especially for a song that tackles such personal themes, solidifies her position as a powerful voice in modern music. Her ability to connect with a broad audience through raw lyricism and impactful visuals, combined with her growing list of accolades, points to a future where she will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of hip-hop and popular music. The news of her awards serves as a significant update in the ongoing narrative of her rapidly ascending career, marking another milestone in this exciting chapter of hip-hop history.
