Stepping into The Theater at Madison Square Garden on this electric 2025 night, the anticipation for Doechii was palpable. The crowd buzzed with a youthful energy that seemed to vibrate from the floor to the rafters, a mix of die-hard fans and newcomers drawn by her rising star power. From the very first beat, it was clear that this was not going to be a conventional hip-hop show—it was a full-blown theatrical experience, infused with hyper-modern energy, theatrical flair, and moments that felt straight out of a music video.
As the lights dimmed, the opening notes of “STANKA POOH” hit the speakers, immediately setting the tone. Doechii emerged with a larger-than-life presence, her charisma filling the stage even before she started moving through the song’s rapid-fire verses. From the outset, it was evident that her performance style is as much about visual storytelling as it is about music. The stage production was minimalist in some ways but bold in others—neon lights, oversized props, and a dynamic use of video screens that elevated each song into its own world.
Following the opener, “BULLFROG” and “BOILED PEANUTS” maintained the high-octane energy, giving fans the kind of rhythmic bounce and lyrical dexterity that has become Doechii’s trademark. Each track flowed seamlessly into the next, her transitions smooth and natural. The crowd was singing along by the second song, not just to the hooks but to every ad-lib and signature phrase, a testament to the way her music has already ingrained itself into the zeitgeist.
By the time “NISSAN ALTIMA” rolled around, the performance had shifted slightly to highlight her theatricality. A brief interlude of choreographed movement, blending hip-hop gestures with contemporary dance, turned the track into more than just a song—it became a full performance piece. This dual focus on music and movement continued through “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM”, her unexpected cover of Beyoncé, which had the audience roaring. Doechii’s ability to reimagine such an iconic track without losing its essence showcased both respect and innovation, a combination that kept the performance fresh and unpredictable.
The next highlight was a playful nod to pop culture with “ExtraL”, a cover of Jennie’s hit. The stage lights shifted to icy blues and pinks, giving a K-pop-inspired aesthetic while Doechii infused the song with her own trap-infused flair. By now, it was clear that one of the night’s most impressive feats was how effortlessly she traversed genres—from straight-up rap to pop covers—without ever feeling out of place.
With “Booty Drop” and “Alter Ego”, the energy became almost palpable. Her collaboration with JT on “Alter Ego” was especially thrilling, bringing live harmonies and layered vocals that amplified the song’s experimental feel. The audience responded to this with uncontained enthusiasm, the mix of studio polish and live performance intensity creating a kind of euphoric synergy. “Persuasive” and “SLIDE” kept this momentum going, the latter featuring a deep, bass-driven beat that had the crowd moving in unison, the theater vibrating with collective energy.
Doechii’s creativity reached another level with “Spookie Coochie” and “Nosebleeds”, where her performance leaned into playful and provocative visuals. The set design here was daring, using oversized props and immersive lighting to create a surreal, almost carnival-like atmosphere. Fans were fully engaged, documenting the moment on their phones but also losing themselves in the spectacle, caught between amusement and awe.
The emotional peak of the night came with “Crazy”, “Anxiety”, and “Stressed”, a trio of tracks that shifted the tone from high-energy fun to introspective intensity. These songs showcased Doechii’s lyrical depth and vulnerability, revealing a side of her artistry that contrasts sharply with her more flamboyant numbers. The lighting softened, smoke curled around the stage, and for a few songs, it felt like a shared, intimate experience in a venue usually reserved for mass spectacle.
Then came the bangers: “DEATH ROLL”, “BOOM BAP”, and “GTFO”. These tracks reminded everyone why Doechii is not just a performer but a force. Each drop hit hard, the production impeccable, the audience responding with synchronized claps, chants, and cheers. “CATFISH” and “Swamp Bitches” added an experimental edge, blending hyper-modern trap beats with sharp lyricism and theatrical flair. By now, Doechii’s stage persona had become almost mythical—part rapper, part performance artist, part commanding presence who owned every inch of the theater.
The final segment of the main set was a masterclass in crowd interaction and theatrical showmanship. “DENIAL IS A RIVER” and Tyler, The Creator’s “Balloon” cover displayed her genre-bending versatility once again. She closed the main set with “WAIT”, leaving the audience on a high note, screaming for more. It was a calculated climax that felt like the perfect pause before the encore, giving the crowd just enough time to catch their breath.
And what an encore it was. Doechii returned to deliver “What It Is”, making its tour debut in NYC, a moment that had fans nearly losing their minds. It was both a celebration of her growth as an artist and a tantalizing glimpse of future releases. Closing with “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake”, she reminded everyone why she’s a singular force in modern music—bold, inventive, and unapologetically herself. The energy in the theater at Madison Square Garden at this point was indescribable, a mix of admiration, excitement, and sheer joy that only comes from witnessing something new and thrilling.
What made this performance especially memorable was the way Doechii balanced extremes: high-energy club-ready tracks with deeply introspective songs, playful theatrics with hard-hitting rap, and genre-hopping without losing coherence. She’s clearly aware of her own charisma and knows exactly how to manipulate stagecraft, lighting, and audience energy to create an immersive experience. And yet, she never felt overproduced—there’s a rawness to her performance, a feeling that what’s happening on stage is happening in real time, even if it’s meticulously rehearsed.
The setlist itself was a testament to her versatility. Starting with bold, playful tracks like “STANKA POOH” and “BULLFROG”, moving through introspective moments like “Anxiety” and “Stressed”, and closing with tour debuts and experimental covers, it offered something for every type of fan. There was never a dull moment—the energy ebbed and flowed like a carefully crafted narrative, taking the audience on a journey from high-octane fun to vulnerable introspection and back again.
Doechii’s stage presence deserves special mention. She commands attention without seeming to demand it, blending charm, humor, and raw talent into an irresistible package. Every movement, every gesture feels intentional, as though she’s not just performing a set but curating an experience. And while the production—lighting, visuals, props—was spectacular, it never overshadowed her talent. She is undeniably the centerpiece of the evening, a performer capable of making even the largest stage feel intimate.
There’s also something refreshing about the way she interacts with her audience. Between songs, she shared candid thoughts, playful jokes, and occasional commentary on her creative process, making fans feel included in the experience rather than just spectators. It’s a small touch, but it adds a layer of authenticity that’s increasingly rare in large-scale shows.
From the perspective of sound and technical execution, the night was near flawless. The mix balanced her vocals with the complex production of her songs, ensuring that every lyric landed while the beats hit hard enough to make the floor vibrate. The transitions between tracks were smooth, often accompanied by visuals that enhanced rather than distracted. Whether performing trap-infused bangers or emotional ballads, every song felt meticulously crafted to translate live without losing energy or nuance.
Doechii at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in 2025 was more than a concert—it was a statement. It was a bold declaration of her artistry, a demonstration of her ability to command a stage, and an exhibition of her unrelenting creativity. This wasn’t just a night for fans of her music; it was a night for anyone interested in the future of performance in hip-hop and pop music.
By the time the last notes of “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” faded, the audience was left exhilarated, exhausted, and completely satisfied. The energy lingered long after the lights came up, a testament to the impact of her presence and the meticulous care she put into crafting an unforgettable night. It’s clear that Doechii is poised to redefine what it means to be a performer in 2025, blending music, theater, and persona into an electrifying whole that leaves audiences wanting more.
Setlist:
STANKA POOH
BULLFROG
BOILED PEANUTS
NISSAN ALTIMA
AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM (Beyoncé cover)
ExtraL (JENNIE cover)
Booty Drop
Alter Ego (Doechii & JT song)
Persuasive
SLIDE
Spookie Coochie
Nosebleeds
Crazy
Anxiety
Stressed
DEATH ROLL
BOOM BAP
GTFO
CATFISH
Swamp Bitches
DENIAL IS A RIVER
Balloon (Tyler, The Creator cover)
WAIT
Encore:
What It Is (Tour debut)
Yucky Blucky Fruitcake
Grade: A
This performance was a thrilling display of artistic vision, technical skill, and undeniable charisma—a show that will be talked about for years and one that firmly establishes Doechii as one of the most exciting performers of her generation.