Doechii’s “Anxiety” Blends Raw Emotion, Viral Fame, and Artistic Growth
Chances are, when the radio comes on or users scroll through social media, they will hear Doechii’s track “Anxiety.” It was initially released on YouTube in 2019. It has transformed from a personal expression into a commercial and cultural milestone. The song was re-released on streaming platforms on March 4, 2025, as part of the expanded album Alligator Bites Never Heal. The song showcases the artist’s lyrical depth, vocal versatility, and genre-defying sound.
Release Details and Production
“Anxiety” was first uploaded to YouTube on November 10, 2019, during the early days of Doechii’s music career. In response to growing interest, the artist re-recorded the song with updated production. The official release, backed by Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records, features a prominent sample of Gotye’s 2011 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” It also includes a sample from Luiz Bonfá’s “Seville.” The track was co-produced by Doechii and Wally De Backer (Gotye).
Chart Performance & TikTok
The re-release of “Anxiety” marked a high point in Doechii’s commercial success. Significantly, the single peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached the top charts in Australia, Latvia, New Zealand, and Switzerland and entered the top 10 in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Ireland.
The song found a second life on TikTok, where users launched a trend inspired by a scene from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with Will and Ashley dancing while wearing headphones. After Doechii teased the song on the platform, mentions of “Anxiety” jumped from 80,000 to over 650,000. This drove traffic back to the original YouTube video and boosted streaming numbers.
Music Video Release
The official music video, directed by James Mackel, debuted on April 18, 2025. The concept draws inspiration from the visuals of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.” However, it reimagines them through a lens of personal struggle. The video includes surreal and dramatic imagery, such as fires, SWAT teams, and roaming elephants. These mirror the tension and emotional turmoil depicted in the song.
Critical Reception
Music critics responded positively to “Anxiety.” Clash magazine praised its “soulful vocals, revelatory lyricism, and hard-hitting flows.” The review noted the track’s themes of growth and self-forgiveness. HotNewHipHop highlighted Doechii’s seamless ability to blend singing and rapping. They called the song’s rhythm a perfect foundation for her vocal style.
“Anxiety” explores the inner conflict of living with mental health challenges. Through lines like “Anxiety, keep on tryin’ me, I feel it quietly, tryna silence me,” the song speaks to the constant, often invisible burden of anxious thoughts. It also discusses the difficulty of maintaining control.
Doechii’s Artistry and Cultural Significance
Born Jaylah Hickmon, Doechii is recognized for her genre-fluid approach to music. She effortlessly moves between rap, R&B, alternative pop, and experimental sounds. Her work often addresses mental health, identity, queerness, and empowerment. She refers to herself as the “Swamp Princess,” a title that embraces the outsider’s perspective.
As the first female rapper signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, Doechii challenges norms in a traditionally male-dominated hip-hop. She is one of the few openly queer artists in mainstream rap and R&B. Thus, she uses her platform to uplift LGBTQ+ voices.
Mental Health and Impact
“Anxiety” is more than a charting single — it is a form of advocacy. Doechii’s willingness to share her emotional reality helps open conversations about mental health. This is important, particularly for Black women, often underrepresented in those discussions. Her music has become a vehicle for healing and visibility. It encourages listeners to confront their feelings without shame.
“Thank you for the support for my song ‘Anxiety.’ Now, let me support YOU. Share your stories, lend a listening ear, or visit our anonymous support communities,” Doechii urged in an Instagram post with a link to an anxiety support hub. Her openness about mental health on social media creates a space where fans feel seen and valued.
Global Reach
Fueled by viral momentum and a growing presence on international music charts, Doechii is swiftly establishing herself. She is becoming one of the industry’s most compelling and original voices. With endorsements from prominent artists like SZA and Isaiah Rashad, her distinct style and artistic vision continue to capture audiences’ attention, positioning her as a significant force in contemporary music.
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