Doechii’s ‘Anxiety’ Video References Iconic Song, Explores Struggles

Doechii, a 26-year-old rapper, recently released the music video for her single “Anxiety,” which not only highlights her personal battles with anxiety but also pays homage to the classic song “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye and Kimbra. Released on April 18, the video visually represents the chaotic nature of anxiety as Doechii navigates through a house filled with uncontrollable situations, such as broken chandeliers and sudden fires, all while expressing how anxiety attempts to silence her.

In a notable moment, the video features two characters styled as Gotye and Kimbra, referencing their iconic 2011 music video. Throughout her song, Doechii raps about the persistent presence of anxiety, stating, “My anxiety, can’t shake it off of me/Somebody’s watchin’ me and my anxiety, yeah.”

Originally released in 2019, the track gained traction on TikTok and inspired a dance trend reminiscent of a scene from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” This trend involved Will Smith joining in on a jam session with Tatiyana Ali’s character, Ashley Banks, without her noticing. Following its resurgence on TikTok, Doechii collaborated with the original show’s actors to recreate the scene, with Smith humorously remarking that he had “waited 35 years for this dance to trend.”

After the renewed interest, Doechii took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the official release of her song on March 4. She explained her creative process, noting that another artist, Sleepy Hallow, had sampled her original track titled “Anxiety,” leading her to create a new version that incorporated the iconic sample from “Somebody That I Used to Know.”

The song’s rise on social media platforms has prompted discussions about mental health, particularly regarding anxiety, which affects millions of individuals worldwide. By weaving her experiences into her art and connecting them with a recognizable melody, Doechii not only entertains but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by those living with anxiety.