Doechii has once again proven why she’s one of the most compelling artists of her generation. On Friday (April 18), the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) rapper unveiled the long-awaited music video for her viral single “Anxiety,” and it’s a cinematic masterpiece packed with symbolism, energy, and emotion.
Chaos, Creatures, and Inner Conflict
Running just over four minutes, the visual plunges fans deep into Doechii’s psyche as she confronts a series of surreal obstacles that metaphorically represent her struggles with mental health. From battling towering flames and clashing with SWAT teams, to standing face-to-face with a giant elephant, each scene is a metaphor for her internal war with anxiety.
The video cleverly references Gotye’s iconic visual for “Somebody That I Used to Know”—a nod to the 2010 hit that Doechii samples in her track. The painted backdrop and artistic vulnerability echo both homage and reinvention, reinforcing her unique aesthetic.
Dance, Flash Mobs, and a Full-Circle Moment
Midway through the video, Doechii breaks into an electrifying flash mob routine down a peaceful suburban street, seamlessly blending chaos with choreographed clarity. It’s a powerful contrast that highlights the unpredictability of anxious thoughts.
The visual ends where it began: in Doechii’s bedroom. This return to her roots serves as a heartfelt tribute to her early days filming music in her room—reminding fans of how far she’s come, while still holding onto where it all started.
Lyrics That Cut Deep
Released in early March, “Anxiety” uses haunting 808 drums and a stripped-down production to amplify the rawness of her lyrics. With bars like:
“Solo, no mojo / I bounce back, no pogo / Unhappy, no homo / New brands, no logos”
Doechii captures the emotional turbulence of being in the public eye while battling private demons.
But it’s the chorus that drives home the message:
“Anxiety, keep on tryin’ me / I feel it quietly / Tryin’ to silence me, yeah / Anxiety, shake it off of me / Somebody’s watchin’ me / It’s my anxiety, yeah (Brrah).”
Delivered in her signature melodic cadence, the hook is both haunting and oddly comforting—like a mantra to push through the pressure.
TikTok Trend + Fresh Prince Reunion
The song also sparked a massive TikTok trend, helping it reach new audiences beyond her core fanbase. One of the standout moments came when Will Smith and Tatyana Ali reunited to recreate their iconic Fresh Prince of Bel-Air dance battle—this time, with Doechii herself joining in for a surprise cameo.
A Monumental 2025 for Doechii
The release of the “Anxiety” video is just the latest high in what’s shaping up to be Doechii’s biggest year yet. In 2025 alone, she’s:
- Won a Grammy for her Alligator Bites Never Heal mixtape
- Been crowned Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year
- Continued to dominate charts and conversations with her bold visuals and genre-defying sound
