Doechii’s “Anxiety”: A Bold Take on Hip-Hop and Mental Struggles
Doechii is having an exceptional year. Fresh off her Grammy win, she continues to dominate the charts with Anxiety, a track that is resonating both in America and across the globe. However, the story of Anxiety is far more intricate than its recent success suggests. Originally created by Doechii in 2019, the song has gone through a fascinating evolution, rooted in a melody that dates back decades.
The Hidden History Behind the Beat
The beat of Anxiety carries a deep musical lineage. It originates from a 1957 composition titled Saville by Brazilian guitarist and singer Luiz Bonfá. Decades later, in 2011, Gotye famously sampled Saville in his global hit Somebody That I Used to Know. Doechii, then an independent artist, discovered and reworked the sample into her own version of Anxiety in 2019. However, the song did not gain significant traction at the time.
Everything changed when Brooklyn-based rapper Sleepy Hallow sampled Doechii’s Anxiety in his own track of the same name. His version introduced the song to a new audience, sparking interest in the original. As demand for the track grew, Doechii capitalized on the momentum by re-releasing Anxiety, this time with an established fanbase eagerly awaiting it.
A Unique Blend of Reggae and Hip-Hop
At first listen, Anxiety may not immediately register as a reggae-infused song, but a closer examination reveals its rhythmic DNA. The standout feature is the skipping lead guitar, present throughout the track, which subtly nods to reggae traditions. However, the production is so seamlessly blended with contemporary hip-hop elements that it creates an entirely new sonic experience. This fusion showcases Doechii’s versatility as an artist willing to push boundaries.
Lyrical Depth: A Battle with Inner Demons
Lyrically, Anxiety is a raw and introspective piece that delves into the struggles of mental health, substance use, and the challenges of navigating fame. Lines like “Fightin’ with my demons and my demons is winnin'” and “I feel like don’t nobody ever feel how I feel” paint a vivid picture of someone battling internal turmoil. Doechii’s ability to articulate these emotions makes the song deeply relatable, as many listeners can connect with feelings of isolation and personal struggles.
Vocal Delivery and Flow
One of Doechii’s strongest assets in Anxiety is her vocal delivery. She effortlessly switches between rap and melody, using rhythmic cadences that enhance the song’s hypnotic feel. The chorus, “Anxiety, keep on trying me, feel it quietly, tryna silence me,” is catchy yet haunting, reinforcing the song’s theme of battling an invisible force. Her flows remain dynamic, fluctuating between urgency and restraint, mirroring the unpredictable nature of anxiety itself.
The Impact of “Anxiety”
In an industry where innovation is key, Anxiety stands out as a testament to Doechii’s creative vision. The song’s unique production, powerful lyrics, and compelling performance position it as a standout hit. It also highlights the evolving landscape of hip-hop, where genre-blending is becoming the new norm.
With Anxiety, Doechii has not only created a hit song but also sparked conversations about mental health and self-expression in music. As her career continues to ascend, this track serves as proof that her artistry is fearless, fluid, and boundary-breaking.
Doechii’s “Anxiety”: A Bold Take on Hip-Hop and Mental Struggles
