Doechii’s “Anxiety” Music Video Is a Visually Chaotic, Emotionally Honest Tribute to Mental Struggle

On April 18, 2025, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii dropped the official music video for her viral hit “Anxiety”—a track that’s quickly solidified her spot as one of hip-hop’s most compelling rising voices. Directed by frequent collaborator James Mackel, the video is a vivid, cinematic rollercoaster that mirrors the emotional whirlwind of the track. Originally recorded in 2019 during her Coven Music Sessions and re-released in March 2025 following its explosive rise on TikTok, “Anxiety” has become her biggest hit yet, climbing to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Packed with surreal visuals, pop culture nods, and striking choreography, the video brings the song’s raw narrative to life in a way that’s both haunting and unforgettable.

A Nostalgic Nightmare

The video kicks off in a reimagined version of Doechii’s childhood bedroom—an homage to the original 2019 YouTube clip where she first performed “Anxiety.” The setting feels intimate and grounded at first, but things quickly spiral into chaos. A S.W.A.T. team bursts through the windows, triggering a dreamlike series of scenes that capture the disorienting grip of anxiety. From a kitchen fire and intruders to a looming Doberman and crashing chandelier, Doechii weaves through a surreal, high-stakes world where each moment reflects the internal pressure described in the lyrics.

Her vocals on the chorus—“Anxiety, keep on trying me / Feel it quietly, tryna silence me, yeah”—pulse beneath these jarring images, shifting between softness and strength. An elephant strolling down the street and a massive flash mob that closes in on her push the visuals into a full-blown sensory overload, symbolizing the suffocating weight of anxiety—what she describes as “an elephant standin’ on me.”

Easter Eggs, Tributes, and Personal Touches

The video is rich with clever references and meaningful cameos. One of the most notable is the tribute to Gotye’s 2011 classic “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which “Anxiety” heavily samples (via Luiz Bonfá’s “Seville”). Lookalikes of Gotye and Kimbra, painted in the iconic geometric body art from the original video, appear in a striking visual callback that seamlessly ties Doechii’s new work to a broader musical lineage.

Adding to the eeriness, Doechii’s real-life younger twin sisters appear in outfits inspired by the haunting twins from The Shining. Their presence adds a deeply personal and unsettling layer to the video, anchoring the chaos in Doechii’s real-life experience.

Other cultural references are woven in with equal care. The choreography, performed by a massive ensemble cast, loosely nods to a viral TikTok dance trend inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Doechii even teamed up with Will Smith and Tatyana Ali to recreate the moment on TikTok—further amplifying the song’s cultural reach.

From Bedroom Freestyle to Global Hit

The “Anxiety” video is a full-circle moment for Doechii. When she first recorded the track in 2019, she couldn’t clear the Gotye sample to officially release it. But everything changed after Brooklyn rapper Sleepy Hallow sampled her demo in his 2023 track “ANXIETY,” reviving interest in the song. Fueled by TikTok virality—over 1.8 million videos and a dance challenge—the newly recorded version was officially released in March 2025 under Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records.

Since then, “Anxiety” has skyrocketed—hitting No. 1 in Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Latvia, and cracking the top 10 in several other countries. Critics have praised its blend of emotional depth, soulful vocals, and sharp lyricism. Robin Murray of Clash called it a song that “crosses multiple lands,” reflecting Doechii’s evolution toward “self-forgiveness” and maturity. Elias Andrews of HotNewHipHop highlighted the 2025 version’s “nervy intensity” and praised the clever use of the Gotye sample’s “goofy rhythm” as a perfect contrast to Doechii’s dynamic vocals.

More Than Music: A Mental Health Mission

Beyond its musical and visual impact, “Anxiety” is also a statement about mental health. With the re-release, Doechii launched AnxietyIsWatchingMe.com, a digital resource offering fans a space to share stories, find coping tools, and connect with organizations like The Trevor Project and Mental Health America. It’s a meaningful extension of the song’s message—offering community, compassion, and a reminder that no one has to navigate anxiety alone.

“Thank you for all of the support you’ve given my song ‘Anxiety,’” Doechii wrote on Instagram. “Now let me support YOU.”

A Star Ascending

The video comes at a pivotal moment in Doechii’s career. Her 2024 mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal won Best Rap Album at the 2025 Grammys, making her only the third woman to earn that honor after Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. She was also recognized with Variety’s Hip-Hop Disruptors award and is slated to be honored as Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year at their Women in Music event.

With “Anxiety,” Doechii proves she’s not just a powerful rapper but a visionary artist—someone who can turn personal struggle into impactful, resonant storytelling.

Why It Matters

Doechii’s “Anxiety” video stands out as a stunning fusion of art and emotion. Through vivid, often chaotic visuals, deep symbolism, and a fearless sense of vulnerability, it captures what it really feels like to live with anxiety—while affirming Doechii’s place as one of music’s most creative voices.

Fans and critics alike have taken notice. On X, users are calling it “brilliant,” “emotionally raw,” and “one of the best depictions of anxiety ever put on screen.”

iambrysoncarter called it “one of the most beautiful depictions of anxiety I’ve ever seen,” while

NIYMUSE praised its portrayal of “confusion, heaviness, constant chaos, a moment of liberation, then repetition.”

For longtime fans and new listeners alike, “Anxiety” isn’t just a song or a video—it’s a declaration. Doechii has arrived, and she’s bringing her whole self with her.

Cardi B’s New Getty Photos Have the Internet Asking: Snatched by Nature or a Surgeon’s Signature?

Cardi B has once again broken the internet—not with a new single, but with a single photo. Getty Images recently dropped a set of high-energy snaps from one of her performances, and fans didn’t take long to zoom in, enhance, screenshot, and scream: “Is that real?!?”

The photos show the Bronx rapper living her best twerk life on stage in a skin-tight jumpsuit, fluffy blue boots, and a whole lot of confidence. But it wasn’t just the fashion catching attention—it was the curves. Specifically, the ones that had the internet clutching their pearls and typing, “Cardi B BBL?” faster than you can say “Okurrr.”

X users (formerly twitter) erupted with hot takes ranging from admiration—“Body goals!”—to suspicion—“That zipper is holding on for dear life.” Others joked that her backside might qualify for its own zip code. One fan summed it up perfectly: “That ain’t a peach, that’s the whole fruit bowl!”, others were of the opinion that she was shaped like a wisdom tooth and we are left to think it it’s truly as they say.

To be fair, Cardi has always been open about going under the knife, even documenting parts of her post-baby transformation. So whether her show-stopping figure is genetics, gym time, or a gift from Dr. 90210, one thing’s for sure: she’s owning it.

And honestly? We’re just grateful the zipper made it through the performance.

• Cardi B Lights Up the Stage in Bold White Bodysuit at Recent Show

Cardi B brought serious heat to the stage during a recent performance, turning heads in a daring white bodysuit that stole the spotlight. Captured in a powerful photo shot by Gilbert Flores for Getty Images, the rapper looked fierce and flawless, pairing the sleek outfit with eye-catching, fluffy blue boots that added a fun, edgy twist. Her long, straight hair cascaded down her back, perfectly matching the futuristic vibe of her look, while she hyped up the crowd with a mic in hand and her signature swagger.

The stage itself was just as electric—lit up with towering rig lights and bold red and yellow hues that amped up the energy. Surrounding her were dancers decked out in an eclectic mix of outfits, from lace tops to denim, all moving in sync with Cardi’s unstoppable energy. The word “STRAP!!” scrawled along the stage added a layer of mystery—possibly a nod to her hit “Up” or maybe teasing something new.

Once again, Cardi B reminded everyone why she’s a powerhouse in the music game. Her fearless style, magnetic stage presence, and raw energy prove she’s not just performing—she’s owning every second.