Doechii's Double Dose: "Anxiety" Soars on Hot 100 Amid Viral Surge

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Genesis of “Anxiety”
4. Musical and Chart-Topping Achievements
5. Sleepy Hallow’s "A N X I E T Y"
6. Historical Context: A Rare Charting Feat
7. The Implications of Recognition
8. Looking Forward: What’s Next for Doechii?
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Doechii's song "Anxiety" debuts at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to a wide release and social media buzz.
• Simultaneously, a remix featuring Sleepy Hallow also charts, marking a rare occurrence of two versions of a song by the same artist in the Hot 100.
• Both tracks sample Gotye's iconic hit "Somebody That I Used to Know," reinforcing the theme of anxiety and emotional struggle.
• Doechii's success is further highlighted by her recognition as Billboard's Woman of the Year in 2025.

Introduction

In a landscape constantly shifting with new viral trends and musical styles, few artists have managed to captivate audiences quite like Doechii. On March 22, 2025, her song "Anxiety" surged onto the Billboard Hot 100 at an impressive No. 13, a feat achieved through a newfound wide release and propelled by a viral TikTok moment featuring iconic actors Will Smith and Tatyana Ali. This intriguing landscape raises the question: how does one artist manage to dominate the charts with not one, but two versions of a song simultaneously? Here, we explore the meteoric ascent of Doechii, her contributions to music, and the cultural implications tied into this unprecedented success.

The Genesis of “Anxiety”

Originally released in 2019, Doechii's "Anxiety" found a niche audience but remained relatively confined to YouTube until this year. However, its reworking and increased visibility on social media platforms led to an explosive resurgence. The song features rich lyrical content exploring the nuances of anxiety, making it relatable to many. This emotional depth is further amplified by a prominent sampling of Gotye's 2012 hit "Somebody That I Used to Know," providing both a familiar hook and a modern twist.

Will Smith, Tatyana Ali, and a TikTok TikTok Takeover

In a delightful twist of fate, a segment from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air featuring Will Smith and Tatyana Ali dancing to the song's chorus became a sensation on TikTok. The iconic scene resonated with a younger generation while reintroducing nostalgia to older viewers. This pivotal moment not only provided the song with a second wind but also highlighted the interconnectedness of entertainment across generations.

Musical and Chart-Topping Achievements

Casting a wider net, Doechii's "Anxiety" entered the charts during a week when her streams skyrocketed by a phenomenal 289% to reach 20.6 million official U.S. streams. She secured a spot in the top 10 on various Billboard charts, including:

• Streaming Songs: #5
• Billboard Global 200: #6
• Billboard Global Excl. U.S.: #7

These numbers reflect a staggering market appeal, indicative not only of the song’s quality but also her burgeoning influence in the music industry. Doechii's music serves as a potent blend of rap, R&B, and pop, showcasing her versatility as an artist. The infectious nature of "Anxiety" allows it to resonate with a broad demographic, transcending the typical boundaries associated with genre.

Sleepy Hallow’s "A N X I E T Y"

Meanwhile, Brooklyn rapper Sleepy Hallow released “A N X I E T Y,” which creatively incorporates the catchy hook from Doechii’s original. This version made waves on TikTok even before it hit the Billboard charts, debuting at No. 45 on the March 15-dated Hot 100. In its second week, it dropped slightly to No. 59 but maintained considerable streaming numbers with 8.7 million streams in the U.S. and 29.6 million worldwide.

Utilizing the viral appeal of TikTok, where snippets of songs often dominate trends, Sleepy Hallow's hit demonstrated the synergy between two artists who, despite their differing styles, complemented one another through their shared influences and messages.

Sampling and Its Cultural Impact

The choice to sample Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" acts as a cultural bridge, linking the themes of love, heartbreak, and anxiety that the original conveyed with Doechii's modern interpretations. This sampling not only amplifies the emotional resonance of both tracks but also underscores the importance of collaborative artistry in contemporary music.

Historical Context: A Rare Charting Feat

Doechii's double entry on the Hot 100 is a rare phenomenon, placing her among an elite group of artists who have simultaneously charted two versions of a song. Historically, such occurrences are limited. Notable examples include Jay-Z and Alicia Keys with “Empire State of Mind” and the Righteous Brothers with “Unchained Melody.”

An examination of chart history reveals that concurrent tracks often reflect a moment in time when public sentiment aligns with the emotional themes presented by artists. In this context, Doechii's success exemplifies the intersection of cultural nostalgia with contemporary pain points, like anxiety, that are prevalent in today's fast-paced society.

The Implications of Recognition

As if her chart success weren't enough, Doechii has also been nominated as Billboard's Woman of the Year for 2025, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the music landscape. This accolade pays tribute to her artistry, influence, and ability to galvanize discussions around mental health.

In awarding Doechii, Billboard not only acknowledges her accomplishments as an artist but also emphasizes the growing recognition of mental health issues within popular culture. The themes present in her music encourage dialogue around anxiety and vulnerability—topics that resonate with audiences globally.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Doechii?

With her meteoric rise, many are left to ponder what the future holds for Doechii. The music industry often sees artists stumble after achieving success; however, given her unique blend of talent and authenticity, the trajectory appears promising.

Future projects may focus on expanding her discography, exploring deeper themes related to mental health, or even collaborating with more established artists to enhance her reach further. Whatever her path, Doechii is likely to remain a cornerstone of modern music as she continues to forge connections through her relatable and powerful lyrics.

FAQ

Q: What is the significance of Doechii's double entry on the Billboard Hot 100?
A: It is a rare occurrence where an artist charts two versions of a song simultaneously, highlighting their versatility and the song's broad appeal.

Q: How did social media impact the resurgence of "Anxiety"?
A: A viral TikTok moment featuring Will Smith and Tatyana Ali helped propel interest in the song, leading to increased streams and a wider release.

Q: What are the themes explored in Doechii’s music?
A: Doechii often focuses on themes such as anxiety, emotional vulnerability, and personal struggles, making her music relatable to a wide audience.

Q: Who else has achieved simultaneous chart success with multiple versions of a song?
A: Notable examples include Jay-Z and Alicia Keys with “Empire State of Mind” and the Righteous Brothers with “Unchained Melody.”

Q: What does Doechii's nomination as Billboard's Woman of the Year signify?
A: This recognition highlights her achievements as an artist and marks her influence within the music industry, especially concerning discussions around mental health.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Doechii's recent accomplishments, focusing on her song "Anxiety" and its cultural and commercial implications. By exploring her artistry and the ways in which social media engage with music today, we gain insight into the interconnected nature of music, mental health, and virality in the digital age.