Anxiety Sparks a Frenzy as Doechii Secures Her Thrilling First Number 1

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern music, few artists have experienced a meteoric rise as compelling as Doechii’s recent ascent to the top of the charts. Her latest single, “Anxiety,” has not only captivated audiences worldwide but also ignited heated discussions on sampling practices, social media virality, and the transformative power of nostalgia in contemporary music.

The Meteoric Rise of “Anxiety”

Originally released on YouTube in 2019 as part of her Coven Music Sessions, “Anxiety” initially flew under the radar. It wasn’t until the track resurfaced on TikTok in early 2025 that it gained unprecedented traction, leading to its official release on streaming platforms.

As streams skyrocketed, so did Doechii’s momentum. “Anxiety” made an explosive entry into the charts, climbing at a breakneck pace before ultimately reaching the coveted Number 1 spot on the EE Official Big Top 40, marking Doechii’s first chart-topping hit.

Her fans erupted in celebration, but the success of “Anxiety” has sparked controversy that extends far beyond the music industry.

The Power of TikTok in Music Virality

It’s no secret that TikTok has become the ultimate kingmaker in modern music. Countless artists have found success through viral trends, and Doechi’s “Anxiety” is no exception.

The track exploded in popularity after TikTok users started using it for dance challenges and emotional reaction videos. Memes, lip-syncing clips, and remix versions flooded social media, amplifying its reach. The song’s catchy beat and deeply relatable lyrics resonated across different demographics, from Gen Z music lovers to nostalgic millennials.

This meteoric rise proves once again that TikTok dictates the music industry—a reality that has left both artists and record labels scrambling to harness the platform’s power.

A Nostalgic Sample: Revisiting Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know”

While “Anxiety” has been hailed as a game-changer, its success has also been met with backlash due to its heavy sampling of Gotye’s 2011 smash hit, “Somebody That I Used to Know.”

Sampling is nothing new, but Doechii’s reinterpretation has divided fans and critics alike. Some argue that her version is nothing more than a modernized remix, while others praise her for revitalizing a classic hit for a new generation. The legalities surrounding sampling and copyright have also come under scrutiny, as some believe the industry is becoming too reliant on nostalgia rather than innovation.

Regardless of where people stand, one thing is clear—Doechii has mastered the art of reinvention.

Celebrity Endorsements and Strategic Virality

Doechii’s rise to Number 1 wasn’t just about the music—it was also about the marketing. A pivotal moment in the song’s viral success came when Hollywood legend Will Smith and “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-star Tatyana Ali joined Doechii in a TikTok video, recreating an iconic 90s dance set to “Anxiety.”

This unexpected collaboration set social media on fire, leading to millions of views within hours. It bridged generations, uniting fans of the ’90s sitcom era with Gen Z TikTok users. The move proved once again that celebrity endorsements are a cheat code to viral success.

This strategy, combining nostalgia, modern influence, and social media power, was nothing short of genius.

Controversies and Conversations: Is this music evolution or lazy creativity?

With great success comes great scrutiny. As “Anxiety” continued to dominate the airwaves, critics raised concerns about Doechii’s reliance on a past hit.

Some accused her of taking the easy route by repurposing an already iconic melody instead of creating something entirely original. Others defended the practice, citing hip-hop and R&B’s long history of sampling as an art form. The debate intensified when Gotye declined to comment on whether he approved of the sample, leading to speculation about potential legal disputes.

While sampling is a widely accepted practice, the extent of Doechii’s use of Gotye’s melody has blurred the line between homage and imitation.

Doechii’s Artistic Growth and Industry Evolution

Controversy aside, Doechii’s success is undeniable. She has mastered the ability to blend introspective lyrics with addictive production, crafting a sound that is both refreshing and familiar.

From underground artist to chart-topping sensation, her career trajectory proves that talent combined with digital strategy is a winning formula. The industry itself is undergoing a massive shift, where streaming numbers and social media engagement matter just as much—if not more—than traditional music sales. With “Anxiety,” Doechii has cemented her place in modern music history.

As the debate over sampling rages on, Doechii is already gearing up for her next move.

The Role of Nostalgia in Modern Music

Beyond just “Anxiety,” the track’s explosive success is part of a bigger trend—the calculated use of nostalgia in today’s music industry.

Sampling allows artists to tap into audiences’ memories, creating an instant connection between past and present listeners. From Olivia Rodrigo to Doechii, younger artists are reviving sounds from the 2000s and 2010s, capitalizing on nostalgia-driven streaming habits. This trend is reshaping music consumption, with old hits finding new life through modern reinterpretations.

Whether people love or hate the idea, nostalgia is a marketing goldmine.

The Impact of Social Media Collaborations on Chart Rankings

The collaboration between Doechii, Will Smith, and Tatyana Ali wasn’t just a fun TikTok moment—it was a strategic marketing move.

Virality now plays a direct role in music success, often dictating which songs climb the charts. In 2025, a hit single is as much about TikTok trends as it is about radio play. Doechii’s ability to leverage cultural icons to propel her music further sets her apart from many emerging artists.

If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: social media isn’t just a promotional tool—it’s the new record label.

Chart-Topping Achievements and Accolades

Despite the controversy, debates, and backlash, “Anxiety” has cemented itself as a massive hit.

The track shot to Number 1 on multiple charts, including Spotify’s Global Top 50 and Apple Music’s Trending 100. Doechii has garnered award nominations, with many predicting that “Anxiety” will be a major contender at the Grammys. Critics who dismissed her as a TikTok one-hit wonder are now eating their words.

Love it or hate it, “Anxiety” has dominated the industry in a way that few songs have in recent years.

What’s Next for Doechii?

With a Number 1 hit under her belt, Doechii is now at a critical career moment.

Will she continue using nostalgia as a formula for future hits? Or will she pivot toward more original work to silence critics? Either way, all eyes are on her next move.

If history tells us anything, it’s that Doechii knows how to keep the world watching.

Conclusion: A Moment That Defines the Future of Music

Doechii’s “Anxiety” isn’t just another viral hit—it’s a cultural turning point. It represents the undeniable power of TikTok in shaping music trends, the influence of nostalgia as a winning formula, and the ongoing debate over creativity vs. convenience in sampling.

As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Doechii has already made history.