Unraveling 'Anxiety': What Song Does It Sample?

Dr. Garry Herzog 22 Jun 2025

The world of music is a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of creativity, innovation, and often, homage. One of the most intriguing aspects of modern music production is sampling – the art of taking a portion of one sound recording and reusing it in a different song. This practice can breathe new life into classic tracks, introduce listeners to forgotten gems, or create entirely new sonic landscapes. When we talk about Doechii's powerful and resonant track "Anxiety," a question frequently arises: what song does Anxiety sample? The answer leads us down a captivating path through the evolution of a beat, from an iconic global hit to a contemporary anthem reflecting the struggles of our times.

Doechii's "Anxiety" is more than just a song; it's a raw, honest reflection on the difficulties of life and the challenging realities we face daily. It's a testament to her artistry, blending personal experience with broader societal observations. The track's unique sound, however, owes a significant part of its character to its sampled foundation, a choice that not only showcases Doechii's bold artistic vision but also connects her work to a piece of music history that resonated with millions worldwide. Join us as we uncover the layers behind "Anxiety" and trace its musical lineage.

The Echo Chamber: Understanding Music Sampling
Doechii's "Anxiety": A Deep Dive into Its Origins
The Iconic Source: What Song Does Doechii's "Anxiety" Sample?
- "Somebody That I Used to Know": A Global Phenomenon
Doechii: The Artist Behind "Anxiety"
- Doechii's Personal Data & Career Highlights
The Ripple Effect: Sleepy Hallow's "Anxiety" and Its Connection
The Art of Transformation: How Doechii Reimagined a Classic
The Broader Impact: Anxiety as a Musical Theme
Beyond the Sample: Doechii's Legacy and Future

The Echo Chamber: Understanding Music Sampling

Music sampling is a fundamental technique in modern music production, particularly prevalent in genres like hip-hop, electronic music, and pop. At its core, sampling involves taking a portion of a previously recorded song – it could be a drum beat, a vocal snippet, a melody, or even an entire instrumental loop – and incorporating it into a new composition. This practice isn't just about recycling; it's about recontextualizing, reinterpreting, and often, paying homage to the original source material while creating something entirely fresh.

The beauty of sampling lies in its transformative power. A familiar riff can take on a completely different emotional weight when placed in a new arrangement, or a forgotten B-side can find new life as the backbone of a chart-topping hit. For artists, sampling offers a rich palette of sounds and textures, allowing them to build complex sonic landscapes without necessarily creating every element from scratch. It's a nod to the past, a conversation with existing musical narratives, and a powerful tool for innovation. Understanding this dynamic is key to appreciating the layers within tracks like Doechii's "Anxiety" and the question of what song does it sample.

Doechii's "Anxiety": A Deep Dive into Its Origins

Doechii's "Anxiety" is a standout track in her discography, originally making its debut on YouTube on November 10, 2019. From its initial release, the song resonated with listeners due to its raw honesty and Doechii's distinctive delivery. Lyrically, "Anxiety" is a profound exploration of the difficulties of life in the contemporary world. Doechii articulates the challenge of enduring and accepting the often overwhelming realities we encounter daily, painting a vivid picture of a constant state of unease that serves as a reminder of various personal and societal pressures.

In the lyrics, Doechii masterfully intertwines her personal experiences as an artist navigating the complexities of the music industry with her broader perceptions of society's problems and global issues. This dual perspective gives the song a universal appeal, as many can relate to the feeling of being constantly reminded of anxieties, whether they stem from personal struggles or the wider world's turmoil. The song's emotional depth, combined with its unique sonic foundation, makes it a powerful statement piece that firmly established Doechii's voice in the music landscape.

The Iconic Source: What Song Does Doechii's "Anxiety" Sample?

The central question that brings many listeners to this article is, unequivocally: what song does Anxiety sample? The answer lies in one of the most distinctive and globally recognized hits of the 2010s. Doechii's "Anxiety" prominently samples Gotye's 2011 smash hit, "Somebody That I Used to Know," featuring Kimbra. This choice is particularly noteworthy because Gotye's track itself is known for its quirky, almost cartoonish beat and unique instrumentation, making it a challenging yet rewarding piece to reinterpret.

Doechii herself confirmed this, explaining her creative process. She stated, "I took that beat, 'Somebody I Used to Know,' and I made my own song on top of it called 'Anxiety.'" This direct acknowledgment highlights her intentional decision to build upon an already iconic foundation. While "Anxiety" isn't a bad song by any means, it does, as some have noted, forever exist in the shadow of its smash-hit predecessor. However, this doesn't diminish Doechii's artistry; instead, it showcases her bravery in tackling such a well-known and unorthodox record, transforming its familiar elements into something entirely her own.

"Somebody That I Used to Know": A Global Phenomenon

Released in 2011, Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know," featuring Kimbra, became an unexpected global phenomenon. Its distinctive xylophone melody, sparse percussion, and the poignant duet between Gotye and Kimbra captivated audiences worldwide, topping charts in numerous countries and earning critical acclaim. The song's unique sound design, which incorporated samples from Luiz Bonfá's 1967 song "Seville," contributed to its immediate recognizability and lasting impact.

The success of "Somebody That I Used to Know" was not just in its catchy melody but also in its raw, relatable lyrics about a fractured relationship and the painful aftermath of a breakup. Its widespread appeal made it a staple on radio and in popular culture, cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the decade. For Doechii to choose such a ubiquitous and distinct track as the foundation for her own "Anxiety" was a bold move, demonstrating her confidence in her ability to craft a compelling narrative that could stand alongside, and even reimagine, a modern classic.

Doechii: The Artist Behind "Anxiety"

Doechii, born Jaylah Hickmon, is an American rapper and singer who has rapidly ascended in the music industry with her distinctive style, powerful vocals, and versatile artistry. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Doechii first gained significant traction with her unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic influences, often characterized by her dynamic flow and ability to effortlessly switch between rapping and singing. Her music is known for its candid lyricism, exploring themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and societal commentary, much like her track "Anxiety."

Her career trajectory has been marked by a series of critically acclaimed releases, including EPs like "Oh, the Places You’ll Go" (2020) and "she / her / her" (2022). Doechii's live performances are also highly praised for their energy and theatricality, solidifying her reputation as a multifaceted artist. Her willingness to experiment with sound and push genre boundaries has made her one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary music, and her clever use of samples, as seen in "Anxiety," is just one facet of her innovative approach.

Doechii's Personal Data & Career Highlights

Here's a brief overview of Doechii's background and some key career milestones:

Category	Detail
Full Name	Jaylah Hickmon
Stage Name	Doechii
Born	August 14, 1998 (as of 2024, 26 years old)
Origin	Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Alternative R&B
Occupation	Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
Years Active	2019-present
Notable Songs	"Anxiety," "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake," "Persuasive," "What It Is (Block Boy)"
Notable EPs	"Oh, the Places You’ll Go" (2020), "she / her / her" (2022)
Record Label	Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Capitol Records

The Ripple Effect: Sleepy Hallow's "Anxiety" and Its Connection

The story of "Anxiety" and its samples doesn't end with Doechii. In a fascinating twist of musical lineage, Doechii's track itself became the source material for another artist. Sleepy Hallow, an amazing artist in his own right, dropped a song also called "Anxiety" in 2023. This track, however, samples Doechii's "Anxiety," creating a compelling chain of musical influence. This phenomenon, where a song samples another song that is itself a sample, highlights the intricate and interconnected nature of modern music production.

Sleepy Hallow openly acknowledged this sampling chain. As he explained, he "dropped a song called ‘Anxiety,’ where he was sampling my song called ‘Anxiety,’ but my song is using the sample of ‘Somebody I Used to Know.'" This candid explanation from Sleepy Hallow provides clear insight into the layers of sampling at play. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the original Gotye beat and Doechii's successful reinterpretation that it could then serve as a fresh foundation for another artist's work. This ripple effect showcases how a single musical idea can evolve and inspire multiple generations of artists, each adding their unique voice to the ongoing conversation.

The Art of Transformation: How Doechii Reimagined a Classic

Reimagining a classic like "Somebody That I Used to Know" is no small feat, especially when the original is as distinctive and widely recognized as Gotye's hit. Doechii's approach in "Anxiety" demonstrates a remarkable artistic sensibility. Over its quirky, almost cartoonish beat, she delivers a vocal performance that has been noted as reminiscent of Ari Lennox, singing with excellent control and a vintage flair. This isn't just a matter of rapping over an existing beat; it's a complete reinterpretation that imbues the instrumental with a new emotional landscape.

While some might argue that "Anxiety" forever exists in the shadow of its smash-hit predecessor, Doechii's version is far from a mere imitation or a "worst sample ever." Instead, it's a testament to her ability to take a familiar sonic template and infuse it with her unique lyrical perspective and vocal prowess. She transforms the original's melancholic, post-breakup sentiment into a broader commentary on contemporary anxieties, making the beat feel fresh and relevant to her own narrative. This creative alchemy is what truly defines the art of sampling: not just borrowing, but building, transforming, and ultimately, creating something new and meaningful.

The Broader Impact: Anxiety as a Musical Theme

Beyond the fascinating journey of its sampled beat, Doechii's "Anxiety" also stands out for its thematic depth. The song directly addresses the pervasive feeling of anxiety, a condition that affects countless individuals globally. In a world grappling with constant information overload, social pressures, and complex global issues, the sentiment expressed in "Anxiety"—the difficulty of enduring and accepting what we see around us—resonates deeply with many listeners. Doechii's decision to name the song "Anxiety" and build its lyrics around this theme is a powerful artistic choice, reflecting a growing trend in music to openly discuss mental health and emotional well-being.

Music has always served as a mirror to society, reflecting its joys, sorrows, and struggles. By tackling "anxiety" head-on, Doechii contributes to a broader conversation that helps destigmatize mental health challenges. Her song becomes a sonic space where listeners can find solace, understanding, or simply a recognition of their own feelings. This thematic resonance, coupled with the song's compelling musical foundation, elevates "Anxiety" beyond just a catchy tune, making it a significant piece of art that speaks to the human condition in the 21st century.

Beyond the Sample: Doechii's Legacy and Future

Doechii's "Anxiety" is a compelling example of how a talented artist can take an existing musical foundation and build something entirely new and impactful upon it. Her brave choice to sample Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" not only showcased her innovative spirit but also demonstrated her ability to infuse a familiar sound with her unique voice and contemporary lyrical themes. This track, along with her other works, solidifies Doechii's position as an artist who is not afraid to push boundaries and explore complex subjects.

The ripple effect, where her "Anxiety" was then sampled by Sleepy Hallow, further illustrates the enduring influence of creative sampling and the interconnectedness of musical artistry. Doechii's legacy will undoubtedly include her distinct approach to songwriting and production, characterized by her powerful storytelling and her willingness to blend genres and sounds. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her early work, particularly "Anxiety," will remain a fascinating case study in the art of sampling and a testament to her ability to turn personal and societal observations into universally resonant music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to "what song does Anxiety sample" leads us to a rich narrative of musical evolution. Doechii's "Anxiety" masterfully samples Gotye's iconic 2011 hit, "Somebody That I Used to Know," featuring Kimbra. This bold artistic choice allowed Doechii to infuse a globally recognized beat with her raw, personal reflections on life's difficulties and the pervasive feeling of anxiety in modern society. Furthermore, the story extends with Sleepy Hallow's 2023 track, also titled "Anxiety," which samples Doechii's version, creating a fascinating multi-layered homage.

This journey through the samples highlights the incredible creativity inherent in music production. It's a reminder that art often builds upon art, with each new iteration adding fresh perspectives and emotional depth. Doechii's "Anxiety" is not just a song about a feeling; it's a testament to her unique voice and her ability to transform existing sounds into something profoundly her own. We encourage you to listen to all three tracks – Gotye's original, Doechii's "Anxiety," and Sleepy Hallow's "Anxiety" – to fully appreciate the intricate dance of influence and innovation. What are your thoughts on artists sampling iconic tracks? Share your comments below, and don't forget to explore more of Doechii's incredible discography!

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