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DENIAL IS A RIVER
by DOECHII
Doechii is on fine form on DENIAL IS A RIVER - her breakout UK chart hit, although nothing about the song signposts it as a commercial hit record.
The track's beat - inspired by MF Doom - was first posted by its producer, IanJames, on YouTube in 2022, and it takes its title from a viral meme of The Wendy Williams Experience radio show, with Williams coining the saying 'denial is not just a river in Egypt,' after talking to a listener who believes her husband is secretly gay.
Written by Doechii alongside its producers, IanJames and Joey Hamcock, DENIAL IS A RIVER (released as a single January 14 2025 via TDE/Capitol) functions as something of a two-way conversation between Doechii and her therapist. The song dissects several events in Doechii's life; from the discovery her boyfriend cheated on her with another man, to her reckless drug use and partying in Hollywood.
Exorcising these anxieties, the track ends with Doechii practicing a breathing exercise, mirrored in the track's excellent music video (set to resemble a classic sitcom) as the set around her collapses in flames.
Despite its more avante-garde structure, DENIAL IS A RIVER met the moment where Doechii became a true sensation well. Thanks to its viral music video (and a sterling, stirring performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards), it became Doechii's first UK Top 10 hit, climbing to Number 9 on February 14 2025.
With this feat, Doechii not only became the first female rapper to be present on a UK Top 10 hit since Sexyy Red (in 2024, as a featured artist on Drake's Rich Baby Daddy alongside SZA), but also the first solo female rap Top 10 single since Doja Cat's 2023 Number 1 hit Paint The Town Red.
Turns out? Therapy is worth it!
Music video
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Chart history of DENIAL IS A RIVER
Official Singles Chart
Official Singles Chart
Official Singles Chart Update
Official Singles Chart Update
Official Streaming Chart
Official Streaming Chart Official Video Streaming Chart
Official Video Streaming Chart Official Singles Sales Chart
Official Singles Sales Chart Official Singles Downloads Chart
Official Singles Downloads Chart Official Physical Singles Chart
Official Physical Singles ChartChart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelCAPITOL
- Catalogue numberUSUG12405664
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 1No1
- 1Top 10
- 1Top 20
- 1Top 40
- 1Top 75
- 1Top 100
Chart run
1 week - 17/04/2025
Buy
Official Vinyl Singles Chart
Official Vinyl Singles ChartChart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelCAPITOL
- Catalogue numberUSUG12405664
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 1No1
- 1Top 10
- 1Top 20
- 1Top 40
- 1Top 75
- 1Top 100
Chart run
1 week - 17/04/2025
Buy
Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart
Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart
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