Behind the Song: Why Tyler, The Creator Is Paranoid on “Noid”

Tyler, The Creator introduces his seventh studio album Chromakopia with the unsettling lead single "Noid."

Accompanied by a chopped guitar riff, Tyler samples the Zambian rock band Ngozi Family's 1977 track "Nizakupanga Ngozi." The guitar sections reflect the heavy sound reminiscent of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs."

However, in "Noid," Tyler is consumed by feelings of paranoia stemming from the relentless nature of fame that he's unable to escape.

Somebody's Watching Me

In 1984, Rockwell released his iconic hit "Somebody's Watching Me." This song has become a popular Halloween classic, with Rockwell expressing his fears that someone is always watching him.

Tyler echoes this theme in "Noid," where he struggles with the burdens of celebrity, forever pursued by eager fans and invasive paparazzi.

I can't even buy a home in private
Home invasions got my brothers dying
Notice every car that's driving by
I think my neighbors want me dead
I got a cannon underneath the bed
Triple-checking if I locked the door
I know every creak that's in the floor
Motherf—-r I'm paranoid

Tyler further channels Rockwell's anxiety: Someone's keeping watch / I feel them in my shadow.

Ngozi Family

In addition to its themes, "Noid" incorporates its chorus from "Nizakupanga Ngozi." Paul Ngozi's lyrics emphasize the need for respect in one's own home while also warning against gossip.

Pobwela panyumba panga, uyenela ku nkala ndi ulemu
Chifukwa, ine sinifuna vokamba, Kamba
Vokamba kamba vileta pa mulomo
(Wotangozi, wotangozi)

"Nizakupanga Ngozi" features on Ngozi Family's album 45,000 Volts. The Ngozi Family was pivotal in developing the '70s Zamrock genre, blending influences from artists like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Cream with African rhythms and psychedelic rock.

Blessed (and Cursed)

In his earlier album Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler displays a confident stance as an artist. If "Noid" previews Chromakopia, then Tyler’s successes come coupled with an overwhelming sense of entrapment.

Debuting with Goblin in 2011, Tyler Okonma quickly rose to prominence, with tracks like "She" featuring Frank Ocean, which narrates a story of obsession.

Years later, the sensation of paranoia remains. In "She," the protagonist attempts to flee from a violent past. However, in "Noid," Tyler is trapped in a new nightmare. The accompanying music video depicts him behind a mask and locked doors, peeking nervously from behind curtains, convinced that someone is watching.

One scene shows him glimpsing unsettling figures in a mirror, only to find he is alone in the room.

Watch Your Surroundings

The threats Tyler perceives may be real or mere figments of his imagination. He wrestles with paranoia over an energetic rap-rock beat filled with anxious synths. Every turn presents another monster—representing the haunting desire for recognition and success.

Privacy? Yeah, right, I got a better shot in the NBA

As "Noid" concludes, the unresolved piano emphasizes Tyler's plea for solitude: Leave me alone / What you want?

Tyler, Music, Paranoia