Lil Noid is an architect of Memphis rap. His seminal 1995 album Paranoid Funk, (produced by hometown compatriot Blackout) created an entire universe within its 20-minute runtime. Bleak, futuristic and stoic, Noid’s sound is often replicated but never duplicated. His recent feature on the Black Keys 2024 album, Ohio Players, exemplifies the reach of his influence through time, geography and genre. Despite a recent health emergency “I had open heart surgery, and that slowed things down a lot…” Noid shows a resilience synonymous with that Memphian “Grit and Grind” mentality, continuing “...but when I got back on my feet, I got back on my feet.” and now, only 8-months post-surgery, we are blessed with a new offering. Released today is Passion, Poverty and Pain. When BRICK asked about the record’s name, Noid is succinct in his explanation: “I developed a passion for music that was heavily influenced by the poverty I grew up in, and the pain from the upsets and let downs.” and, it should be noted, the last track of the album is called “Noid Is Back.” Long live Lil Noid.
What song reminds you most of your childhood?
“Smile” by Scarface and Tupac. It's nostalgic for me. You know, “Smile for Me,” no matter what’s going on. As kids, I don’t think we knew what it was like to frown. Through everything, I don’t care what we went through, we’d still smile and we still had a great time. We ain’t as picky as the kids are now!
What was the first record you remember buying?Oh that’s easy! It was Comin’ Out Hard by 8Ball and MJG. I got it at Cat’s Music on Austin Peay Highway. It's been closed for quite some time now, but back then, Cat’s and Spin Street were the two record stores I used to go to. I got a job when I was 14, so I could buy my own CDs. I used to actually work with both of my parents, I don't think they knew what I was buying with my pay at the time though, and I'm glad they didn’t!! |
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What song reminds you of traveling to a specific place?
I got a song called “A Block Away.” I always play it when I'm kind of moving around, when I'm just traveling by vehicle. That song always kind of puts me in that mood, for travelling.
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What song is the best representation of your hometown?Project Pat “If You Ain’t From My Hood.” I remember, the first time I heard it, it’s on the album Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin’ and I was looking for something else on there but I ran into this song and I just stayed there for a while. Just stuck there. It was just so different, you know, [raps] “If you ain’t from my hood / you can get from ‘round here!” And when I grew up, we was all about the neighborhood. My neighborhood even played a big role in how I met Juicy J. It was always about the neighborhood. |
What song do you wish you had written?
“Welcome Back” by Young Jeezy. I was with a friend listening to that album and he kind of skipped over it, and I was like, “no, go back, go back one second!” I think, if I'm not mistaken, DJ Squeeky made that track out of Memphis, so it's kind of self explanatory why I like it. It's kind of like being back at home, in a sense. At that time, Jeezy was so hot. They would play four or five Jeezy songs throughout the night in the club. Even if you're only there for one or two hours, you may hear “Welcome Back,” and then “Amazin’,” and then something else. And what it was, you not only had the guys be rapping, but the girls in high heels that was sophisticated would be throwing a finger in the air too, you know!
What song would you want played at your wedding?
“The Matrimony” by Wale and Usher. I think they got Seinfeld at the beginning, where he talks about “anything new is supposed to be an experience. You're supposed to not be good at it, because it's the first time you're doing it.” And then it goes off into Usher and Wale, but I had to choose this, the name of the song is “The Matrimony!”
What’s the best song to play at a house party?
I was kind of caught up thinking about this one at first, but I think I got it. Drake, “Nonstop.” Once again, the producer on “Nonstop” is from my neighborhood, it’s Tay Keith. So yeah, I will play that Drake! Now, I have a Rolex, and what he said? [raps] “This a Rollie / not a stopwatch / shit don't ever stop.” So I have to throw my wrist up in the air sometimes! It’s just a way for me to stunt and be silly. And it’s funny, cos a lot of the times I don't even know upfront that it’s a Memphis artist who produced these songs, then I go back and I know what drew me to it. Like this one, I instantly went to it. I don't know how to explain. It's like a magnet.
You’re abducted by aliens, and when you wake up on the spaceship, they pass you the aux. What is the song you’re playing to convince them not to destroy Earth?
My dad would like this one. It’s Marvin Gaye, “What's Going On?” It supersedes time. It’s weird how someone from back then could see what's going on now. It's crazy when you listen to that song. I watched a video of him performing, and he had this gray jogging suit on with some Chuck Taylors—and he was laying down, singing a classic. On the floor! And I was amazed because he was just that comfortable. He was just that good. It all just came so naturally to him.