NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Big Sean Shows He Knows How To Bounce Back With A Stacked ‘Tiny Desk’ Performance

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The Detroit legend stopped by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts for a special show. In a 25-minute performance, rapper Big Sean ran through his catalog, which contains an abundance of hits.

Sean opened with “Memories Part II” from his debut album, Finally Famous: The Album, which then made for a smooth transition into “Nothing Is Stopping You” from his sophomore album, Hall Of Fame. After performing this song, Sean shared an anecdote about this particular album. Although Hall Of Fame didn’t perform as well as Finally Famous, this motivated Sean to step up his craft.

“It was a stressful time for me, because when my second album dropped, it didn”t do as well as my first album,” said Sean. “And people was like ‘Oh, sophomore slump, it’s over for him. And then I was able to lock in and make my third album, which was Dark Sky Paradise, which is one of my biggest albums. So the point of even bringing that up is like, don’t let people place their curse on you of what they want you to be, or who they think you are.”

He proceeded to perform the Dark Sky Paradise fan-favorites “Blessed” and “Play No Games”

Of course, he threw it back with some of his breakthrough hits, including “My Last,” “Marvin And Chardonnay,” and his iconic verse from his Drake collaboration “All Me.” Elsewhere in the concert, he gave a triumphant performance of one of his biggest hits, “Bounce Back.” He closed with one of his most recognizable tracks, “I Don’t F*ck With You.”

Hearing these songs in stripped-back, acoustic renditions allowed for fans to focus on Sean’s sharp lyricism. Though Sean is often left out of GOAT conversations, his catalog proves that he warrants consideration.

You can watch the concert above.

Tinashe’s Tiny Desk Concert Is A Seamless Display Of The Singer’s Creative Range

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Tinashe NPR Tiny Desk 2024
Zayrha Rodriguez/NPR

Before hitting the road for her BB/Ang3l Tour, Tinashe was sure to make a quick pit spot at NPR Music’s headquarters. After initially being teased two weeks ago, the “Needs” singer’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance is available for your viewing pleasure.

In no stretch is this a typical Tinashe set, as the cramped space does allow much room for movement. But that actually worked in Tinashe’s favor. As she opened her set with “Treason” off her latest album, viewers at home are forced to give in to Tinashe’s vocal abilities. The transition between “Unconditional” (which appeared on her 2021 project 333) and her 2019 6lack collaboration “Touch & Go” (off Songs For You) paints the many facets of Tinashe.

Of course, the performance couldn’t end without Tinashe’s first big hit, 2014’s “2 On,” which featured Schoolboy Q. The stripped approach made it an interesting experience. During the performance, Tinashe was accompanied by a band of extremely talented musicians, including drummer Darion Ja’Von, electric guitarist Zach Fenske, bassist Edwin Carranza, keyboardist Phil Lewis, acoustic guitarist Sean Rosati, cellist Caleb Vaughn-Jones, and violinist Crystal Alforque. Even Tinashe chimed in to play the vibraphone for a moment or two.

Tinashe’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert set is available for viewing on NPR Music’s website. Find more information here.

Tinashe is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Jeezy Teased A Tiny Desk Concert Coming Soon And Fans Are Completely Hyped

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Jeezy 2024
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Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins has quite a resume on him. Jeezy, a rapper who has sold 5 million albums, has launched spirit brands, opened a steakhouse, and published a book, will soon be able to celebrate another career milestone. Earlier this week, Jeezy took to social media, to show fans photos from behind the scenes of an NPR Tiny Desk Concert he recently taped.

In the photos, Jeezy is seen front and center, accompanied by a live instrumentalist band. At the time of writing, it is unclear when Jeezy’s Tiny Desk Concert will drop on YouTube and NPR. However, fans are certainly excited to tune in.

“I already know jeezy Tiny desk concert gone be smooth,” said one fan on Twitter.

“I could cry,” said another fan. “Gonna be straight ghetto gospel. I cannot wait until it drops.”

Over the past two decades, Jeezy has maintained a steady flow of music. Last year, he released a 29-track album called I Might Forgive… But I Don’t Forget. But some of his biggest hits dropped back in the mid-2000s, including his Akon collaboration “Soul Survivor” and his Kanye West collab “Put On.”

“I really hope Jeezy don’t get on Tiny Desk and do new music,” said one Twitter user.

But other fans look forward to hearing Jeezy go through his extensive catalog, knowing the man has hits for days.

“Long overdue,” said one fan on Twitter. “I’m ready to hear songs from projects like TM101, The Inspiration, & Trap Or Die on here.”

Noname’s Tiny Desk Concert Was As Just Radical As It Was Groovy, Featuring Guest Appearances From Smino & Saba

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Today (November 10) was all about the 2024 Grammy Award nominations. However, nothing could stop Noname’s triumphant return to NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. It’s been five years since her striking first appearance. With the Sundial Tour coming to a close soon, her cameo served as a treat to longtime supporters who couldn’t snag tickets to show near their city. Noname’s latest Tiny Desk concert performance was just as radical as it was groovy, featuring guest appearances by Smino and Saba for a brief Ghetto Sage reunion.

With musicians Greg Paul (drummer), Brooke Skye (bassist), Cisco Swank (keyboardist and supporting vocalist), and David Otis (saxophonist), Noname tackled her poignant album’s standout tracks, including “Namesake” and “Hold Me Down.” Background vocalists Kamilah and Claudia Abena provided the much-needed layering to help amplify its track’s messaging.

Ayoni also made a surprise appearance during Noname’s set so that they could perform their track “Boom Boom.” Ghetto Sage reunion revealed an unreleased track titled “Kush And Love Songs.” Before she closed with “Balloons,” in which Jay Electronic is featured, Noname took a trip down memory lane. Noname couldn’t leave out her older records. Room 25′s “Don’t Forget About Me” made the final setlist as the sole older track.

Sundial is out now via Noname. Find more information here.

Watch Noname’s latest Tiny Desk concert above.

Chlöe Reminded Us Of Her Unstoppable Star Power During Her Debut Solo Tiny Desk Concert

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Chloe Bailey is killing it in her solo era. This year, she released her debut album In Pieces and embarked on a solo tour. She and her sister, Halle, also released a line of activewear, and they teased that they will be hitting the studio to work on their third studio album as Chloe X Halle.

Today (September 5), Tiny Desk has dropped a special performance featuring Chloe Bailey, who performs solo as Chlöe.

During her Tiny Desk debut, Chlöe performed with an acoustic band, delivering some of her solo cuts.

She opened with “Surprise,” her sexy standalone single from 2022. She made a slight nod to Janet Jackson shortly after, saying “My name is Chlöe, Miss Bailey if you nasty,” making a smooth transition into the In Pieces fan favorite, “Body Do.”

Continuing with her momentum, she then performed “I Don’t Mind.” She slowed it down a bit with the performances on “In Pieces,” the title track from her solo debut album, which was co-written with Mikky Ekko.

While both of the Bailey sisters can guarantee us solid albums, their live performances always prove to be worth a watch. The work they put into their performances is unmatched by their peers, and promises longevity in the years to come.

You can see the performance above.

Babyface’s Tiny Desk Concert Was A Black-Ass Musical Family Reunion Showcasing His Impact Across The Past 50 Years

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Kenneth Edmonds, professionally known as Babyface, is one of the most sought out songwriters in modern times. So, it was only fitting that when the NPR Tiny Desk Concert series wanted to kick off Black Music Month, they called the musician. Babyface didn’t hold back, giving the series one Black-ass musical family reunion showcasing his impact across nearly fifty years.

Outside of his solo catalog, as a producer, he’s worked with some of the biggest names in music, including the late Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Usher, and recently Ari Lennox. His setlist offered a tasting of those past collaborations. With backing support from fellow vocalist Tank, Chanté Moore, and Avery Wilson, Babyface opened up with his classic 1987 song “Two Occasions,” recorded as part of the group The Deele. The entertainer followed that up with his solo 1989 song, “Whip Appeal.”

Known as the woman whisper, when transitioning to Karyn White’s “Superwoman,” which he wrote and produced, Babyface shared how he’s been able to create music from the women’s perspective. “When I was a kid, I was always falling in love and getting my heart broken,” he said. “So when that would happen, I would write these really sad songs. Then I realized I probably was feeling the same hurt women were feeling.”

The remainder of the set included a cover of Madonna’s “Take A Bow,” Mary J. Blige’s “Not Gon’ Cry,” Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk,” “Change the World,” Fall Out Boy’s “Thnks fr th Mmrs,” Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love To You” and “End Of The Road,” and closed with Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” off of the Waiting To Exhale movie soundtrack that Babyface produced.

The band consisted of Babyface on both the keys and, at times, the guitar, musical director Erskine Hawkins II as additional support on the keys, Antoine Porter on the guitar, Walt Barnes Jr. on bass, and Reggie Regg on drums.

Although the series features Black artists throughout the year, this subsegment is dedicated to celebrating their contributions to the art form on a much grander scale. The outlet said, “Together, these artists represent the past, present, and future of Black music.”

Watch the full performance above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Trina Proved Herself To Be The ‘Baddest B*tch’ With Her NPR Tiny Desk Concert

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Trina did not come to mess around. The rapper — who recently collaborated with Latto and GloRilla — brought her songs to her NPR Tiny Desk Concert with a whole crew to give a gorgeous performance.

“This first song is dedicated to my mom,” she said, prefacing “Mama.” “Without her, there would be no me. And she’s the reason I’m standing here right now for you guys, so I want you to just enjoy.”

Harmonizing backing vocalists provided an enchanting backdrop for her flow about gratitude: “Mama, I wanna thank you / For sharing your blessings upon me / Taking time to understand the lady I wanna be,” she raps.

It only got better from there: “I wanna introduce you guys to the baddest b*tch,” she said before launching into the salacious “Da Baddest B*tch,” proving her range.

After those songs, she played “Single Again,” introducing it with a thoughtful speech: “Now, I wanna dedicate this song to all my single people, all my single ladies in the building. If you single, you came here today ain’t got no ring on your finger, just out here doing on your own, out here single, living your life to the fullest — I dedicate this song to you.”

“Here We Go” came afterwards, with the finale being “Nann N****.”

Watch her full performance above.

Durand Bernarr’s Tiny Desk Concert Was An Epic ‘The Proud Family’ Musical Cosplay Jam Session

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Durand Bernarr has come a long way since competing on the BET reality competition show The Next Big Thing. The independent singer and songwriter has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, and Kaytranada, to name a few. But his latest album Wanderlust has fans confident that his time accepting the coveted award is coming soon.

Back by his band Tithe And Offering, drummer Frank Moka, keyboardist Devin Smith, guitarist Sam Hoffman (support keyboardist), and bassist Egberto “Budda” Foster, Jr., Durand brought his signature blends of funk, soul, and R&B to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. After his introduction, the musician was sure to light an incent to set the mode before opening with “Leveled,” off Wanderlust. With his background singers Terron Austin, Roy Pattern, Jr., and Jason Paul, Durand quicking turns the room out with his buttery vocals.

Other songs included in his setlist include “Chops (Reprise from STUCK.),” “Sam’s Vibe,” “Company,” “Mango Butter,” “Relocate,” “Freefall,” “STUCK,” and “Melody.”

During one of his chats with the crowd, he declared, “I’m not meant to be understood; I’m meant to be experienced,” and there’s no argument there. Outside of the stellar musicality displayed by the singer, the background vocalist, and the live instrumentalists, Durand gave the at-home viewers something to bite into as everyone was dressed in the Disney show The Proud Family cosplay. Durand in full Uncle Bobby costuming from hair to toe.

Fans took to social media to react to the fun early Halloween wardrobe from the musicians.

Of course, Durand and crew couldn’t help but sing the show’s theme song in a clip uploaded to Twitter.

Watch Durand Bernarr’s full Tiny Desk Concert above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Omah Lay’s Tiny Desk Concert Was His Subtle Stamping As Afrobeats Rising Star, Across The Diaspora

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When you think about the global music genre Afrobeats, who is the first act that comes to mind? Well, if Omah Lay wasn’t the first name to leave your lips, the Nigerian recording artist is working towards changing that. Making his Tiny Desk Concert series debut, the “Attention” singer put his best foot forward with a harmonious performance of his biggest tracks.

After finding success in 2020, thanks to his song, “Bad Influence,” which went on to be the most-streamed Nigerian song on Apple Music, Omah was sure to lead off his brief set with it. However, before transitioning onto the next track, which was “I’m A Mess,” he took a moment to introduce his band and supporting vocalists.

The musicians supporting Omah included guitarist Ernest “Subroza” Osei-Bonsu, keyboardist Donald Crentsil, drummer Kwabena Kyeremeh Adade, percussionist Leroy “Boogie” Greer, and bassist Steve Millar, while Domo Abrams and Monet Shelton provided background vocals. Speaking with the attentive in-studio audience, Omah said, “These boys are from Ghana, I’m from Nigeria, and the ladies [the background vocalists] are from America. So, my band is a mixture of it all.”

Songs “Soso,” “Never Forget, ” and a medley of “Infinity,” “Bend You,” and “Understand” close out his set. Quite a few of Omah’s fan-favorite tracks were notably missing from the set, including “Woman,” “Confession,” and “Damn,” the latter of which has been covered by 6lack. But to be fair, with so many songs to choose from, some just weren’t going to make the cut.

Watch Omah Lay’s full performance above.

Omah Lay is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

JID Turns His Tiny Desk Concert Into A Black Music History Exhibition

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Remember around this time last week when I wrote that JID is the best rapper of his generation? Well, here’s his NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert to help hammer that point home. Adding a jazzy, soulful live band only enhances the JID experience, but make no mistake; JID is the star of this show, and everything he does earns that distinction. His charisma is on full display here, as is his impressive breath control, wit, and wordplay as he runs through selections from his new album The Forever Story.

The 31-year-old Dreamville rapper’s star has been on the rise since dropping his 2018 album DiCaprio 2 and his appearance on the 2018 XXL Freshman list. In the years between then and now, he has utterly stolen the show on Dreamville’s compilation album Revenge Of The Dreamers III, earning his first platinum plaque in the process, led his group, Spillage Village, on their inspiring group album Spilligion, and has run rampant on a string of guest appearances on songs like Conway The Machine’s “Scatter Brain,” Imagine Dragons’ “Enemy,” John Legend’s “Dope,” and many, many more. The hard work has paid off: The Forever Story’s No. 12 debut on the Billboard 200 makes it the highest-charting Dreamville debut outside of J. Cole and marks a 29-spot jump from DiCaprio’s No. 41 debut. In the words of JID’s Dreamville team captain J. Cole, a star is born.