I never expected to see Daniel Caesar at the Tiny Desk again. Caesar's 2018 performance is nearly untouchable: currently in the top 15 most viewed Tiny Desk concerts on YouTube, .. show full overview
I never expected to see Daniel Caesar at the Tiny Desk again. Caesar's 2018 performance is nearly untouchable: currently in the top 15 most viewed Tiny Desk concerts on YouTube, showcasing his best work at that point in his career. But reflecting on the vulnerability and intimacy of 2025's Son of Spergy, I felt like my arm was twisted, knowing he had to come back. This album, our space, along with the shared vision for how it would unfold, gave the green light for part two.
In the eight years since we last saw the Canadian singer-songwriter, he's remained consistently brilliant, yet he seemed to be searching. Throughout that search, spirituality has been a constant — from his debut, Freudian, to the two albums that followed, CASE STUDY 01 and NEVER ENOUGH. Son of Spergy feels like the completion of a pilgrimage and a newfound sense of acceptance.
As soon as Coco Jones stepped behind the Desk, donning a beautiful silver dress and a bright, warm smile, it was apparent that we were about to witness a star shine. The .. show full overview
As soon as Coco Jones stepped behind the Desk, donning a beautiful silver dress and a bright, warm smile, it was apparent that we were about to witness a star shine. The singer-songwriter has received flowers from the likes of Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Babyface. So expectations were high for Jones to display exactly why she is a standout amongst a new generation of R&B artists — and she does not disappoint.
Jones wields her voice to reveal her power, range and control. She sets the tone with the beautiful ballad “You,” which flows right into "Double Back" and a handful of fan favorites from her debut studio album, Why Not More? And just as Jones and her band have you on the edge of your seat craving more, she welcomes The String Queens trio, which adds yet another luscious layer to the hypnotic pocket of “Here We Go (Uh Oh).” The concert concludes with Jones’ emotionally raw breakout hit, “ICU,” a moment that seals the deal on Jones’ undeniable star power.
Confident. Creative. Cool. Those are three words that describe Destin Conrad as he makes his Tiny Desk debut, transforming our office into his own version of a jazz club. Fresh off his .. show full overview
Confident. Creative. Cool. Those are three words that describe Destin Conrad as he makes his Tiny Desk debut, transforming our office into his own version of a jazz club. Fresh off his first Grammy nomination, the singer-songwriter arrived ready to prove exactly why it was earned. Conrad weaves songs from his alt-R&B album, LOVE ON DIGITAL, with tracks from his alt-jazz project, wHIMSY, to build an alternative universe rooted entirely in intention.
A trio of amazing young musicians, from ages nine to 18, give jaw-dropping performances that will bolster your faith in the future of great music making.
A trio of amazing young musicians, from ages nine to 18, give jaw-dropping performances that will bolster your faith in the future of great music making.
Surrounded by family in the band and in the audience, John Fogerty bookends solo material with the rock and roll staples of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Surrounded by family in the band and in the audience, John Fogerty bookends solo material with the rock and roll staples of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Guitarricadelafuente's melodies are seismic. Etched together with electronic beats, ethereal guitar, symphonic accents and sometimes zanfona — the hurdy-gurdy native to Spain — the .. show full overview
Guitarricadelafuente's melodies are seismic. Etched together with electronic beats, ethereal guitar, symphonic accents and sometimes zanfona — the hurdy-gurdy native to Spain — the heart-thumping effect is distinct and unavoidable: You are transported to a club in Barcelona or a beach on Costa Brava.
This unique sound is both captivating and easy to lose yourself in. It booms with energy, but Álvaro Lafuente's calming voice and steady rhythms feel like a lullaby with a fiesta tilt. At the Tiny Desk, both things remain true, as piano softens and guitars strum with insistence. As a result, the world quiets and chests expand — rocking back and forth to the sound of Guitarricadelafuente's Spanish summers and sun–kissed heartbreak.
In this new era of indie rock, yeule has become a leading voice. With a beautifully moody catalog of gauzy, sometimes sludgy songs that roar while drifting through the ether, they got .. show full overview
In this new era of indie rock, yeule has become a leading voice. With a beautifully moody catalog of gauzy, sometimes sludgy songs that roar while drifting through the ether, they got swept up in the shoegaze revival. But even as they have embraced more pop sensibilities, yeule's sound has remained spectral and enigmatic, washed out in a vast sea of reverb and noise.
But yeule strips away much of that for this Tiny Desk performance, captured in our sunlit office on a bright autumn afternoon. The drums are softened with towels on the heads and, while the guitars still get loud and fuzzy, yeule's voice is out front and entirely unaffected or processed with the kind of studio effects fans are used to.
FORAGER's music takes the scenic route; it's witty and unpredictable, yet deceptively powerful and unable to fit into any specific genre. Wide-eyed and enamoured with the space, the .. show full overview
FORAGER's music takes the scenic route; it's witty and unpredictable, yet deceptively powerful and unable to fit into any specific genre. Wide-eyed and enamoured with the space, the Brooklyn-based band invited a host of friends and family to watch what feels like a homecoming show.
When I'm asked about what I look for in an entry to the Tiny Desk Contest, FORAGER is the band that I think about. All three of its Contest submissions have been featured on Top Shelf, the YouTube series that highlights our favorite entries, which means FORAGER has always been a strong contender. When we found out a few months ago that the band wouldn't return to the Contest because it had signed a record deal, we knew it was time to bring in FORAGER proper. Shyamala Ramakrishna and the crew perform two from the upcoming album, Even a Child Can Cover the Sun with a Finger, and a couple of older songs, including "Split Lip."
For years, the cello-led band has been a constant favorite of the Tiny Desk Contest. Ollella's Ellie Barber brings her playful, occasionally sad songs to our space.
For years, the cello-led band has been a constant favorite of the Tiny Desk Contest. Ollella's Ellie Barber brings her playful, occasionally sad songs to our space.
So much has happened in Miguel's world since we last saw him at NPR headquarters. Back in 2012, he was one of the very few R&B acts — including Raphael Saadiq, Bettye LaVette and Booker .. show full overview
So much has happened in Miguel's world since we last saw him at NPR headquarters. Back in 2012, he was one of the very few R&B acts — including Raphael Saadiq, Bettye LaVette and Booker T. Jones — to play a Tiny Desk concert. And, much like the trajectory of this series, Miguel's music has taken some explosive twists and turns.
After performing "Sure Thing," his first song back at the Desk, Miguel says, "That one's come a long way." He reflects on that time in his life and what he's been able to do with it: "There's something about being able to wake up and do this every day, and then to come and perform it — to see the lyrics actually become a part of people's time and memories and space in this experience. I have to say I'm tremendously grateful." Miguel's clearly been on a journey of self-discovery, which we see in a medley of his hits backed by a flawless string section. And on the Spanish-sung "CAOS," he revisits his Mexican roots.
The joining together of voices is a sacred act in the Black Christian church; Pastor John P. Kee's music is key to understanding that act in gospel music. During this Tiny Desk, the .. show full overview
The joining together of voices is a sacred act in the Black Christian church; Pastor John P. Kee's music is key to understanding that act in gospel music. During this Tiny Desk, the gospel music essentials of call and response, modulation, articulated phrasing, choir section solos and full-throated singing are expertly on display. Whether solo or with a choir, Pastor Kee's powerful voice and praise-forward songwriting have remained at the forefront of his music ministry for nearly 40 years.
How do we find beauty in a broken world? This is the question that Ganavya's music asks, but lets you answer. At the Tiny Desk, she sings the poems of today in the language of today.
How do we find beauty in a broken world? This is the question that Ganavya's music asks, but lets you answer. At the Tiny Desk, she sings the poems of today in the language of today.
British trio FLO crossed the pond for its Tiny Desk debut in Washington, D.C. So we got V.I.P. access to Club FLO courtesy of Stella Quaresma, Reneé Downer and Jorja Douglas, complete .. show full overview
British trio FLO crossed the pond for its Tiny Desk debut in Washington, D.C. So we got V.I.P. access to Club FLO courtesy of Stella Quaresma, Reneé Downer and Jorja Douglas, complete with disco balls, martinis, a custom marquee and subtle Easter eggs tucked between the shelves for sharp-eyed fans. Still, none of the glam outshines what matters most: their harmonies.
Always inspirational, the music of saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins is also heavy and thought provoking. In the harmonic tension of his music you can hear sepia tones of the .. show full overview
Always inspirational, the music of saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins is also heavy and thought provoking. In the harmonic tension of his music you can hear sepia tones of the Black experience — an ancient and modern struggle told through melody and overlaid with hope. Complex time signatures swing and sway with spiritual incantations that instill reflection and peace.
Buddy Guy displays a youthful spirit during his Tiny Desk that makes you question if he really turns 90 this year. Once the music starts, his subtle speaking voice transforms into a .. show full overview
Buddy Guy displays a youthful spirit during his Tiny Desk that makes you question if he really turns 90 this year. Once the music starts, his subtle speaking voice transforms into a mighty instrument, demanding your attention. Guy wails on his polka dot Stratocaster, reminding us of his skill and showmanship. The title of his latest album, Ain't Done with the Blues, is not only apt but defiant.
The humor of De La Soul has always been one of its calling cards. When DJ Maseo tells the Tiny Desk crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, we're a new group called De La Soul," he means it as a .. show full overview
The humor of De La Soul has always been one of its calling cards. When DJ Maseo tells the Tiny Desk crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, we're a new group called De La Soul," he means it as a joke. But, in so many ways, one of the most influential groups in hip-hop is new: the duties have been reassessed, the focus has shifted and the newness of The Plugs is laid plain here at the Tiny Desk.
De La Soul came to us to celebrate a few milestones: its latest album, Cabin in the Sky, and year three of the De La catalog back under the members' control. This Tiny Desk releases on March 3, which is known as De La Soul Day. It's all a bit bittersweet as David Jolicoeur (aka Trugoy the Dove, aka Plug Two) isn't here with Pos and Maseo. Dave passed away in 2023, just weeks before the group's music was finally made available on streaming platforms after a decades-long legal battle.
When R&B artist Tiana Major9 arrived at our office six years after their Tiny Desk (home) concert, the only thing bigger than their stylish hat was the excitement to perform their own .. show full overview
When R&B artist Tiana Major9 arrived at our office six years after their Tiny Desk (home) concert, the only thing bigger than their stylish hat was the excitement to perform their own music at the Desk, in-person. With a set featuring ballads from November Scorpio, Tiana Major9 tells the (sometimes very messy) story of a love pursued … by a November Scorpio (IYKYK).
In 2016, Caamp submitted an entry to the Tiny Desk Contest. After a few glasses of wine, Taylor Meier and Evan Westfall recorded "All the Debts I Owe" in front of a fireplace with just a .. show full overview
In 2016, Caamp submitted an entry to the Tiny Desk Contest. After a few glasses of wine, Taylor Meier and Evan Westfall recorded "All the Debts I Owe" in front of a fireplace with just a banjo, guitar and Meier's soft, raspy vocals. At the time, Caamp was brand new, but certain of its chances: "We were sure we were going to win," Meier admits, laughing. And now, ten years later, Caamp realizes a dream.
Since forming, three more members have joined the band and, together, they've made Caamp a well-known name in the folk and Americana scenes. In fact, that Tiny Desk Contest submission resurfaced on TikTok and went viral among Caamp's fans. It feels fitting to mark the anniversary with their own Tiny Desk concert — a performance in which they play a range of old and new songs — saving "All the Debts I Owe" for last. "It's a fan favorite, it's our favorite," Meier told me. "It's a nice song for me to sing from the heart, you know? I wrote it at such a young age, not knowing much — still d
Sometimes we have to reschedule Tiny Desks. And sometimes it can take a while to get a band back on our calendar. In the case of Mumford & Sons, it took 13 years. Back when the band was .. show full overview
Sometimes we have to reschedule Tiny Desks. And sometimes it can take a while to get a band back on our calendar. In the case of Mumford & Sons, it took 13 years. Back when the band was touring its sophomore full-length, Babel, the trio from London was set to play the Desk in NPR's old (and long-since-demolished) building, but had to cancel at the last minute.
Now that we finally got them here, you'll see and hear it was worth the wait. The band's sixth and latest album, Prizefighter, ranks among its best, with world-weary anthems to growing older, weathering the innumerable blows of life and coming out on the other side, hopefully a little wiser.
There's a misconception that a Tiny Desk performance needs to be quiet, stripped back and acoustic. When thinking about how Militarie Gun could pack its explosive-yet-melodic rock .. show full overview
There's a misconception that a Tiny Desk performance needs to be quiet, stripped back and acoustic. When thinking about how Militarie Gun could pack its explosive-yet-melodic rock anthems into our cramped space, we asked the band to lean into the loud. As a result, lead singer Ian Shelton vibrates in this space, his energy filling it out as gang vocals surround him.
Originally a solo project for Shelton, who also fronts Regional Justice Center, Militarie Gun's hooky and punky songs brim with empathetic, vulnerable and often self-effacing lyrics. As he mentions at the Desk, most of his music explores growing up around addiction and what recovery could look like alongside those you love. Tracks like "Don't Pick Up the Phone" and "Thought You Were Waving" evoke that sentiment. But there's a playfulness here, too: Keep an ear out during "Throw Me Away," which features a totally unexpected Third Eye Blind interpolation.
Thirty years since the release of the Colombian band’s pivotal album, La Pipa de La Paz (The Pipe for Peace), Aterciopelados brings its psychedelic universe to the Tiny Desk. The set’s .. show full overview
Thirty years since the release of the Colombian band’s pivotal album, La Pipa de La Paz (The Pipe for Peace), Aterciopelados brings its psychedelic universe to the Tiny Desk. The set’s complete with ceramic decorations and a quilted flag handmade by Andrea Echeverri herself.
When they splashed onto the rock en español scene in the 1990s, they weren’t just the only major band with a woman at the helm — they made songs with unapologetically feminist and environmentalist messages a core part of their art. In a sea of leather jacket-clad dudes taking inspiration from their Anglo and European counterparts, Echeverri and Héctor Buitrago did something radically different: They turned to the folkloric traditions of their native Colombia to blaze a new path for Latin alternative music.
Tiny Desk has featured some of the best music across various genres throughout our 18-year history; however, Lecrae is the first Christian rapper to perform at NPR headquarters. I felt .. show full overview
Tiny Desk has featured some of the best music across various genres throughout our 18-year history; however, Lecrae is the first Christian rapper to perform at NPR headquarters. I felt guilty when I mentioned this to the Houston-born emcee, only because it's taken so long. If we're putting a spotlight on faith-based hip-hop, we had to start with Lecrae.
Hip-hop originated in the streets; its growth has been slow and steady, with faith often appearing as a caveat in the music. It felt acceptable to mention God without getting too preachy, but if you went past that line, an obsession over authenticity stigmatized Christian rappers. And then Lecrae cracked the code: His devotion is unapologetic and consistent through the lyrics, but everything else, from the production to delivery, feels real and earned.
"My name's Gwenifer Raymond. I mostly just play guitar." There's an understated charm about the Welsh guitarist's limited banter behind the Desk, but little prepares you for what howls .. show full overview
"My name's Gwenifer Raymond. I mostly just play guitar." There's an understated charm about the Welsh guitarist's limited banter behind the Desk, but little prepares you for what howls from her instrument. Raymond's fingerstyle guitar drones with a haunted quality, but her flurry of bends, slides and chord clusters rip open the firmament.
Steeped in pre-war blues, but picking up on the acoustic innovations of John Fahey and Jack Rose, Raymond started releasing records a little less than a decade ago. But it's on Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark, one of NPR Music's best albums of 2025, where the Cardiff-born and now Brighton-based guitarist forged an unmistakably distinct sound: a controlled recklessness that conjures spells with six strings. Exhilarating, but also terrifying.
It took us long enough. Noah Kahan’s music has been rattling around on the Internet for the better part of a decade — in TikTok and YouTube snippets, as well as on a string of albums .. show full overview
It took us long enough. Noah Kahan’s music has been rattling around on the Internet for the better part of a decade — in TikTok and YouTube snippets, as well as on a string of albums that culminated in his 2022 breakthrough Stick Season. The Vermont singer-songwriter became a superstar so gradually, it was easy not to fully notice him until he was selling out stadiums. Only now, in the days leading up to his tremendous fourth album, The Great Divide, is he finally making his Tiny Desk debut.
Fortunately, we seemed to grab him at or near the height of his powers. The new songs here are wonderfully incisive and catchy, as they radiate empathy for loved ones and places from his past. And the older cut, “Orange Juice,” showcases his skills as a tender balladeer whose songs have a way of literally and figuratively welcoming listeners inside.
Spanish singer Amaia is walking contradiction. She's a multi-instrumentalist, easily traipsing between piano, chair flute and — not featured in this Tiny Desk performance — her signature .. show full overview
Spanish singer Amaia is walking contradiction. She's a multi-instrumentalist, easily traipsing between piano, chair flute and — not featured in this Tiny Desk performance — her signature harp. But all of this hardly compares to a voice that dances between ferocity and softness.
Etched with Argentine folklore and fueled by the rap batallas of Buenos Aires, Milo J’s songs call upon the cumulative spirit of the centuries. “Sometimes words come to me that I haven’t .. show full overview
Etched with Argentine folklore and fueled by the rap batallas of Buenos Aires, Milo J’s songs call upon the cumulative spirit of the centuries. “Sometimes words come to me that I haven’t heard before,” he told me afterward, as if to summon a life he’s never lived.
In arenas and stadiums, the 19-year-old connects with his young peers about the passage of time with great energy and intensity. At the Tiny Desk, he takes a beat: Stripped back, yet deeply fortified, Milo J emerges with a new softness and depth.
Ragtime is a tale of history repeating itself. The musical centers on figures from three communities — Black Americans, immigrants and upper class whites — in New York at the dawn of the .. show full overview
Ragtime is a tale of history repeating itself. The musical centers on figures from three communities — Black Americans, immigrants and upper class whites — in New York at the dawn of the 20th century and what the American dream means to them as they intersect and, at times, clash. Company members from the Tony-nominated, Lincoln Center Theater revival stop by the Tiny Desk to share a bit of that American dream.
The musical by Terrence McNally, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty addresses the fraught topics of racial injustice, workers’ rights, immigration, women’s autonomy, technological innovation, celebrity worship and capitalism. Moreover, Ragtime explores the complexities of love, family, and community and what we owe each other. For a musical set in the early 1900s, these themes still ring loudly.
JADE brings her creative vision to everything she does. The British pop star, a member of the girl group Little Mix, makes her Tiny Desk a "tiny version" of the theatrical stage .. show full overview
JADE brings her creative vision to everything she does. The British pop star, a member of the girl group Little Mix, makes her Tiny Desk a "tiny version" of the theatrical stage production that she's been touring for her debut solo album THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY! As a result, no props were spared: a cardboard proscenium arch and red curtain for the video's introduction, roses for the Desk and angel wings as she performs next to photos of herself as a child.
After co-leading the funky pop-rock band Was (Not Was) in the 1980s, Was went on to win an armful of Grammy awards as a producer. He's worked with Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, The Rolling .. show full overview
After co-leading the funky pop-rock band Was (Not Was) in the 1980s, Was went on to win an armful of Grammy awards as a producer. He's worked with Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Elton John, Ringo Starr and Bob Weir, to name just a few. Since 2012, he has been president of the legendary Blue Note Records.
Was is also a son of Detroit. In recent years, he put together a band under his own name for the first time: Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble. "We are on a mission to promulgate the indigenous sounds of our hometown of Detroit, Michigan," he explains.
What will Caribbean waters and Puerto Rican percussion sound like in the years to come? Hija de la isla RaiNao’s Tiny Desk is here to show us. “Soy hija — especialmente, hija del Mar .. show full overview
What will Caribbean waters and Puerto Rican percussion sound like in the years to come? Hija de la isla RaiNao’s Tiny Desk is here to show us. “Soy hija — especialmente, hija del Mar Caribe y de la hermosa tierra que me había nacer, Puerto Rico,” the artist explained, introducing herself: “I am a daughter — above all, a daughter of the Caribbean Sea and of the beautiful land where I was born, Puerto Rico.”
In her recordings, RaiNao leans into reggaeton and electronic beats, sounds viewed widely as the backbone of the current generation of music in Latin America — sometimes begrudgingly, though increasingly with reverence in the age of Bad Bunny. RaiNao’s Tiny Desk performance presents a different, equally significant version of Puerto Rico’s song spine. Built on guiros, timbales and maracas, it’s a rich homage to an island that beats to bomba, plena and salsa alongside reggaeton.
Annahstasia's voice is soothing, strong, textured and grounded. At the Tiny Desk, it's exquisitely attuned with the band's varied instrumentation. Like deep breaths, each song rises and .. show full overview
Annahstasia's voice is soothing, strong, textured and grounded. At the Tiny Desk, it's exquisitely attuned with the band's varied instrumentation. Like deep breaths, each song rises and falls as the group starts softly, builds to a crescendo, then lands in a gentle place.
For the finale, Annahstasia offers a twist on "Villain," a standout track from her debut album Tether. What begins as a song about insecurity now ends with a new, more hopeful verse that she sings over Hailey Niswanger's bird-like whistling: "Take it, take it back / All that you left within me / All the doubt and the fear / When love was always abundant in me."
Floetry made its way “from London’s SE5 to Philly's west side just to bring the vibe” to the Tiny Desk. And with the poetic flows of Natalie Stewart (aka The Floacist) and a rich, .. show full overview
Floetry made its way “from London’s SE5 to Philly's west side just to bring the vibe” to the Tiny Desk. And with the poetic flows of Natalie Stewart (aka The Floacist) and a rich, floating soprano from Marsha Ambrosius (aka The Songstress), the vibe in our space was immaculate.
This duo has known and made music with each other since youth — it’s a sisterhood that doesn’t diminish through the ebbs and flows of life. They began their musical journey together in London and found themselves embedded in Philadelphia’s rich music scene, building a catalog of soulful R&B projects that charmed audiences.
Something was missing from our Black Music Month lineup, but I couldn't figure out what. But once Karriem Riggins and Liv.e came into the office as GENA with a buzzing energy, I locked .. show full overview
Something was missing from our Black Music Month lineup, but I couldn't figure out what. But once Karriem Riggins and Liv.e came into the office as GENA with a buzzing energy, I locked eyes with my colleagues and knew we'd found the fresh and unexpected sound we'd been looking for.
Riggins and Liv.e coming together to create GENA's The Pleasure is Yours makes all the sense. They represent Detroit, Mich., and Dallas, Texas, respectively, two cities with some of the deepest, tight-knit music communities in the country. Riggins' pocket is nudged just left of center, which Liv.e dives into effortlessly — those dirty drums and loops deliver the closest thing we'll ever get to a full J Dilla x Erykah Badu project, if you ask me. Liv.e and Riggins have both supported other artists at the Tiny Desk, so it's simple plug-and-play as they breeze through some of my favorites from their new album, including the affirmation song of 2026, "HOWWEFLOW."
Ayra Starr has dreamed of being behind the Desk since she was 14 years old. When that day finally arrived, she wanted the focus to be on her stage presence and distinctively deep-toned .. show full overview
Ayra Starr has dreamed of being behind the Desk since she was 14 years old. When that day finally arrived, she wanted the focus to be on her stage presence and distinctively deep-toned vocals. So she traded her signature "Fashion Killer" looks for a simple black sweatsuit, embracing the stripped-down spirit of our platform.
Starr and her band arrived with a set that was balanced nearly to perfection — a standard that she attributes mostly to her Nigerian roots. They deliver Afro-fusion grooves, dreamy soundscapes and high-energy rhythms in a collection of songs, highlighting the versatility that has made her one of the most exciting young voices in global pop. Hip winds are encouraged through a sultry string of tracks including "Gimme Dat," "Who's Dat Girl" and the unreleased "Tornado," from the upcoming album Starrgirl.
R&B veteran Joe Thomas earned every chain and stripe on his body as he stepped behind the Tiny Desk. For every Usher, Ne-Yo, and Leon Thomas who has played in our office, fans of one of .. show full overview
R&B veteran Joe Thomas earned every chain and stripe on his body as he stepped behind the Tiny Desk. For every Usher, Ne-Yo, and Leon Thomas who has played in our office, fans of one of their archetypes wondered when he would get his shot. We saw the petitions and social media posts, but trust: We chased for years. Before the music started, the singer-songwriter and producer explained: “Where have I been for the past few years? Well, I’ve been on the road touring. I’m here with you all today, and I wanna do a few songs throughout the catalog.”
"The Paradox is in the business of bringing rock and roll back to the originators," lead singer Eric Dangerfield says after the band opens its high-energy set with "Get the Message." The .. show full overview
"The Paradox is in the business of bringing rock and roll back to the originators," lead singer Eric Dangerfield says after the band opens its high-energy set with "Get the Message." The breakthrough anthem made The Paradox the first all-Black band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. Yet even amid the band's rapid rise, the members' playful spirit remains rooted in humble beginnings spent jamming in an Atlanta apartment.
As the first artist booked for this year’s Black Music Month celebration, Eve helped set the tone for our Tiny Desk tribute to BET’s cultural impact. One of the most successful women in .. show full overview
As the first artist booked for this year’s Black Music Month celebration, Eve helped set the tone for our Tiny Desk tribute to BET’s cultural impact. One of the most successful women in hip-hop music, the Philly emcee occupies a unique space, connecting audiences who grew up watching Rap City with a younger generation that rushed home to catch 106 & Park. Although much of Eve’s set features songs that are more than 20 years old, the fresh arrangements, her commanding performance and the audience’s enthusiastic response shows that her music and influence remain timeless.
As 8Ball & MJG entered the NPR building and made their way to the Desk, I couldn't help but be captivated by their evolution into rap music elder statesmen. No scandal, no breakups — .. show full overview
As 8Ball & MJG entered the NPR building and made their way to the Desk, I couldn't help but be captivated by their evolution into rap music elder statesmen. No scandal, no breakups — just two emcees in good health ready to get busy. These Memphis legends, steeped in the blues, capture the essence of Southern hip-hop.
It's uncommon for our favorite groups to maintain their unity; when they do, the bonds often fade, leading to a strictly business-oriented relationship. And, yet, 8Ball & MJG exemplify familial camaraderie, which radiates throughout their Tiny Desk concert.
What Virginia-bred country singer and rapper Shaboozey represents is much bigger than himself: It's the reclamation of country music's roots as unapologetically Black. Returning home to .. show full overview
What Virginia-bred country singer and rapper Shaboozey represents is much bigger than himself: It's the reclamation of country music's roots as unapologetically Black. Returning home to the DMV to perform at the Tiny Desk for this year's Black Music Month takeover, Shaboozey plays fan favorites and debuts new songs from his upcoming album, The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales.
Bow Wow built his own lane. His debut single spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart, he released three successful albums and landed a string of big screen appearances, all .. show full overview
Bow Wow built his own lane. His debut single spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart, he released three successful albums and landed a string of big screen appearances, all before turning 18. His transformation from child star to well-rounded entertainer serves as a blueprint for longevity, and honoring the impact and legacy of BET without him would have been incomplete.
The night before he stopped by the Desk, Flea took a moment between songs at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C., to call his experience of performing with a jazz band "an adventure." .. show full overview
The night before he stopped by the Desk, Flea took a moment between songs at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C., to call his experience of performing with a jazz band "an adventure." After four decades as a founding member and bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea was touring on his debut solo album, Honora, in small venues, including the NPR Music office space.
