With the pandemic creeping upon the world in early 2020, people and companies alike had to come up with creative ways to adapt to our new normal. There’s no doubt that the music industry especially needed to do so in a world where live events, practically the staple of the industry, were deemed unsafe. National Public Radio, aka NPR, a non-profit media organization, adapted to the new norm by taking their decade long series Tiny Desk to artists’ homes and private spaces.
Through the NPR Tiny Desk (home) concert series, artists are able to show off their skills in an acoustic and more intimate – yet comforting – setting. From homes and personal studios to galleries and gardens, performers made the most of their settings while performing original tracks with live instrumentation.
Check out our eight favorite hip-hop NPR Tiny Desk performances of 2021 so far.
Top Eight Hip-Hop NPR Tiny Desk Concerts of 2021 (So Far)
Vince Staples
Very shortly after the release of Vince Staples’ latest self-titled album, he blessed us with a performance of four tracks from the project on NPR Tiny Desk. The Long Beach native rapper joined with a slew of impressive musicians for his set. This includes producer and frequent-collaborator Kenny Beats and recent collaborator Fousheé. The intimate performance takes place atop the Hollywood Hills, across town from his humble abode.
Jack Harlow
To many, Jack Harlow became a sensation overnight with his hit “WHATS POPPIN” in 2020. But the Louisville, Kentucky artist – rapping ever since he was a young teen – proves that he’s way more than a one-hit-wonder. The 23-year-old rapper hops on NPR Tiny Desk to perform six original tracks in a never-before-seen style accompanied by live instrumentation. Jack Harlow’s confidence and effortless execution prove he’s in his element when performing.
Royce Da 5’9″
Royce Da 5’9″ performed his Tiny Desk Concert in his private studio near Detroit, quite possibly in his hometown of Oak Park, Michigan, which is right around the corner from the city. The well-respected lyricist performs a set of four tracks including “God Speed” and “Dead President Heads” among others. He’s backed by an ensemble of musicians supporting him with soulful and jazzy melodies and instrumentals.
Young Thug
Young Thug blesses us with a performance surrounded by the lush gardens of The Houdini Estate in Los Angeles. He’s joined by two dudes in hot pink on strings, and none other than Travis Barker on the drums. Though Young Thug is typically known for his lively music, he starts the set off slow and emotional with “Die Slow,” shouting out Nispey Hussle near the end. That changes quick when he performs his 2021 track, “Tick Tock.”
Rico Nasty
Joined by an all girl band, Rico Nasty bounces around a range of sounds in her five-song NPR Tiny Desk set. Within the first minute, Rico Nasty’s performance of “Magic” had me bobbing my head to the groovy and jazzy vibes; a sound that isn’t typical in the DC rapper’s discography. Quickly, Rico switches to her moshpit-inducing sound in “Rage” that she is better known for. She wraps up the set with a rowdy performance of my personal favorite track of hers, “Smack a Bitch.”
Rick Ross
Though he’s Atlanta-based, Rick Ross flew out to his roots of Miami to capture his NPR Tiny Desk performance. The SoFlo rapper appears alongside an entourage of musicians backing him up with live instrumentations and melodic vocals. In his over decade-long career, this marks only the second time he has performed with a live band. Though a stranger to the laid-back style of NPR Tiny Desk, the hip-hop legend and cannabis connoisseur kills his set with his signature heavy bars and slick cadence.
2 Chainz
2 Chainz takes a much more simplistic approach than the majority of musicians performing on NPR Tiny Desk. Rather than being joined by a crew of musicians, 2 Chainz takes it solo for most of the set, rapping while getting a pedicure in his own high-end nail studio, Pamper. Almost halfway through, 2 Chainz is joined by a band as he performs “Good Drank,” and they stick with him the rest of the set. And of course, the Atlanta rapper sparks up between verses as well, making this a charming performance overall.
Migos
Starting their NPR Tiny Desk with “Avalanche,” Migos get the party started right away. Taking place in a house party-type setting, the iconic hip-hop trio bring their charisma and signature triplet flow to the NPR stage. The crew bounces off of each others’ energy, almost competing for who can hype up the digitized crowd the most. Though Migos only perform three tracks, the set is worthy of a spot on this list.
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