- Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny’s Tiny Desk was a vibrant cultural manifesto, trading synthetic beats for a rich, acoustic tribute to his Puerto Rican roots. He spent the set playfully interacting with the crowd and sipping from an NPR mug. By closing with such raw, unscripted intensity, Bad Bunny and his band show that his global superstardom is fueled by a level of musicality and joy that no studio recording can fully capture.
2. Mike
The Brooklyn-based rapper MIKE stripped away the hazy, lo-fi layers of his studio sound to reveal a raw and deeply moving vulnerability. The emotional weight of the set peaked during “EvilEye,” where the normally laid-back artist appeared visibly moved, his voice carrying a heavy as he rapped about his late mother. Surrounded by the “Band of the Century,”
3. Asake
Asake’s Tiny Desk debut was a masterclass in soulful intimacy, trading arena effects for a raw display of Yoruba heritage and musical sophistication. Other than the hits, the performance excelled through its seamless transitions, as Asake and his band glided effortlessly between the jazz-inflected “Why Love” and the high-energy “Fuji Vibe.” By centering traditional talking drums and his own mini-bongo solos, showing that his brand of Afro-fusion is as technically complex as it is authentic.
4. Clipse
Pusha T and Malice bringing a super relaxed vibe that made the NPR office feel like their own private lounge. The aesthetic was sharp and unified—the entire band was decked out in head-to-toe black Adidas tracksuits, matching the brothers’ sleek, all-black outfits.During the set, Pusha T kept it personal, calling out his sister and his close friend Ali from the crowd as backup singers .
5. Leon Thomas
Leon Thomas turned his Tiny Desk into a smooth, late-night R&B session that put his incredible range on full display.The chemistry he shared with his electric guitarist took the music to another level, especially during their intricate instrumental back-and-forths. The energy reached a high point when he performed his hit favorite, “Mutt,” which felt completely different with the live band’s funky, slowed-down groove.
6. Cordae
Defined by his incredible comfort behind the mic and a natural chemistry with his band that made the whole set feel like a family reunion. The music was driven by a powerful rhythm section, featuring heavy bass drummers and a full lineup of instruments that gave his rap style a soulful, big-band energy. His Tiny desk concert is notable because he paid respect to all the band members, ensuring they got their flowers. Between tracks, Cordae shared personal anecdotes, giving fans a deeper look into his process. When he performed “Have Mercy,” the uplifting, gospel-infused vibe drew comparisons to the similar soulful energy of artists like Chance the Rapper and Anderson .Paak.
7. Madison Mcferin
Her smooth voice acted as the primary engine for the set, layering loops and harmonies to create a rich, soulful atmosphere that felt effortless. A major highlight was her use of the electronics she used to build her signature “a cappella” textures in real-time. She was backed by the incredible Lowe Sisters, whose background vocals added a gospel-infused depth that made the small office space feel like a cathedral.
8. Mustafa the poet
Mustafa’s Tiny Desk was a deeply spiritual experience that felt more like a cultural bridge than a typical concert. He opened the set with a beautiful Muslim prayer, setting a tone of reverence and peace that carried through his entire performance. Throughout the set, Mustafa shifted effortlessly between English and Arabic, using his soft voice to tell stories. He took time between songs to educate his audience on the struggles of his community, expressing his Sudanese culture through both his lyrics and his traditional attire. It was a rare, vulnerable showcase where poetry and protest met.
9. Tame Impala
A rare, “all-acoustic” departure for a project usually known for its heavy electronic layers. Kevin Parker and his band completely reimagined their sound, swapping synthesizers for guitars, a ukulele, and even a makeshift drum played on the back of a guitar. The set featured a beautiful mix of new tracks and massive hits, including stripped-back versions of “Borderline” and the fan-favorite closer “New Person, Same Old Mistakes.” He also used the session to debut songs from his latest album, like the groovier, guitar-focused “Loser” and the harmonically rich “Dracula.”
10. Giveon
More like a high-end jazz club than a midday office set. The atmosphere was a celebration for his Grammy nomination for his album Beloved. Everyone on stage from the band to the backing singers was dressed in sharp, sophisticated attire that matched Giveon’s style. Holding a wine glass as he sang, Giveon looked completely in his element, treating the performance like a soulful toast to his success. He breezed through his biggest hits, including a soaring rendition of “Rather Be” and a deeply emotional version of “Heartbreak Anniversary.” With a full ensemble of strings and horns behind him.
Photo by NPR
