Cordae: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bobby Carter | January 14, 2022
Midway through his Tiny Desk (home) concert, Cordae shares the backstory behind "RNP" from his 2019 debut album, The Lost Boy, and the early stresses he endured as a successful young rapper. It takes a comedic twist, but his father's insight sets him straight. The music industry hasn't tainted him, and he's choosing to have fun with it. There's an undeniably pure quality to his Tiny Desk. The entire performance exudes confidence, and his excitement is palpable.
He's put a lot of pressure on himself as the self-proclaimed "best rapper under 25," but the DMV-bred emcee has a solid argument. With a critically praised debut under his belt and co-signs from peers and legends alike, he's checking all the boxes. From a rustic, elegant setting in Los Angeles, he plays a combo of Lost Boy favorites and cuts from his new album, From a Birds Eye View. The new music sheds more light on what Cordae is made of.
The emotional "Momma's Hood" and introspective "C Carter" round out the set with songs like the barred-up "Sinister." The mood flows perfectly for 20 minutes, and in between cracking a couple of lighthearted funnies about Tiny Desk, he stakes his claim and checks another box as a charismatic live performer.
SET LIST
"C Carter"
"Want From Me"
"RNP"
"Thousands Word/Thanksgiving Medley"
"Sinister"
"Momma's Hood"
"Chronicles"
MUSICIANS
Cordae: vocals
Clarence "Klueworld" Lewis IV: drums, music director
Eric Fells: keys
Leonardo "LEO" Varella: guitar
Mike Phillips: bass
Jacob Scesny: saxophone
Derrick Evans: vocals
Eric Lyn: vocals
Phylicia Hill: vocals
Aja Grant: vocals
CREDITS
Video: Chadrick Fellers, Jeremy Ivory-Chambers, Will Noyce
Audio: Freddie Johns III
Production Manager: Tone Lopez
Stage Manager/Backline Tech: Chris Franco
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Producer: Joshua Bryant
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #cordae

[@nprmusic]

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[@Izzyouable]

His marketing team is doing their job well. He's everywhere. Good promotion.

[@troycatap6302]

He's album so fire tho

[@scottjacobs4768]

@@mattycampy please don’t compare the island boys to cordae 😂

[@carterwatson1949]

yes its amazing hes the goat i love him so much

[@lajojoe9916]

maybe it’s him.

[@raphaelrra5507]

To bad that the sound engineer messed up a bit the mixing.

[@petergeorge6757]

Cordae literally is one of the most matured rappers of his generation.

[@theherbpuffer]

Probably the best under 25; Him and Aaron May. Might give the edge to Aaron since he's only 20 and has already dropped a couple fire projects

[@KrAOLo]

@@theherbpuffer I like Cordae but under 25 I have better options, A-F-R-O is still my #1 pick under 25 and Token #2 lastly #3 Shaun Price cause doing Sean P's bars ain't no joke and she is a living personification of her father already. DAX is unfortunately 27 to make this list. Short list under 25 unfortunately.

[@Milkers777]

@@KrAOLo YOUR A JOKE!🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@KrAOLo]

@@Milkers777 like your response, a lot like your taste in music, no substance.

[@ojtiv]

@@Milkers777 its called an opinion

[@SimplisticGrace]

Come through Cordae. I love how he saw how the industry was going and almost went down that path too but said no I’m going to stay true to me and the sound I want. Good for him!

[@skinnyminnieog]

Facts❤️💫🙏🏾

[@djmspooh]

💯

[@rosaliaestela]

👏

[@neighborhoodneef2417]

really tho.. facts

[@MrHobj34]

@@skinnyminnieog facts. Hahaha so lame your way of talking

[@adambeiter7892]

"Eight months with no phone, we're aiming for brilliance." "I heard the caged bird sing, and it's a beautiful sound." Cordae's musicianship and lyrical brilliance is shining through so clearly on every track of this performance. What great use of the backing vocalists, band, and of course the rhythms and rhymes of his own rapping. Congrats to Cordae on a fantastic new release!

[@Lake669]

the caged bird is straight from Maya Angelou, that's awesome.

[@alyxsantos8673]

The cadence is flawless

[@AkaraEtteh]

8 months with no phone; is that a kendrick reference?

[@katleho366gmail]

Oh I thought caged birds from Tobe Nigwe

[@LCThePoet]

Amazing how he released his project today and the tiny desk joint out today too. timing is of the essence! i just heard the whole project a hour ago and oh my god this kid is sooooooo intelligent and he's such an amazing talent. 2022 is already filled with good music from great talent already. PROUD OF YOU CORDAE I love the old soul

[@SashaTromsa]

that's called clever marketing) it's good though!

[@ogmickeydiamond]

@@SashaTromsa I was about to say, it’s called a well planned rollout haha

[@zarakkhalil3956]

AND HIS GIRL A TENNIS STAR HE IS THE PINNICLE OF WHAT WE NEED IN THIS INDUSTRY. In all seriousness he's been a breath of fresh air for years now and he's gonna be around for a while AND STAMP THAT

[@bpraise517]

Cordae is switching the rap game up with that first joint jazzy & nice.

[@Ultiimaxx9]

Nah b , Saba been there

[@SantosProd]

Mac Miller been there too homie

[@gkay8889]

Kendrick , Kanye

[@theherbpuffer]

The progression is real man. The singing and rapping cadence really makes the complete package

[@raymondgabriel1689]

Very well said👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@ksmithokc]

He’s like a super soulful fusion of Kendrick and Cole… The whole album is a vibe!! Real bars, soul beats, I love it!

[@theherbpuffer]

Mix of Chance and Anderson Paak

[@chinaeyemsn]

I agree

[@sohbely]

he great for sure! but I don't see any Kendrick influence/vibe at all. Straight hiphop though, he's nice

[@arnav4174]

I see the Cole influence easy, a lot of Cole lines rewritten in his new album

[@zeek4411]

@@theherbpuffer EUGHH u spittin

[@brandoneleazar1719]

This man doing a full roll out on all media.

[@tylerhorne8108]

Cordae killed this performance! And broke out the uncle dance moves🔥🔥

[@jas_bataille]

This fam is basically Chance and Anderson .Paak rolled into one, what a talent

[@qtipp81]

With a dash of Cole (-Paak’s colorism)

[@williambarkus]

I agree, first listen I thought Cole and Paak

[@Milkers777]

@@qtipp81 And a sprinkle of Mac Miller...

[@daboikaleeb2151]

Literally everybody. Hes so versatile

[@dalenikander8502]

Cordae very talented musician but a album with Bruno Mars would be crazy he gonna be around for a min

[@shihyeong]

This is my first time hearing him and dang I like his music and vibe! NPR didn’t let me down as always!!!!

[@gregcrosson5404]

This dude is the future of real rap, insane talent!

[@xxdunruly328]

go check out the new album

[@shihyeong]

@@xxdunruly328 I will I willll

[@theherbpuffer]

@@gregcrosson5404 You say that like mick jenkins, KAAN, Saba, Aaron May, Kota the friend, Westside Boogie, Navy Blue, MIKE, Mavi, Mach Hommy, Lute, Ray Vaughan, etc don't exist.

[@koronteh807]

@@theherbpuffer you’re all over the comment section hating, trying to discredit Cordae’s talent and fans of his liking his music. We get it you don’t like him , and you want others to only like what you like.

[@mickey10jb80]

Im super impressed. His growth is crazy

[@erasmobaloi3436]

No Cap

[@Thebigshow872]

Well said

[@someguy4645]

So refreshing to hear lyrics like this again.

[@theherbpuffer]

Cordae not the only one doing it.

[@getmoneychill6462]

@@theherbpuffer name a few he actually raps & don’t talk about sipping lean & spinning the block

[@VanCity313]

@@getmoneychill6462 Oh man you're missing out on so many good artists. All of Griselda, Freddie Gibbs, Isaiah Rashad, Saba and so many more

[@gregcrosson5404]

No one as young as Cordae are close to him, the ceiling it limitless

[@OK-iu2td]

@@gregcrosson5404 JID

[@joaovinicius9184]

Cordae is just so good man, expect to see Kota the friend here one day too

[@quisedabeast94]

How do you look like Terrance Howard, perform like Anderson Paak, spit like Kendrick and Cole, and move through life like chance ❤️. Love this kid big ups

[@jennyneon]

YESSIR! NPR's one of the best music channels ever, I swear.

[@sonicandroxas]

And ( colors )😉

[@SuperMustache555]

Cordae is such a young gem. He's a legend in the making

[@Jaznellow]

I love this kid. I'm so glad he dropped YBN. He is doing so much better on his own!! This vibe is swoon worthy

[@Lildrummerboy50]

This is dude is actually really talented and needs more recognition!

[@AWildCatMan]

Mainstream never gives recognition, he already has respect from legends. He will go far, we are just here to bear witness, what a treat!

[@gregcrosson5404]

@@AWildCatMan so true

[@ikechiihemeson6023]

His debut album received a Grammy nomination, he’s not doing too bad rn

[@IWroteit1st]

This turned me to a huge Cordae fan, the vibes and the rawness. As usual thank you Tiny Desk for putting on the real artist and showing us their hearts for FREE.

[@malachigoodridge9589]

That anderson paak vibe seeping thru… cordae making his own path🔥🔥

[@theethmiester4994]

Cordae really just dropped album of the year and didn’t think we’d notice

[@mama_pachuau_18]

Always Nice to hear an artist performed with live music/instruments...IMO It always show how good an artist is... He's good n great performance.. 🎶🎶🎵 🎺 🥁 🎸 🎻 🎹 🎶🎶

[@mickey10jb80]

I didnt know he could lowkey sing. Hes putting in work

[@bpraise517]

Low key for real...

[@hiphoprates6255]

this has instantly became one of my favourite tiny desks. The new album is great, can’t wait to watch Cordae keep evolving, he’s still so young

[@TheSaryahl]

This is my first time listening to Cordae, and I like that his music has context, some feel good rap, that you want to keep playing. Live, the energy is phenomenal can't help but to smile.

[@tiddyattacker5786]

I pointed him out when he was with YBN. Hes such a wonderful artist. His progression is amazing. The passion is there. Hes different. He tells the truth. His sounds pure.

[@theherbpuffer]

Real recognize real

[@brandonburton5928]

Cordae is in a different bag. It's so dope to hear.

[@theretailtherapist]

He should've introduced the band and back up singers, they were bringing hella vibes Otherwise, 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@theherbpuffer]

Never thought of that but I agree, they always do that.

[@TommyLeRoux]

He did step out at the end and leave the spotlight on the band. Haven't seen that before. So there's that.

[@PayMeNoMind]

Okay Cordae... you came to perform perform! Working the subtle mic stand tricks and incorporating them JB hits... I dig it.

[@HealthyByKiona]

there are definitely Tiny Desks with people standing in the home concerts...super fun music Cordae!

[@larryraley8709]

When someone with such talent actually truly wants to be great for all the right reasons is a beautiful thing.

[@FloroTheMaster]

Ever since the release, it’s been on repeat 🔁 Especially C Carter, my fav

[@ANJ1320]

Cordae is a talented young man. This performance was perfect.

[@AmunSun3]

Cordae you are a real student of the game. Your music is full of classics.

[@SuperMustache555]

Absolutely love hearing Cordae stripped down like this. He's been everywhere recently promoting the album and I love it

[@sheldinemay30]

Hold up, I love him... why am I now finding him out?! Definitely my vibe ✨

[@iamvictorious9940]

This man is such a breath of fresh air! Love to hear him speak and his creativity as an artist has so much range. Keep going Cordae you are necessary to and for the culture. Much love Young King!

[@WSOaklndBaseBoy18th]

Album is brilliant and something that as a 27 year old with a 5 year old loved hearing knowing there are positive vibrations still flowing in this world of madness.

[@dhamage2k]

Love how he opening up, it’s all about the vision.. he’s in front of thousands in his head

[@dhamage2k]

I feel like he could’ve waited a little bit longer on this one though. Loved that he was having fun though

[@KianCortada-Covarrubias]

The Paak vibes are strong. Somehow reminds me of Mac as well when he does a nasaly type of flow

[@BertsAICreations]

He has a song with Paak, the second song performed called RNP

[@naaakuokor63]

I was so excited when he said to perform one of the OG joints

[@kumosunfilteredconvospodca9615]

Cordae has a very different presence to him and he's def going to be here for a long time. Wow!

[@MaineMax]

He really is a one of a kind person. He is such a genius but also comedic and still can act like a young adult all in one. Mad respect and incredible music and style from Cordae. FABEV

[@thenewweirdos4624]

A youth from the DMV taking over…love to see it.

[@agapechikezie1969]

From the comments have been reading I’m not sure y’all actually connected to this performance, I’m i the only one listening to this man’s vocals??, been a fan of cordae since ybn, lost boy was gold but FABEV is definitely going platinum

[@Krazylegzz]

Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song Grammy nominated The Lost Boy by Cordae. Loving his album too, agree def platinum. All North Carolina everything!

[@raymondgabriel1689]

His vocals have evolved LEVELS. He basically performed hits with features SOLO on this performance. Truly impressive. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🏁🏁🏁🏁 Sounds like he has been jamming out to his own songs for a while and learned how to sing better through that process. I know what that feels like. He is pushing many of us through witnessing his own process. Priceless. We are witnessing a King grow.

[@ricfrexit9510]

This Is how you get back to roots of soul music... Real Voices, lyrics and real instruments...very talented band... 👏👏

[@beerfordinner]

a young .paak, visionary, beautiful.

[@a.lynette]

Legend in the making!! Mark my words

[@agapechikezie1969]

Solid words man

[@theherbpuffer]

I said that like two years ago lol

[@deletingyoutubetoday9563]

I can't wait to see him grow as an artist and listen to his new stuff, man's a legend

[@emoboy_sync]

Cordae is one of the greats according to me

[@chinaeyemsn]

I love this young man he stays true to himself.

[@dwaynearthur1476]

Cordae brings Rap and some smooth Soul vibes . His back up vocalist are on point 🔥🔥👍🏽👍🏽

[@BreezyOG]

There's a reason legends be hopping on this mans tracks!

[@hahwinner]

seeing the evolution of a performer is so entertaining. He just moving different now!~

[@its_joey]

his growth since ybn is insane bro cordae makin the dmv proud every day

[@LEGENDKlLLA]

Shouts out to you Cordae !! A legend in the making fs. 🦅

[@adriannn5656]

Absolutely loveeee Cordae! The Hip Hop and R&B we need!! Been at this for minute too!! Messages in his music.

[@CharisReese]

I'm here for the DMV Love for Cordae and the Sisterly love for @SingPhilly Get it Philly!!! 😍😉🏆❗

[@danielamith]

From a birds eye view already slapping 🤌🏽

[@ntsakobaloyi9744]

I’m happy he performed Thousand words

[@YourNorthFloridaRealtor]

I was worried about Hip Hop for minute....RIP Dolph, RIP Biz Markie, RIP Kangol, RIP Naborhood Nip, RIP Pop Smoke, RIP Mo3😥...this kid is restoring my faith💯🙏

[@KingMatt20]

The D.C/MD area just like so many other places is unforgivable sometimes, keep your head up big dawg!!! I know ya boii watchin over you.

[@whatsgoodman2812]

The INSTRUMENTALS ANNND VOCALSSSS👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@kingkunta8124]

cordae jhus giving us back to back 🔥🔥🔥 wat a way to start the year. this feels so good keep winning mhan

[@ChiviA84]

I couldn't get past the first three songs without having to pause and catch my thoughts. Overwhelming 🔥❤️

[@joeficent50tvreactions71]

The future of hip hop and good music is here and his name is Cordea 🎤🔥🔥🙌🏽

[@theherbpuffer]

Nah you're just misinformed. You only know mainstream and Cordae is only of very few lyrical rappers with mainstream exposure. KAAN, Mick Jenkins, Saba, Westside Boogie, Aaron May, Malz Monday, Kota the Friend, Caleborate, Marlon Craft, Navy Blue, MIKE Mavi, Mach Hommy, Dizzy Wright,etc are all amazing artists of this generation and all helping together with carrying the genre forward.

[@amhaworku873]

Cordae is one of the best out there, we need to appreciate the man🙌

[@youngminute7362]

making the dmv proud fr

[@GreenHypnotherapy]

I was already impressed after listening to the album but this is next level. Excellent music!

[@donettabrunson5924]

To everyone that enjoyed this God Bless You you obviously deserve this bomb happy making music

[@bigdizzle35595]

I truly love seeing cordae grow and come into himself this amazing

[@macnds3660]

The C Carter version is magical !

[@jayallday__]

he's so talented ... truly inspiring in helping me finding purpose on my path

[@Fly_girl_STR]

I’m so proud to be a Cordae fan he never disappoints. NEVER! Keep up the good work King.

[@siyabongaskosana1025]

Cordae just hopped on the music. I see the rap and the lyrics, but what a musical set👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@warrenmcgreevy4590]

This guy will be like Jay-Z in 20 years time in terms of having catalogs of hits as well as building empires in other ventures

[@arnav4174]

Jay level! idk about that, but he def going big places

[@raymondgabriel1689]

I can see that 👀👀👀👀

[@sdscudder94]

Had the pleasure seeing this guy live a couple years ago and he's was great then. I enjoyed this even more

[@carterwatson1949]

im so glad cordae got to do this cordae is the goat 🐐 i love him so much man!!

[@Sharayah144]

First time hearing this man and his beautiful band, I’m a new fan. This is why I stay coming back to npr tiny desk.

[@nekoramos]

This man’s work ethic is amazing!! Perfect timing!!

[@rubyrayne8]

Perfect timing!

[@othman3192]

Issa hood classic

[@tuninin7368]

Wow, one of my favorite rappers evolved into what I've been trying to put into motion for a minute. I love it. Cordae says "stop thinking and start doing", through this performance.

[@conroycottrelljr2380]

Liked. I believe in Cordae. He’s on purpose. You can tell it’s growth and focus looking effortless. His bop ain’t nothing but pure found confirmation in SELF

[@jeremiahbailey541]

Cordae doing RNP with Anderson Paak made me think where is Anderson Paak but I realize he’s with Silk Sonic and I just thought what if Silk Sonic did a Tiny Desk concert

[@tonyfrausto2027]

So good... I wish it was longer!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sheemaden9363]

This was so good! Definitely listening to his new project now!

[@tolubewaji8766]

I’m in love with this album!

[@sjonwallace191]

The energy is everything for this concert!💙💪🏾🎶🎶

[@sebastianp9445]

Back when good music dropped Cruel Summer...amen ! ❤️

[@mazvitaishemahari8413]

This is one of the best hip hop tiny desks concerts I have seen. The replay is on point. Well done champ

[@GhostTeller]

i cant with this dude, i love him, so much fresh energy

[@mariarusso2531]

Loved the album already but this was AMAZING to watch, it addes even more value to his already fantastic fresh body of work! Ecstatic performance 🥂 you are an artist with an A , boy!

[@MzMary801]

Loved the whole vibe • Vocals, Band and surprisingly, him. Lyrically♡

[@brianvetrano6817]

Love watching his growth. Only getting better and bigger.

[@MO-us2oz]

오랜만에 여기 왔는데 음악 정말 멋지네요💕 물 흐르는 비트와 좋은 분위기 👏🏻