D Smoke: 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.
May 29, 2020 | Abby O'Neill -- This emotional Tiny Desk (home) concert by D Smoke is riveting. Last year, the rapper and pianist, born Daniel Farris, rose to national acclaim when he won Netflix's MC battle show Rhythm + Flow, judged by Chance the Rapper, Cardi B and T.I. Rhythm + Flow shifted the course of his life, allowing him to exit his teaching career and produce music full-time. D Smoke's songs here - taken from his latest album Black Habits, out earlier this year - acknowledge the disparities impacting the black experience that are simultaneously personal and universal. The opening selection, "No Commas," is a heart-wrenching lament on injustice and inequality. The gentle touch of D's fingers moving across the keys complement the song's poignant lyrics, which he raps in English and Spanish. He also performed "Black Habits II," the affecting finale to Black Habits, for the first time in a live setting. It's just one of the many reasons that this Tiny Desk is so special.
SET LIST
"No Commas"
"Closer to God"
"Seasons Pass"
"Black Habits II"

[@emlylunar]

D Smoke getting the attention he deserves. Wish this could have happened at the actual Tiny Desk studio,

[@mrterry1756]

Soon

[@AndreiBerezin]

It will sooner or later

[@nprmusic]

There's no implication that by doing a Tiny Desk (home) concert now, that an artist won't be invited to perform at the Tiny Desk at a later date. Thanks for raising the concern!

[@bluehalo8604]

You may have talked us into 2 appearances so GO YOU!! 😁

[@ahmedhayek4585]

@@nprmusic Love you guys!

[@dz562]

Tiny Desk, you guys have to bring him in once this pandemic is over.

[@DrinkmoWater.]

That part☺️☺️

[@edtsidas]

The actual police sirens during Black Habits II... spine-chilling

[@glawktawk]

ambulance*

[@LilArtLA]

​@@glawktawk Yea! Nonetheless, iconic won't you say?

[@bmcfarland7714]

@@LilArtLA Hope you mean ironic

[@deltagirl2004]

Sign of the times. Very iconic.

[@joseignaciomunozsalazar4980]

gives more power to the time you´r living in.

[@halolover7179]

D Smoke bout to start a revolution out here.

[@LadiiRiece]

I am INFATUATED with this talented, intelligent, and beautiful man! He is so powerful...I am here for it.

[@treemarie3080]

SiR encore on Colours yesterday.... D Smoke on Tiny Desk today...True blessings 🙏😌💜

[@christiantasidaily]

They cousins too!

[@Dreqsa]

Christian Tasi brothers

[@jesseniaCor]

when SiR hit them notes at the end babyyyyyyyy

[@MsSugarDyme]

I can't believe D Smoke is the older brother 😬 Love them both but SiR looks like his uncle.

[@randykon8871]

A different degree of talent. A breath of fresh air

[@neutraloatmilkhotel]

As a Latina I get major chills when he incorporates Spanish. Absolutely beautiful! Viva la raza! ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

[@100ljmb]

Piano, Best Lyrics, Jazz, and Rap in his own livingroom... Smooth. But, on top of all that he crowns its with humbleness and kindness. RESPECT.

[@abaneyone]

As an older listener, I must say that I'm impressed with this young man's talent.

[@AndreiBerezin]

Hip Hop is a young guys' game, partially because subject matter is too nihilistic or just immature sometimes. Therefore it feels so good to see a comment like yours one here, that makes sure that Hip Hop has got smth to share with the elders. Thank you.

[@abaneyone]

@@AndreiBerezin I love music from all genres. Hip hop has always seemed like technology produced over mixed sampled music without any real musical instruments. Here D Smoke was playing his piano, excellent!

[@TruthandChakras]

Yes he is dope 💜

[@K9London]

So impressive, lyrics, cadence, emotion, conviction and multi-skilled playing whilst rapping. I'm inspired.

[@sorandumb4768]

Don’t forget also rapping in Spanish

[@Omegavision87]

@@sorandumb4768 and singing.

[@emmanuelowolabi12]

@@sorandumb4768 yeah right

[@yardmanAD]

D smoke the truth. I love his songs but I think I almost prefer the stripped down versions. If he put out like an "acoustic album" where he plays and has his songs more like this I think it hits harder for me.

[@OaeFootwear]

Don't know your age, but MTV used to have an Unplugged series where artists would perform acoustic versions of their songs, this would have been perfect.

[@walkerstalker1939]

@@OaeFootwear the Alicia Keys one was my favorite of all time. I wish I was in that crowd.

[@monstalung]

man, I needed this today after watching CNN and dealing with George Floyd this put a calm on my heart. D Smoke just keeps dropping great music and content, creating a standard for future artists.

[@TruthandChakras]

Asé 💜 Truth!

[@ephraimv]

6/11/2020 here listening to "Black Habits" ..... this album was produced way before everything started. D Smoke been the truth but yet no one listens. It's time for to listen!!!!!

[@imagine2C]

When I tell y’all the whole family BEAUTIFUL! Man!! 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@jayjohnson9938]

I don’t care what anyone says D Smoke is the $#!t. Talent is unmeasurable

[@christopherharper9818]

I ride for this dude, seems so genuine, talented, well read and focused. Oh and my dude got mad lyrics too. Respect!

[@chrismdev_]

D smoke just flexing singing, piano and crazy harmony skills in a room by himself gave me the coolest vibe right now.😂

[@hendrixluis9175]

Do ya know how hard it is to play piano like that and rap at the same time, dudes crazy talented🔥

[@arlmelendez9451]

Facts that there's hard . But music in the soul if so is easy.

[@QueenDivine08]

I've legit never seen it. super wild.

[@tayiibdauda1353]

I need a D Smoke and Anderson Paak colab in my life right now! Jus sayin...

[@themasierpartx2990]

Hmm that would be fireeee

[@noxmagubane]

I though I was the only one on that frequency 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jeshikamarie]

yesssss

[@krysten-gracemcdonald3657]

It would be great, but due to how BOMBBB that would be I don't think the world would be able to handle it

[@SidneyOcean]

FACTS. They are both such good live performers too, it would be incredible.

[@David_Paul1]

I would really love to see him come back to the actual tiny desk spot. This is amazing.

[@athayash]

If at home is this good, imagine at the actual NPR desk. He's just talented. Period.

[@3WDon]

D Smoke on Tiny Desk? Am I dreaming or am I dreaming?

[@RayonNelson]

I get impressed when I see rappers who are dope musicians!!

[@KatrinatheLion]

Really loved seeing him on Rhythm and Flow. His whole story and how he writes his music is so inspirational. You can really see how he flourishes his art. D Smoke all the way! More music please

[@spie227]

The piano just does it for me!! I want a acoustic version of all his songs this is fire!! 🔥🔥

[@thirteennyree22]

Why did I cry on Seasons Pass... "Life is but a gift, but you got love to give"

[@sheenamarie1221]

It really touched my soul too ❤️

[@brittanyday8820]

Excellent job to the bookers over at NPR Tiny Desk! No better time to introduce the world to the amazing gift that is D SMOKE! So happy to see his voice reach new heights!

[@dubiouswords7851]

What a beautiful soul. It’s so evident in the music.

[@tyrathethird]

i watched this whole thing with heart eyes lol he's so fine. but he's also powerful too. love his artistry.

[@DSmith18916]

Talent on talent on talent. Refreshing.

[@littlebrado1]

Black Habits II and Closer to God are my two favorites of the album. I can't believe you've shared them with us. Thank you so much!! You're blessed. Love from Brazil!

[@adamlangiewicz8176]

I get chills every time I listen to D Smoke. Pure soul. This man deserves all the recognition he's getting and more.

[@tutumari2223]

Have to admire his love and respect for the people

[@tm160105]

Thank you Tiny Desk, D Smoke, and all who made this possible! Definitely saved under my favorites playlist!

[@nprmusic]

Thank you for watching!

[@tntlashalicious]

Dont even know who this black beautiful man is..but it was in my suggestion and I actually happy I tuned in....thank you D

[@dees2115]

He is the winner of Cardi B's Rhythm and Flows show on Netflix

[@trishgordon4269]

He was writing and producing for major artists even before Rhythm and Flow. He has elevated the game.

[@KA-ug3ti]

This man is so underrated, his music is everything

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

"Remember our fallen peers. They're listenen'."

[@TeelDove777]

So grateful for amazing souls like him... like heavensent for these times

[@Mr1984eL]

Nah bruh they owe you a real tiny desk concert.. D Smoke is 🔥🔥🔥 that breath control tho

[@innocentbhavior34]

Omg! I’m in love with this man! I just want to meet him! Y’all don’t understand how much I love this MAN!

[@JQQuinones]

Fuego!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Playing the piano himself the whole time!

[@helenaklawikowski5283]

Everything about this is magic. Black Magic. Black Habits. Black Habits II.

[@itsjesreyes]

We’ve all been waiting for this

[@ashleysterling8572]

Yes King 👏🏽💜🙌🏽👑💯🙏🏽 hallelujah

[@jaketompkins2794]

So happy to see D Smoke getting some love.

[@vintageheart32]

Black Habits II was so needed for right now!!! Say it louder “Our Blacks lives are our black challenge” sooo dope 🖤

[@popeyemedia]

It is really uplifting to see media publications really feature artists whose music is actually astounding but also have something poignant to say about their perspective on life. It's incredibly nourishing. Thank you NPR and thank you D Smoke!

[@janinesaal5169]

He's so authentic. Music needs you Mr Farris. 💞

[@Ratatoothie]

What?! D Smoke Tiny Desk? I'm elated.

[@AngelsProtected]

He’s so talented and beautiful.

[@arayablakely5916]

Wow. He is such a powerful and exciting new voice for hip hop. Speaking it into existence that he BLOWS UP!

[@khadijad2427]

his piano playing warms my heart

[@JohnParadis]

Low key one of the best Tiny Desk performances I've seen.

[@jdooght]

Album was 🔥🔥🔥. Black excellence.💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@dezasey]

Can I say D Smoke's skill on the piano is just.. soothing and.. I get lost. Mad skillz and good work D Smoke

[@UTU]

This guy got SOUL!

[@johncama8735]

D smoke much love from the Netherlands. Love these tiny desk concerts.

[@cmyk94]

Thank goodness for Rhythm & Flow! D Smoke deserves all of the recognition and attention.

[@tressaguilleret3471]

Black Habits is dooooope! Bravo! 👏🏼🥂💫💫💫

[@dianawinda4061]

You don't see someone playing the piano and rapping very often. I could get used to it! Love D-smoke

[@zan6585]

I’m super impressed with the rap piano playing, really glad they released this for us.

[@haterscatnip]

To say it politely. Love us not just our culture.

[@gilpalacio1gmail]

the talent of this guy! Respect

[@uhhdagio]

the rawness of this video is what gets me. through the mistakes, police sirens, casual background etc his talent still shines through. D Smoke his definitely goated

[@CastroBlues]

Thank you D Smoke for sharing your gift and talents to the world, especially during these times. You are a blessing to the world. Keep sharing your light and gifts.

[@tendayijuniorchinyanga776]

I live in Eswatini so when i woke up this morning and i saw it i was so turnt up.Thank you for blessing my ears !!!!

[@nprmusic]

Thank you for watching and listening!

[@fundisto1033]

🇸🇿🇸🇿🇸🇿

[@misturflave]

True artistry can never be denied! I still feel this one! Salute to you D Smoke! Keep bring that which touches the soul!

[@cheylloxo]

One of the most underappreciated artists today. LOVE him and his soul. You hear his passion in every note. And it's not even like hes working to create music. It flows like a series of his own thoughts and they just happen to rhyme

[@ryerscruff]

Love the beautiful honest poetry, and mastercraft musical talent. Thank you and never stop creating.

[@babycakes9467]

Clicked so fast when I saw D Smoke. So talented and a beautiful spirit.

[@KayMens3]

How many artists can come and perform their own projects with no accompaniment?! Hardly any.

[@dequanspencer4530]

I'm looking forward to a Anderson. Paak collab in the future. D Smoke is the truth. Side bar: KOBE 4 EVER!

[@besosloco]

Dequan Spencer that would be so amazing!

[@momusic3327]

Yessssssssssss🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@dayuno176]

i saw that kobe forever book too.finna get that.

[@taleseperkins2151]

a pj Morton collab too

[@KayMContreras]

The kind of talent that just blows you away.

[@kez4620]

Dsmoke is amazing, this is amazing

[@e6ensperception]

Wow. IN ONE TAKE. You can hear his voice giving out towards the end. An entire concert with amazing, impactful, harmonizing vocals, AND he played the instrumental on piano all by himself. This is art. This is real music.

[@giooo2528]

I haven’t stopped listening to his Black Habits album since it came out and this is just... amazing. He’s going to shine and be a superstar

[@momusic3327]

I love him 😍

[@meccag7666]

I'm just blessed to hear this stripped down version the whole album fire though and he was gonna be a star with or without Rhythm and Flow undeniable

[@bogusbooger]

very talented artists like this is hard to come by, a legend from the start.

[@evangelineisolde]

I didn’t want it to end. So young & gifted. Much love D Smoke.

[@genovahauser8296]

I feel all of this...🤯 much respect to you, King

[@melaninatedunicorn5545]

Rapping and playing the piano where they do that. My soul needed this just calming just what i was looking for

[@kekemc]

Wow.... this was amazing! I Love D Smoke’s Vibe and Flow🔥💯👏🏾

[@IVYALEX]

I’m so grateful to watch this talent rise. Well deserved. Music is musical again! Yesssss!!!! Such a dope human being.

[@katrinastallworth5996]

This One Man production is a true testament to D Smoke’s artistry. Thank you for sharing✊🏿

[@spencerbrown5767]

🤳🏾👀 Rite on time... Dude is so so soulful 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾. Gr8ful 2 b here.

[@Sheena_the_Lite]

Man he so CREAR in the delivery, the message executed, and the sincerity is graceful! You go boyyyyy!

[@taymelanin717]

D.Smoke is dope asf may he get everything he deserves.

[@syya1001]

I can't believe I've been standing for six minutes because of how captured I was by this performance right from the jump. Maaaan D Smoke is a great talent, anyone who says otherwise is just, tsk tsk bruuuuuh 🤦🏾‍♂️.

[@MrBaskins2010]

Wowowoaow I opened this video on accident and now I’m hooked. This really made my day. Helped me clear the mind, big time. D Smoke is a five alarm fire on the keys

[@kahron90210]

Sings, raps, pianist, bilingual. Straight talent

[@paolopalomar5229]

Life is but a gift, yeah; you got love to give, yeah.

[@troymckoy113]

Please pardon me, it's my first time playing and rapping this at the same time... Three notes later: I got it! Okay, let''s go!

[@emilychan1267]

D SMOKE PLS SING MOREEEEE

[@davegutierrez3322]

D Smoke is to music as the sun is to planetary growth !! Thank you

[@TechNinjaPro]

LOVEEE D SMOKE!!!! I HIT LIKE BEFORE THE FIRST NOTE

[@KielaD]

Same!!

[@mrsbrownsugarsweetz]

Me too🥰

[@erikperez9528]

Truly a gifted artist please continue to create brother. Thank you 🙏🏽 for sharing with the world.

[@gigarry1]

D smoke I'm so proud of you as if you were my own son, Continue to keep it real.

[@keyahughey4417]

I NEEDED THIS RIGHT NOW!!

[@Light-Brite]

This man is so underrated. There’s no gimmick here. He’s a great writer and poet. I could listen to his music all day! His brother is dope too. I’m so happy for him. He earned it and deserves this success.