Lady Wray: Tiny Desk Concert

[@nprmusic]

How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

[@M0ON4.visuals]

Queerphobic industry? Lol grow up NPR. Elton John Freddie Mercury Sam Smith Lady Gaga Hayley Kiyoko Lil Nas X Troye Sivan Halsey Frank Ocean Tegan and Sara Melissa Etheridge Adam Lambert Janelle Monáe Kehlani Brandi Carlile Tyler, the Creator Mika Christine and the Queens Kim Petras Ricky Martin George Michael Frankmusik Sophie Ellis-Bextor Mary Lambert Adam Joseph Village People (group) Sia St. Vincent Perfume Genius Big Freedia Blood Orange Anohni (formerly known as Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons) Steve Grand Shamir Stop with the constant divisiveness. People love good music. Period. You can either make or a hit or you can’t.

[@notknown6605]

@@M0ON4.visualsmost artists on the list are not rap artists… they didn’t reference the whole music industry

[@richardreynolds6398]

Puking word salad to a washing machine beat never did anything for me anyway.

[@boimesa8190]

What's this got to do with Lady Wray??

[@thedemencha147]

@@boimesa8190 that part!!

[@KristenCulp]

This is a tiny desk that is so Grand and should have 500000000 views. Shes always been a hidden diamond.

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

Nicole Wray has an interesting career trajectory. Despite being under the shadow of Missy Elliott, having two albums shelved from two different labels and almost quitting. After 25 years in this business, she is still going strong.

[@rnor3146]

Hi and many thanks for your precisions that can make us appreciate more these Diva. ❤

[@magicwaffl3z]

Dang I didn't know all that. I recently learned of her because of the song piece of me

[@chilezp]

I still want the Electric Blue album.😢

[@TiffanyRayneOfficial]

@@magicwaffl3z Yup, her debut album came out in 1998 and her first single was called Make It Hot.

[@TiffanyRayneOfficial]

Yes, and I love how she rebranded herself as Lady Wray. And now she is exactly where she should be and doing what her heart was meant to do.

[@bigcrownrecords]

Love you Nicole. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.

[@mikelovell423]

Thank y'all and Leon for signing/producing arguably the best music of her career. Looking forward to more

[@eraposse]

all your works are dope!!!thanks from France

[@sebfauteux6623]

thanks Big Crown !!

[@sebfauteux6623]

thannks Danny & all thhe Big Crown Crew !

[@starrdub]

Love Big Crown!

[@a-jay1203]

To the NPR sound engineer…We thank you for your service 🤝

[@shakeeljessa9619]

s/o Josh Rogosin

[@chilezp]

I wish she did this last year when Piece of Me album dropped because that album should’ve been nominated for several Grammys. She was clearly overlooked. I hope this concert introduces her to new fans because Nicole aka Lady Wray is truly amazing!!’

[@keyonceswrld]

💯💯

[@wpbdog1625]

You don't know how it works lol

[@chilezp]

@@wpbdog1625 I actually do

[@cocounabella]

I do is my jam, and I agree, this is an amazing album.

[@shortyrock67]

U ain’t lying

[@chilezp]

Been a Nicole fan since 1998! I’m so happy she’s still making beautiful music.

[@mrsg618]

Borrowed Time is a joint that I will forever rock with- check it out if you haven’t already heard it 😊

[@a.singleton3903]

11 year old loved me some Nicole wray in 98’! And still does til today

[@TheBehindtheMask]

Wow! I'm just discovering her music in 2023. Great sound!

[@VINsaneproductions]

She 'Make it Hot' lol. I been riding wit her since that album waaaay back in the 90s.

[@donewittit6607]

​@@a.singleton3903 I was 14 love love Nichole Wray

[@Musos-wq1ud]

I have no idea why this girl keeps getting overlooked Her melodies are like some good expensive perfume that just lingers on forever. So many stories and history echo through every timbre of her voice.❤❤😢

[@Peighter]

i have never heard of this woman before, i just pressed play because of her fabulous pink coat, but once she started singing, i thought omg, what a tone, and the songs and freakin good too, and the band is so smooth, everything just lined up so perfectly

[@danox2851]

Look her up she use to be with Missy and timberline... Nicole Wray 🔥 late 90s Early 00s

[@joshmartin5952]

^^^ also check out brainstory…the dudes on bass, guitar and drums. Same label too

[@williamjackson1820]

If ur at least 30 you have heard her music “I was your girlfriend” was her breakout song

[@burdrchitect1680]

​@williamjackson1820 Actually her first single was Make it Hot, which is still played on the radio today.

[@reneem2590]

@williamjackson1820 No Her song "Make it hot " produced by Missy Elliot was

[@TurfKid51]

Nicole, Nicole, Nicole!!!! Highly underrated. This put a smile on face.

[@SilverArrows47]

I discovered Lady Wray by way of Bandcamp several years back. It is absolutely fitting for her to be the first guest for Black History Month. She has struggled SO much in her fight to be heard, she persisted when many would have given up. Thank you NPR for showcasing an extraordinaire talent. Special shout out the the legendary Big Crown Records in Bushwick, NYC.

[@yofinezzauntee]

What an excellent start to Black History! I love how Nicole has reimagined her career into Lady Wray! I'm loving the new music 🎶

[@shantiaelise]

Liking this comment just based off your name 👏🏽✨

[@AriesA1i]

This was a high quality performance.. i low key got emotional. All the years.. hard work and dedicate are paying off. She’s hotter now than Make it hot era & I love all of this for Nicole, she is so deserving.

[@maribelherrera743]

Brainstory needs their own tiny desk video Such a great band from the same record label Big crown records I love all the artists that have featured

[@HeysaysChenay]

I saw Lady Wray, Nicole, live in D.C. at the Black Cat just two weeks ago. She sounds even more phenomenal live. KEEP DOING YOUR THING SIS. You have a gift!

[@lexiwillett8]

I saw her there too! It was AMAZING

[@mstark3223]

WHAAAAA IM SO JEALPUS

[@mifraidin1]

I was there, too! What a show.

[@clumsiii]

thanks for sharing that - i could've gone, if i found out. wish i saw that show. that's on me, next time

[@WeBecomeSilhouettes_]

Shouts to the band, labelmates from Big Crown Records. Holding down the rhythm section is Brainstory and vocalist Lola Adanna is from 79.5 - it's like a family reunion! 🎶

[@deletednomas4095]

Wooooo! Brainstory is one of the best out there

[@robertsexton3055]

Her voice is sooo beautiful,

[@thekrimzonyeti]

More people need to realise just how good Nicole's voice is. Loved the version of Guilty, and don't even get me started on how incredible Melody sounds ❤️. Soul music at its finest.

[@robmartinez9935]

Go off Tony!!!

[@digislr7277]

She is amazing, just 'discovered' her last week, and then had my mind blown when I found out this is Nicole of "Make it Hot" fame in the late 90's. Loved her then, love her now, so hyped that's she's back. The latest album is phenomenal, been listening to it on repeat for days now.

[@rcm1400]

With brainstory backing her, bigcrown unite

[@Mianichole76]

Cried a little bit. She deserves this!

[@TheBavarianMotors]

This is why I watch Tiny Desk. Talented artists practicing their craft. Excellent episode.

[@bennolyon]

Lady Wray.... QUEEN! My wife, kids, and I have all your albums on vinyl and we are wearing them out over here. Saw you in Portland and it was pure fire! Thank you for keeping this real soul vibe alive, no autotune, just great songwriting, feel, and the dopest vocals. Amazing! You bring all the love.

[@bennolyon]

PS first heard you on the end credits of season one, episode one of the show "South Side"- and I immediately jumped up and had to find the song. Never looked back, we been with you every day since. So shout out to South Side, the funniest show on TV.

[@forbeatssake1530]

15:00 that nod to Darondo 👌. Big Crown is an awesome record label, i wish more people knew about their music.

[@aliwright4910]

She is the queen for a reason ok!

[@yvonne-bellido]

brainstory and lady wray what a beautiful start to this new month ;.)))

[@alittlesincerity_111]

My dream set!!! + BRAINSTORY!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@queenofbuttercream]

Oh man, i randomly found this while looking for Nicole Wray, I'm glad to see she still doin her thang!❤

[@moiciara]

My favorite female vocalist in the world! ✨ 💕

[@daedaegee2335]

Mine too honestly the greatest singer I ever favored

[@QiQiRoc]

Nicole Wrayyyyyyyyyy oh my the nostalgia! ❤❤❤❤❤ why you all in my griiilllllll

[@rubyrose9285]

Yes mam! That song Piece of Me really speaks to me on a personal level. I love some Lady Wray❤

[@jf3490]

Piece of Me has been on repeat for a while, such a good live rendition! The new Ghostface Killah remix is good as well for anyone reading this

[@nyjo.brennen]

Absolutely LOVE Nicole. Her discography has always been phemomenal. The way her vocals carried her debut album Make It Hot at 17 to her releases as a grown woman now! She is the TRUTH! So proud of her resilience.

[@crashline]

I love Lady Wray so much. Imagine my surprise when I saw Brainstory there too!!!! What a combo. Thank you so much!

[@blaszilla90]

What a great ensemble! I had the good fortune of having Kevin in guitar class in HS; insanely great musician and taught me Bossa Nova and jazz riffs. Always a great jam session.

[@kevinmartin2632]

My boy blas❤

[@mungopearce3317]

Can Lady Wray please bring this album tour to London. So many of us are ready and waiting!!! 2022 Album of the year frankly.

[@JustPerusing]

So happy for Nicole. It's been a long time. Glad to see she's still in the game and sounding like the phenomenal artist she's always been.

[@SirTrell]

So wait, I had NOOOOOOO IDEA she was Lady Wray. I started playing "Make It Hot" and then it brought me here. Gosh I LOVED HER... and I'm loving this already!!! SING NICOLE!!!!

[@airuniverse10]

OMGGGGG. I am so happy Nicole is on Tiny Desk!!!!!!!! She deserves the recognition for sure. Her album "Piece of Me" was one of my most played albums of 2022. I love how she re-invented her artistry and remained true to herself. She deserves more praise. What a singer and songwriter!!!!!💐💐💐

[@KidLitMusic]

She is a vocal reference for many. So versatile in song choice with a warm reminder that the early 2000’s vocals still there ❤️❤️❤️

[@honey_rae_amour]

I was literally just listening to I Can't See last night and now I wake up to this. Thanks Tiny Desk👍🏾

[@MarcoAntonio-ce8rx]

Lady wray & Brainstory!! 🔥🔥 que hermosa referencia a Darondo en melody 👌

[@theos.398]

YES so happy to see her on tiny desk!!!

[@josemanuelarellano9827]

About time she’s showcased into the spotlight, sublime vocalist!! 🙌

[@yessie_48]

Saw her and Brainstory (on drums, bass and guitar) in LA not too long ago and it was one of the best shows I’ve been to in a while. Loved Lady Wray for years and discovered Brainstory not too long ago, there was so much talent up on that stage. It was a show I’ll never forget 😭❤️

[@ariesraine4]

Seeing someone post this link on my favorite day of the week (Thursday) makes me happy 🥰. Nicole Wray and Monica have always been and will always be my favorite singers. Make it Hot is still in regular rotation 25 years later. I absolutely adore her!

[@brandonlinnemann]

This woman is slept on. The voice, the lyricism, the VIBE. It just feels so good.

[@dexarbor]

WOW! So Amazing. I saw Lady Wray in Lincoln NE last year and she stole the show for me! So multi-talented. Then we ran into her in a bar and she was so sweet! Glad she's on this show

[@fterry3]

My daughter introduced me to Lady Wray when she performed covers of "Piece of Me" and "Guilty" with her band last year. Love Lady's sound and vibe...can listen to her over and over. She deserves only great success and is a role model for persistence and faith.

[@michiepooh]

Yes! I keep that first song on repeat. Thank you Tiny Desk and Lady Wray.

[@MegaTightMike]

She is so frigging talented.

[@Madi.222]

That band introduction went crazyyy!!!! Haha this is my fav tiny desk in a long time :,)

[@MichaelGrayKimber]

One of the best albums anyone has released in the last 10 years

[@lucg4767]

Lady Wray finally getting the attention she deserves!! Since "Queen Alone" I'm in love with her music! Keep going girl ♥

[@lostinthewoods8032]

I just booked tickets to see this legend in Portland. Gonna have this on loop till the live experience hits. Love you all.

[@oliverpilatiz5533]

Lovely, Lovely, Lovely, ..❤

[@jackiemartinez5886]

I was legit PRAYING for a live version like this FOR GUILTY 😭

[@theYouss76]

Never thought i will see lady wray on NPR one day! 😍 Thank’s for that 🙏🏾

[@swetyfootage8284]

Lady Wray and brainstory are both very talented. The gentleman on the keys has a good voice too.

[@AmandaHuggenkiss]

Love it when each individual contributor is recognized and given a chance to shine with a short solo

[@juanojeda3661]

Seeing her energy and hearing her beautiful voice while Brainstory plays in the background puts a huge smile on my face!

[@nobodyfamous]

One of my favorite albums.

[@annabana2004]

i love her so much 😌

[@DannyBlair_]

A true front to back concert. Not one song disappoints.

[@sickvokals]

Yeeeeeeeeessssss!!! Thank you for featuring Lady Wray. Been a big since the beginning. Pray this opens her to a whole new audience 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@xiCandixTV]

I couldn’t wait to hear “Guilty”! This was the first song that introduced me to Lady Wray while working at Tory Burch. Love this bop!!! ❤❤❤

[@deebee4817]

It's 10 degrees out and she makes me feel like I'm dancing in summer.

[@behindDAmask123]

Just found her earlier this year, and I'm absolutely OBSESSED with Guilty. Probably listened to it multiple times a every day this week alone. She needs WAY more recognition!

[@wyndgrove9452]

Wow, everyone in the band is so precise and sharp in this performance - love it.

[@Skalett1911]

I loveeeee this, Lady Wray and the Brainstory gang, dreamy

[@billyjohn7846]

I admired her voice since 1998. She's highly nostalgic to me

[@tymeburglar86]

I recently started listening to Lady Wray and her music deserves so much more attention and accolades. I liked her early stuff as Nicole, but this era is 🔥🔥🔥 Beautiful voice and a true songwriter who has really come into her own.

[@shortyrock67]

Da lyrics Da voice Da passion Da soul this is why we miss Nicole so much get into her new music you won’t be disappointed ❤

[@SagG]

Wow!! Where have I been!! She’s AMAZING!!! ❤❤😢.

[@mstark3223]

I seriously love listening to Lady Wray. I’ve been wanting to invest in her records 💗 so so so happy to find this

[@zandersorc]

Her concert at Black Cat in D.C. was soooo 🔥. And it's dope to see Brainstory playing with her. Kevin's voice is fire as well!

[@1fnfigi]

How did I miss this?!!!! I love her music soo happy she’s getting exposure.

[@KingAlone516]

Everything happens for a reason, been a fan since 1998, and was with her for all the album push backs and shelvings, and 4 albums worth of material not being heard by the masses but sometimes I wonder if her other projects were released and successful would we be experiencing the greatness of the Lady Wray Era.

[@TerriBingham]

Both she and her band are ALL fantastic. Lovely grooves! A+!

[@bubblin1]

Beautiful!!!! I love her & have missed her all this time. Gotta dig up all her recent work!

[@MatSmithLondon]

New discovery for me - just wow. Backing singers are just ❤❤

[@kaylam8268]

Just started listening to her last year. So happy to see her on Tiny Desk!

[@danicrazyfingers]

I just discovered her. I really like her voice, but especially her melodies. Great stuff!

[@bjbrian12]

❤❤❤beautiful voice

[@DarlingBrooklyn]

I remember when she was going by Nicole Wray signed as Missy Elliots new R&B artist. Then she signed to Roc a Fella before disappearing from music. Happy to see she's still singing

[@music2303]

I saw lady Wray in Los Angeles ! She is amazing! Got to meet her! Sooo sweet! Big fan ❤️ soul!

[@rylieriley]

Those are some sweet, sweet, soulful sounds. And that singing is beautiful! I could listen to this for hours (and probably will, thanks to the loop feature☺).

[@ballybing]

Hello Lady Wray and band, just have to write and say that what stood out to me aside from Lady's Wray's amazing talent was her gracious leadership and effortless ability to facilitate the room. She was dancing nonstop and it just felt relaxing to watch. And band: yes, I did do a double take and wonder at first how the bassist moved so quickly to play guitar over on the other side of the room the first time there was a close-up of guitar guy. You guys both have such similarly epic, yet differently unique, music-playing faces and grooves; it was great to watch you let it out. The back-up singers backed Lady Wray up so, so perfectly. And drummer guy, your drum solo was on POINT. Thanks for an awesome show

[@Spore_Money]

Soul~ The vocal harmonies with these peeps is sublime 🙏

[@CroutchGirl]

I love PIECE OF ME 🤍✨

[@courtney474]

Accidentally bumped in but my God woman has got some pipes wound up staying just for that

[@2BActress]

her music means so much to me. come to the states more! I discovered her music in 2017/18, and took my older sister to a concert in 2023. She knew Lady Wray from her Missy Elliot days. Its so amazing that she has managed to stay relevant, and make amazing music all of these years. Meaningful music at that.

[@cocoricecrispies409]

When she got choked up for a sec at the end and then just let it rip...oh my god. I've been loving her new stuff so much and this just locked it in even more for me. Love you girl!

[@wesleywoodard9965]

Can’t wait to See you in April Lady Wray ❤️

[@minaochoa2729]

Her voice ✨💕

[@blairstuka]

My absolute dream Tiny Desk performance. ❤️

[@boc76]

AMAZING singer and what an album, a classic!

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

When the insomnia hits, NPR drops these gems..

[@clumsiii]

true fan diary

[@veronicagaliciagomez9219]

I love to see fellow Big crown records artists together! Brainstory held it down and Tony's stank face is a real mood.