Meshell Ndegeocello: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

NPR Music's Tiny Desk series will celebrate Black History Month by featuring four weeks of Tiny Desk (home) concerts and playlists by Black artists spanning different genres and generations each week. The lineup includes both emerging and established artists who will be performing a Tiny Desk concert for the first time. This celebration highlights the beautiful cornucopia of Black music and our special way of presenting it. We hope you enjoy.
Lauren Onkey | February 10, 2021
Meshell Ndegeocello's Tiny Desk (home) concert feels like a narrative film. Shot in vivid black and white, the concert includes songs from throughout her career framed by her thoughts on the importance and influence of James Baldwin: "He deserves flowers every day. Most of all because he was willing to discuss things that were painful, hard to look at, hard to see, hard to accept."
That description also applies to Ndegeocello's inventive and challenging work on display here. She opens with "Step Into the Projects" from her 1993 debut album, Plantation Lullabies, transformed from its original funky groove into a stark spoken word piece. "Price of the Ticket," with her longtime guitarist Chris Bruce, is from Ndegeocello's recent project, Chapter & Verse: The Gospel of James Baldwin, "a 21st century ritual toolkit for justice" inspired by Baldwin's The Fire Next Time.
She moves next from these songs about communal life to two that dig into internal turmoil. "Forget My Name" from Comet Come To Me (2014) is stripped down from its original reggae arrangement and lays bare the haunting imagery in the lyrics. "Fool of Me," from her acclaimed album Bitter (1999), ends the set with just vocals and guitar. This is one of the most intimate, focused and intense Tiny Desk concerts you'll find.
SET LIST
"Step Into the Projects"
"Price of the Ticket"
"Forget My Name"
"Fool of Me"
MUSICIANS
Meshell Ndegeocello: vocals, bass
Chris Bruce: guitar
CREDITS
Video: Chris Bruce, Meshell Ndegeocello and Morley Kamen
Audio: Chris Bruce and Meshell Ndegeocello
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Abby O'Neill
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Art Director: CJ Riculan
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@Amber-yx1jw]

I didn't even watch yet, I just saw her name and got chills.

[@tonniebeck8212]

You will get chills when you watch. Amazing performance. I've watched it 6 times.

[@only1rb]

What you said! 🎸

[@Jakethey]

You should she is the GOAT of lesbian love...in a straight time

[@CarinaRenner]

Constant chills!!! Never ending goosebumpsssss

[@keisi1574]

@@tonniebeck8212 I'm 3 seconds in n I have chills. She's one of the true artists of our time.🙏🏽

[@veroneseharris6801]

There has NEVER been a time when I wasn't in love with this woman, her voice, her presence... Just beyond! Thank you, Tiny Desk!!! 🥰💜

[@t.lunaimhotepmdiv135]

AGREED!!!!

[@aishakai5546]

Ditto

[@dariuszkraszewski9774]

Me too!

[@keisi1574]

Same for me. She's the *REAL* deal. 🙏🏽

[@tbee1575]

@Veronese.....YEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!!!!! Me and you BOTH!!!!!! Have👏🏾loved 👏🏾 everything👏🏾 about👏🏾 her👏🏾FOR👏🏾EV👏🏾ERRRRR👏🏾!!!

[@markushansel7466]

NPR finally opening up the stage for the strong and yet so tender voice of Meshell.

[@courtneyharris457]

Fool of me makes me cry .... such a beautiful song 😥

[@aishakai5546]

Chills every time

[@denrico777]

One of the greatest breakup songs...no, just songs, of all time.

[@misstocoa2766]

It's literally the greatest. If your into dancing... Look up so you think you can dance where they perform to it 😭😭😭

[@misstocoa2766]

@@denrico777 THIS !!

[@drdnward]

One of my favs

[@TheAmayaM]

Y’ALL GOT MESHELL ON TINY DESK?!?!!!

[@LostInThisGardenofLife]

You say that like it’s unreal, do you even know WHO Meshell is? 🤣

[@TheAmayaM]

@@LostInThisGardenofLife Yes, that’s why I said what I said.

[@LostInThisGardenofLife]

@@TheAmayaM so many great artists have been on tiny desk!

[@AChi__]

Crazy thing is, I just wondered what Meshell on Tiny Desk Home Concerts would be like, just a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked to see this video sitting nice and calmly in my KZbin subscriptions 👀👍🏽👍🏽

[@afrank1416]

I'm in heaven. Love this woman.

[@virtuousceolady6091]

I was 11 years old when Plantation Lullabies came out. I saw her on BET and became an instant fan. Went to the record store the next day and bout the CD with my allowance money. Always loved MeShell.❤

[@irisbjones]

I was 22 - still have the CD and still love her.

[@Aswadah]

Yep! Same. Saw her BET performance when it aired and was hooked ever since. It was Video Soul with Donnie Simpson and she performed live.

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

I was 11 also and saw her on Arsenio and was in love ever since.

[@MsSuperSchultz]

I was 22 in college and it hit me hard. It was all I played on repeat.

[@polarxta2833]

Heard it on the car radio on TripleJ. Drove home quickly.

[@alesiacain9274]

Thank you Tiny Desk - Meshell is a treasure!

[@twill5077]

I love her. She's my favorite artist, and should be so much bigger than she is based on her level of talent.

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

"PLANTATION"..is one of the most insanely perfect albums ever..start to finish.."here i sit outside your door".."talk to me".......🥰

[@PinkWorldReviews2]

“You made a fool of me, tell me why?” I watch Love & Basketball just for this scene and this song. I cry every time. Masterpiece 💯🌺💗

[@musicartlover963]

Me 2

[@magenscott6667]

Me too

[@LiLaoda9]

i think it was about 30 years ago when I saw her live in a concert on a certain campus upstate NY. oh the love I felt for her. what a poet, what a musician, what a singer, what a slick bassist. wow!

[@michaelhaile6371]

One of the baddest bass players around

[@EllisInWonderland.]

💯

[@genepozniak]

I can't BELIEVE she is 53 years old!!! :-o

[@LiLaoda9]

@@genepozniak what does it matter if she’s 153! Seriously🙄

[@genepozniak]

@@LiLaoda9 So, you don't like it when other people get compliments. I seeeeee. OK. Here's one for you: I love your name. 🙂

[@Faaade_]

MESHELL!!! 😭🙌🏿 Got to see her at Afropunk years ago. The way she had us in the palm of her hand was everything. This woman’s music takes me to another place. Still blasting Love Song #1 from comfort woman ❤️❤️ & many others. So happy to see her on this platform. Enjoy everyone ✨

[@solofemmenoire9108]

Love song #1 is my favorite

[@blakberi]

I remember when I discovered Meshell - I used to be a bass player, and she blew me away with her debut album with her playing but also composition, song writing AND singing. What a huge talent,e but still seems underground and undiscovered. So great to see and hear her again

[@chaosswa-ee-ty5911]

Her music just stays with you over a period of years. Not a season. Bc it's tied to something we all share.

[@neskebeks]

MY HERO. Meshell encouraged me to write. And give voice.

[@chioma916]

'and give voice', lovely

[@ConCitatoE]

Listen. I was too excited to see MeShell! I know she toiled over this list, because she even asked us fans what we thought she should sing. But she always moves in alignment. This was a beautiful offering. I love that her catalogue is SO deep, and you'll probably NEVER hear all of your favorites in one sitting, but.. you definitely won't be upset with anything that you gain from that experience, because it's just that.. an experience. Beautiful acoustic experience.

[@Cello21777]

Truth!!

[@settlinforleste2299]

Major facts

[@icontheartist4406]

Yep. What you said.

[@justanotherti4790]

Well said

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Step Into the Projects* 1:26 - *Price of the Ticket* (3:07) 3:47 - *Forget My Name* 7:54 - *Fool of Me*

[@terryremaly957]

So good love them all

[@MsLouise1960]

Tell me why? re the last track x🌻

[@mre1love1love]

Thank You... ✌🏿☝🏿💜.....

[@prissylily25]

Thank you! I was waiting on “Fool of Me” !!!

[@cocovernon8394]

That last track hits different when you’re actually going through.

[@teacake6941]

So good... no words... she really has a sage like nature... still wishing she would make an experimental jazz group with her, Rhiannon Giddens, Cassandra Wilson and Sheila E... They could call themselves "Daughters of The Fon" ...they would literally create the standards that future jazz artists would be singing 100 years from now...

[@mrstempo]

Dream team

[@berkleywhittler7128]

My dream team would be: Michelle of course Sheila E. Wendy & Lisa Maybe H. E. R

[@mosesgod1522]

This is a musician threw and threw.. Give her those 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹..... Two Fingers and a whole lots of love..

[@nickolascooper19]

I’ve been digging Meshell Ndegeocello for many, many (over 20) years!! She is one of the most underrated and under appreciated musicians! THIS IS REAL MUSIC!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@victoriaa2545]

Right? That VOICE?

[@feliciawilliams5720]

👏🏾✊🏾

[@willy1957]

I just discovered her recently as she was on a recording with Robert Glasper. Big fan now🫶🏼

[@FF-bs6hy]

O boy did she got me through the sickening 90s... Only her voice is pure goosebumps

[@kulturallyspeaking7850]

Yes 👏🏽. Words cannot describe the beauty, the depth of her artistry. Living legend....played with John Cougar Mellencamp and many more. Had the privilege to see her in concert at the House of Blues New York many many moons ago. Wow what a set ✨💗🤩🙏🏾👏🏽

[@donna-mariereid2005]

Tiny desk or big stage, Meshell never disappoints. Neither does Chris Bruce, who is playing so beautifully next to her. Great concert series!

[@afrank1416]

OMG, what a blessing to see and hear this woman. Been a fan for at least 30 years.

[@kathyralph5183]

Me2 Have Tix for concert here in n.c. for my birthday last marc. Covid took over. It's been rescheduled twice. Now it's this September. Got sweet seats. Nikon locked and loaded.

[@kathyralph5183]

Had my Tix for this hottie since last march 2020. Covid hit. Concerts been rescheduled twice. Now's for September 2021. Nikon locked and loaded. Can't wait.

[@Chrissita]

This stripped down version of forget my name is haaard!! With that guitar riff! "forget my name" **din din din dum dum...** whaaat!

[@castroleiro]

That riff!!!!!! The funk dressed up in a cowboy hat, jeans and work boots... is still the funk. And the funk abides in her...always.

[@rahkemmcnulty7147]

Fool of me from love in basketball is a classic!! Love that joint! Great performance from her from both of them

[@lightuponlight6727]

I have had a crush on Meshell for at least 25 years... she sounds wonderful.

[@justice4aiyana]

I woke up to Meshell, and quickly felt relevant again.

[@queen_naaseh_x]

Beautiful

[@deeliciousplum]

I forgot how much I love Meshell Ndegeocello's singing voice. Beautiful. 🌸

[@tiabarring]

Oh my goodness!!! MESHELL!!! One of the BEST concerts I ever attended- 2003 DuSable Museum’s concert hall. She had a teenage drummer who was phenomenal! She’s THE baddest bassist!! Her passionate, melancholy energy soothed us all... Her musicianship was astounding! We love you, Meshell, your brilliance is a balm.

[@justanotherti4790]

True

[@TradeWynn65]

I stepped into her music and found L O V E!

[@dariuszkraszewski9774]

Me too! Literally...

[@eyelidman09]

I’ve recently discovered Meshell. A beautiful, talented, woman, musician and human being. I’m overjoyed to see her performing at The Tiny Desk. Warmest thanks.🥶🙏🇬🇧🥶

[@snowstrobe]

Woah, flashback to my uni daze... She's wondrous! And Baldwin def deserves flowers every day.

[@gracekelly4203]

From Plantation Lullabies to this moment, Me’shell remains a timeless embodiment of art. This concert while short, was such a beautiful reflection of the dichotomy of the profound artistry and depth that Me’shell is (aka DOPENESS) 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Thank you 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@farmore7105]

Plantation Lullabies was a gift. I heard it at 7 years old and it changed my world. Never stopped listening!

[@lembaha]

I concur!!!!!

[@veroneseharris6801]

Also, I definitely squealed when I got this notification!

[@mistashortstroke443]

I LOVE THIS WOMAN FOREVER!

[@suzaynnschick158]

Such a beautiful concert. Recently I've listened to new work from older singers and been sad to hear how their voices had aged. Meshell's voice is still exquisite in her 50's. Ms. Bruce's guitar leaves me wordless.

[@lukedblair]

No way! Meshell is my fave bass player 👊🏻

[@terryremaly957]

I love bass She so smooth

[@rumelbeauty]

SAME! She's incredible.

[@Alodri]

Probably not good for my hearing, but I love playing her take of Atomic Dog so loud where the amp shakes my chest.

[@Meekismwisdom]

Her voice is like a rich velvet dessert 🍮😍🎶 Her music is like no other . Npr you guys got it right 💯

[@johannahwendel5313]

Is it possible to love someone you never met? I’m so thankful my parents introduced me to me’shell when I was a kid. What a beautiful, fragil, strong concert.

[@keisi1574]

I believe it's possible. I love her, too. I've Nina Simone. I love Paul Pena. Not only their music n their art- I love their spirit. Their spirits are TRUE.

[@clintcbrantley5542]

My favorite bassist who brings it all the time...

[@Faraboutthemind]

Whenever I see her name, I know it's going to be great. Bless you, Meshell.

[@cmargretgonzales692]

And I love the B&W shot ...clean.

[@christineempressone9197]

I love your art Meshell! Thank you for blessing us with this rare appearance 🥰

[@smvgrv1624]

Big fan! Since first album!1🔥🔥🔥👍🏽

[@Mityob67]

Such a deep spirit this lady

[@midoristudio9316]

She's amazing. Thanks Tiny Desk for giving us these shows!!🙏

[@ueleBassPlayer]

A wonderful artist, beautiful soul and amazing bass player

[@CatharticCreation]

i remember her album, Bitter!

[@Ru0000]

“You made a fool of me” off that album was so haunting

[@kristyhardy971]

Yaaaassssss, I love and still listen to it!!!

[@janawilliamsphotography1355]

Entire album hurts.

[@michelleharley2460]

One of my favorite albums ever. Got me through one of the most painful periods of my life.

[@shaymeyers2542]

What a beauriful mind, a wonderful poet, incredible musician with a lovely, lovely voice. I do thank God for my daughter introducing me to your music. It has truly brought me joy. Take care and thank you!🌷💞🌹❤

[@genepozniak]

By far the best, most moving Home concert since the pandemic started. Perhaps not too hard to achieve considering the whitebread/commercial fare that's been presented from "Home" for the most part (most recently dis-graced by a lip-synced studio performance), but the hauntingly meaningful poetry of Meshell Ndegeocello and her beautifully unusual voice is spiritually amplified by the complex and bassy acoustic guitar work of Chris Bruce, making it easily one of the best performances presented since Tiny Desk began. 😀

[@tincoandringa4630]

Which performance was lip-synced?

[@nilskavanagh]

Yeah which performance was lip synced?

[@genepozniak]

@@nilskavanagh Wow! The video has been taken down! It was a mostly black group, dressed very colorfully. There were 3 women back-up vocalists singing into non-plugged in microphones (did not look radio-remote), but it was pretty obvious that it wasn't live. Others in comments were complaining, too. I think they had so many complaints that they were embarrassed and took it down.

[@guynorend9022]

@@nilskavanagh Ozuna's looked lip-synced. But that one was introduced as a 'video' from him by npr.

[@genepozniak]

@@tincoandringa4630 The video has been taken down! It was a mostly black group, dressed very colorfully. There were 3 women back-up vocalists singing into non-plugged in microphones (did not look radio-remote), but it was pretty obvious that it wasn't live. Others in comments were complaining, too. I think they had so many complaints that they were embarrassed and took it down. Guy Norend 2 hours ago (edited) @Nils Kavanagh Ozuna's looked lip-synced. But that one was introduced as a 'video'

[@risarodrigues1153]

YA'LL GOT MESHELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cadranaline]

Wow, Meshell and Chris touched the sky, peace beyond passion brought down to earth. Beautiful!

[@kenlong5033]

Meshell is very good. Tracy Chapman comes to my mind. The accompaniment is very good as well.

[@CaliFuego]

Ok wait. I wasn’t ready...AT ALL. So happy to see and HEAR Meshell!!! The acoustic rendition of “Forget My Name” absolutely blew me away.

[@ndlovukazi78]

I have been in love with Meshell’s music since 13! I remember watching video for Dred Loc and being mesmerised by her voice. I still feel the same way when I listen to her music today!

[@emailkenny]

🤎 her... my absolutely favorite is Wasted Time. I can and have listened to that one track for days 🤗

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

Wow! Powerful, mesmerizing, enlightening and so much more.

[@britneybrown912]

I am so happy to see her on tiny desk. Such a talent with so much soul!

[@Melissa-ve4xf]

Oh wow, what a fantastic choice! I love that she is still making music.

[@denrico777]

One of the best voices in the business, talking and singing. Lit AF on that bass. Great song writer. She's the truth in so many ways.

[@offiliallires655]

Hi Chris, Hi Meshell ... u made my day, thankUuu.. much love from switzerland

[@mrbrownroyyal]

If "underrated" was a person. Me'Shell= The Truth.

[@babyesther1843]

Tha Original Sista Motha Queen Of Neo-Soul!!!👑👑👑🙏🙏🙏

[@TempleOfTheMartyrs]

what an amazing artist, very inspiring to us as a band

[@rossh6634]

The best, so much love

[@ashpiredliving]

NOOOOOO WAY I COULDN'T BELIEVE WHEN I READ IT

[@iamrybes]

I just love her, her voice her songwriting her playing. Everything!

[@malakai_adam]

That poem at the start made me weep

[@sealevelbear]

That is one of her songs!

[@psneale67]

Ah! Be still my soul. Amazing.

[@everycoLor_312]

GENUINE ARTIST ✌🏻😘⭐❤

[@Kevinschart]

meshell had a huge impact on me as a young man...I couldn't get enough of her music. i hate that her name doesn't get mentioned these days

[@patienceISavirtue75]

Love her!! One of thee best on bass!!!!

[@creolemojo]

Saw this and clicked immediately. I was introduced to her by my college mentor in 2004. Her voice, vibe and authenticity is unparalleled.

[@iv1908]

Ugh... The beauty of this! 😫😥 So shocked to see this! Whoever reached out and made this happens deserves a huge raise! Thank you so much Tiny Desk for the wonderful, amazing treat! ❤️

[@renemirandaterrazas1091]

I've been listening to this amazing woman's music since 1994. And I will util the very last day. Favourite singer and favourite bass player. Couldn't love her sounds more

[@mattthegreeter9074]

I first heard Meshell on Mike Gordon's documenary Rising Low. A must-watch for bass players. It somehow didn't get the traction it deserved at the time. Give it a watch!

[@atruewonder]

YESSSSSS 🙌🏾 This made my whole morning! 😁🤩

[@alcapirobi2915]

Yo, im a hard-core hip hop head, and admit, I always digged her music!!

[@kima9597]

Meshelle’s voice is so soothing

[@valentina905]

I'm pleasantly surprised to see her on tiny desk. Its been a very long time since I have heard her.

[@nicatnight70]

Magnificent! Thank you Tiny Desk for bringing us this treasure.

[@donavangreen27]

I put someone onto her music and they fell in love last week and I told them she should go a tiny desk concert and here we are.

[@Ann_Barbie]

“Fool of me” saved me as a teenager!!!! Thank you for making good music that heals.

[@atoddiv]

I've been waiting for this one 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@fathimohand8113]

Pure sensualité fool of me. MERCI

[@ExistNNature]

Her music is awesome.

[@scotchbonnie4122]

I discovered Meshell during quarantine and I've fallen in love with her music. So happy to see her here and hope to see her live performing her best hits one day

[@ire4914]

Whaaaat ya got Meshell I loove her. Fool of me is one of my favorite songs ❤👑

[@ms.x9571]

My day just turned around after the horrible dream I had. Thanks Meshell and NPR!

[@cecethedancer_5479]

as a child my mother used to play fool of me all the time & i would sit to myself & try to figure out why she would be crying, it wasnt until i heard this version that i finally understood why she would cry, such a beautifully written, beautifully composed song

[@missjazsmineduncan]

Whew this woman got me in tears!!! A gem I'll cherish forever.

[@alwaysv]

This thawed my core. Thank you!

[@organicallygrownwoman]

MESHELL 🌹🌹I was blessed by your presence in Nashville TN @ The Winery a few yrs ago. I took my son to expose him to real artistry in the flesh. He's a musician and will never forget this experience. Much Love Phenomenal Wonan👑 You are a Queen 👑

[@TheReign2]

YES......FOOL OF ME!!!!!!!!

[@robertmpowell1122]

Beautiful and powerful!

[@crystall8452]

So clean & effortless....well done.

[@jazandjaxk5051]

So Good To Seeing Mechell Grace The Guitar And Her Musian Assistant. Humbly Thank You! Been So Long ~

[@BobMaulucci]

Meshell and Chris are so amazing on this. Thank you for this set, it is magic. And lots of love for James Baldwin, too!

[@philb6079]

I had to like before I even listen because I KNOW it's going to be great.