Erykah Badu: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Aug. 15, 2018 | Felix Contreras -- Some folks around the NPR Music office said they felt an almost spiritual connection to Erykah Badu during her visit to the Tiny Desk. And that was before she and her band even played a single note. It came from the waft of earthly scents that followed in her wake, to the flowing dreads and clothes that hung on her like robes.
After her self-introduction, which included a rundown of her spiritual and creative aliases, Badu rolled into one of her earliest musical calling cards, "Rimshot." It's an ode to the sound the percussionist makes when a drumstick is struck against the metal edge of the snare drum. On this performance, as on her 1997 album Baduizm, it becomes a device to play with time - stretching it, stopping it, suspending it. Propelled by jazz chords on the piano and the steady pulse of the acoustic bass, the playful performance unfolded in the tradition of the best bebop.
But the panoramic song "Green Eyes" is the centerpiece of Badu's Tiny Desk performance. It's wide-ranging in scope and musical arrangement and brilliantly executed by the jazz and hip-hop musicians in her backing band. The story of heartbreak is striking enough, but her interpretation showcases her formidable vocal skills. By the time it was over, we were all just as emotionally and spiritually spent as she was from the experience.
Erykah Badu is an artist for the ages. To old-school jazz fans like myself, names like Nina Simone, Betty Carter and Shirley Horn come to mind as much as Billie Holiday because of Badu's singular approach to a lyric. They all cut their own creative path and left behind a legacy that you can identify with just one note. Erykah Badu is on that same path, and one day her name will be mentioned along with the other Elders who share her spirit of musical adventure.
Set List
"Rimshot"
"Green Eyes"
Musicians
Erykah Badu (lead vocals), RC Williams (Keys), Braylon Lacy (bass), Cleon Edwards (Drums), Frank Moka (Percussion), Kenneth Whalum (Sax), Keyon Harrold (Trumpet), Dwayne Kerr (Flute)
Credits
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Khun Minn Ohn, CJ Riculan; Production Assistants: Catherine Zhang, Téa Mottolese; Photo: Morgan Noelle Smith/NPR.

[@nprmusic]

WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT! Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway (enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!) No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.

[@OMGitsAthina]

Tiny Desk is our era's MTV Unplugged

[@IamJoshuaElijahReese]

Faaaaacts.

[@aarieyonce9686]

ion know why this made me feel good

[@demonet2928]

Actual factual

[@andrea-ns6vq]

oh absolutely

[@HearingCrystalClear]

Facts! Who are you, brilliant soul? We honor you sis.

[@ghostbit2108]

No matter how cool you are. You will never be as cool as Erykah Badu. Mic drop.

[@Elle-uj7wn]

I could live with that.....haha. She's too good!!

[@AlisonWild]

I can aspire. She's the One.

[@ghostbit2108]

@@AlisonWild Nothing wrong with that. Bless.

[@sweettrippy]

i was about to like but its at 420 noone else better like

[@oak360]

True

[@oluwadaraakinbola1194]

"Silly me I thought your love was true, changed my name to silly E. Baduuu" I LOVE HER

[@NP.TRU.09]

It just played that part

[@socal2909]

She's great, but when she speaks politics, I hate her guts. The bytch is crazy at but talented. Libtards are idiots

[@kyo04687]

8:34 for anyone wondering

[@KennySanzYT]

BARS

[@benmay138]

two of the best lines in modern music

[@j2daps]

Her runs are like no other. She sings like she’s not even trying

[@LacklusterOfficial]

i keep coming back to this performance. she sounds so effortless. amazing stuff.

[@minisun7410]

I love that Erykah Badu only sounds like Erykah Badu.

[@cupidsiza]

Right!

[@kingkelly3794]

No in lady sing the blues them records sound like Badu

[@FlyRoni]

And Billie Holiday...

[@vroomik]

that's the marking of true artist...

[@teejordan5699]

BILLIE HOLLIDAY, LISTEN TO HER SING GOOD MORNING HEARTACHE, GOD BLESS THE CHILD THAT'S GOT IT'S OWN, AIN'T NOBODY'S BUSINESS IF I DO. SEE DIANE ROSS STAR IN 1978 MOVIE DEPICTING BILLIE'S LIFE----LADY SING'S THE BLUES. EXCELLENT MOVIE......MERRY CHRISTMAS 2018 TO ALL.

[@LanaDelGuey]

Can someone please cast Erykah Badu as Mother Nature already?!?!

[@toddm6049]

ha! this made me think about her performance in the upcoming "what men want."

[@JaesadaSrisuk]

CAST her as Mother Nature? She’s held that position since like 2005.

[@matusharky]

looks awesome :D

[@LanaDelGuey]

Todd M Damn sis! Thank you for the heads up! Im totally gonna watch that movie!

[@tikab7051]

It wouldn’t be fair cause she is Mother Nature 😍😍😍

[@allenedwards4443]

That's my brother on the drums!! Love it!!

[@MrGamer8]

He’s very talented! Beautiful music

[@getinvolved2058]

The choice to perform GREEN EYES is a HUGE GIFT. This song is so DOPE. Many Tkx.

[@NiaMSnow]

She need to open a coffee shop that plays music like this all the time

[@shawandajones8000]

Gordon Payne really

[@shawandajones8000]

Gordon Payne she way too Beautiful come on now appreciate the authenticity in her

[@shawandajones8000]

Gordon Payne Thank you 😊 Stay Grounded

[@elijahmoody5134]

Bigger than Starbucks ☕️

[@lorih2568]

They do. They're in Brooklyn.

[@BreakTheStereoRadio]

Erykah Badu signed my friends cigarette pack. She wrote that he was too beautiful to be smoking....

[@iamknifeedge4550]

Did he smoke after? Lol

[@yanikeonpurpose]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@superiorvessel3121]

jenn thor l wonder that too🤷🏾‍♀️

[@ms.bubs4fun506]

Gotta love her! lol

[@ephascus8974]

BreakTheStereoRadio would be a crime if he kept smoking afterwards

[@edugarciamartinez626]

Green eyes sounds better and has more feeling than the recorded version. Amazing

[@yahneyoung5505]

Doesn't it?👌🎶🎵🎤👂

[@chrystalcinnamon]

I listen to this set frequently. She’s amazing.

[@nicolasmariotti3534]

same 🙂

[@theoaniketos]

2 or 3 times per week, precisely speaking...

[@kresivarivkah612]

Absolutely. 🤗

[@russca67]

Same... and you are absolutely correct: AMAZING

[@williambias3630]

I watched it when it was first released and haven't stopped even into '23

[@crystaliss]

She's like a beautiful, jazz fairy. Her music is magical.

[@RaychealWinters]

I was trying to describe her to my sister the other day (she’s had not previously been graced with the pleasure of knowing Erykahs music) and I ended up going with “the fairy goddess queen of jazz” and I don’t regret it

[@lilnetti9242]

Literally our generations Billy Holiday with a perfect blend of Chaka Khan.

[@Mr.Monta77]

Not really.

[@myajanette]

Why is this the most accurate description of Erykah Badu?😭

[@aliyahholloway422]

Well put lol

[@JML1987]

She lookin like a some mysterious lady you find playing an RPG and she's about to send you on some long quest for some exotic weapon to save the realm.

[@co5miccharli356]

She actually is the one at the end of that RPG mission, that hands you the weapon to save ALL the realms.

[@adamgetz]

What!? Those bangles tho

[@grittykitty50]

SHE is the weapon

[@sasori8555]

Shes a pisces ☺ all pisces can be very mysterious

[@FeelingFitFabFun]

Lol!!

[@georgeanthonypratt7918]

I come back to this performance often. Erykah is literally an embodied corpus of aesthetic knowledge and black music: funk, jazz, soul, blues, hip hop, etc (all of which emanate from the same form of sacred expression). The categories of creative, cultural worker, theorist, vocalist/musician, and storyteller converge at her art. She knows no bounds. Blessed be Queen Badu.

[@sirlongeorge3540]

When she said “ladies how ya’ll feel, fellas ya’ll alright? I was ready to buss out with “You Better call Tyron “😆 Love me some Ms Badu! 🙏🏽☺️

[@jamesdixon2338]

Yes! Exactly.

[@wyldfaeth]

Same 😂

[@netiii]

Honestly feel like I should’ve paid good money to see this...

[@cushanmanson9813]

Me too I feel u on that one

[@hyasmine7336]

Same. Feel like I'm at an exclusive concert in a rooftop lounge on a beautiful summer night staring at the stars.

[@augost1]

Accurate!

[@josemoya8]

I’m glad that I’m not the only one that felt like this so what I did was that I google some of the charities that she supports and I donated to them what I thought I would’ve paid

[@Missmmmmmmmmmm]

i felt you

[@macarim1748]

I'm deeply concerned for the people who disliked this

[@paulobastos1774]

Who Erykah Badu?... a bit banal in need of a dyslexic show off (that's why the outfit is "ethnic" Cindy Lauper)... but nothing really new here. Terrible dejá vu over and over.

[@erictim9052]

@@paulobastos1774 lol what?

[@exlipse_lxve]

fr, they need evaluation.

[@luiscuesta0719]

@@paulobastos1774 were your trying to sound smart there bud 😕

[@SweetPappyJones]

If there is a person that can’t get down with this, I sincerely question their humanity.

[@jillnolan8686]

"Green Eyes" still hits hard after all these years. For all of us that have loved and lost. This was beautiful.

[@matteatane]

rimshot 1:25 green eyes movement 1 (denial) 3:13 movement 2 (acceptance) 5:28 movement 3 (the relapse) 9:31

[@willarroz6703]

Just discovered the difference of the "movements" 😂

[@matteatane]

@@willarroz6703 yes! if you buy physical copies of mama’s gun, the lyric booklet will show the three different movements🤲

[@WhiteBird338]

omg what are those three different movements?🧐

[@chaytonmullinax1783]

🙏🙏thank you currently on the journey of discovering more music

[@fricktiba8288]

​@@matteatane Does it say more about the different movements? I'm doing an English essay on green eyes, but its quite hard finding anything about the movements so could really any some help !💐💐

[@babyleafsaladd5322]

she reminds me a of a forest enchantress/fairy who lives in a beautiful hut filled with sparkling bottles of potions and dried herbs.

[@illitrait]

...a *good* forest witch-fairy, though.

[@glamslamr]

Facts.

[@annettekamau2590]

@@illitrait They usually are divinely good.

[@Kalik8000]

AND dried herbs 😍🍀 I love that 🤗

[@daughterofthesun3531]

She was that in blues 2000 but without the fairy part and beautiful hut 🌝

[@igisingorsomething]

"My name is Erykah Badu- also known as she- ill, also known as fatbellybella, also known as Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the unburnt queen of the Andals and first men, the breaker of chains, mother of dragons, and the true heir to the iron throne.." 😭

[@dianawinda4061]

i love it

[@angielopez8016]

If only you knew the meaning

[@rachelb1874]

game of thrones reference

[@dontworryaboutit6649]

She -ill

[@sda1225]

Badu-Khaleesi 👑😊

[@Liv-is8eo]

How on planet earth is this woman 51 years old, I'm speechless

[@MC-xf8bu]

I’m battling prostate cancer. In the Dominican Republic as we speak trying to find myself….this video brought me back to life! Thank you Badu! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🦾🦾❤️

[@wapistani]

One of my buddies healed his prostrate cancer with magic 🍄 when he was in high school.

[@wapistani]

Sending you lots of love and healing from the Karakoram range

[@neilnicco]

Sending you healing energy. ❤

[@Sulu-sw3zo]

All the best to you in your recovery. Take care from New Zealand. Much love.

[@zainabk6708]

Wishing you the best ❤

[@theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543]

I have been watching this at least once a day since August 22, 2018. May everyone reading this be blessed with good health, wealth, and happiness.

[@HUSTL3BUNNI]

Same to u luv and thank u💛

[@nmleptznm4790]

I receive that. And the same to you

[@JessicaRuiz323]

Right back atcha!

[@GreenUptowner]

To you as well!

[@supremesorcerer4670]

Thanks; may you too & stay blessed

[@martinleblet]

commenting with my foot because my hands are applauding

[@rebuffmcluff81]

martin leblet - I like your style .. this made me chuckle..

[@kt42071]

😂✔️

[@LatiMatjeni]

Hihihi 😂 you're funny

[@qwmaverick50]

U sir are talented

[@brandyspain7125]

😂😂😂😂

[@giancarlomesinas4772]

She's one of the few artists that introduced themselves and interacted with the staff/ audience. She's everything.

[@djlady]

watching the musicians admire her while she sings is so beautiful

[@whitneyv.8211]

They're also digging their fellow musicians and the music

[@k.johnson2722]

npr should be winning all kinds of awards for these concert series

[@corneliuswhite5139]

Amen!

[@dethotgirl2]

Truths!!!!

[@baldheadfresh]

Facts

[@way.truth.life.]

Word

[@missunderstanding357]

Definitely!!!

[@raymondsanders1143]

The only thing I don’t like about Erykah Badu is the fact that her songs eventually ends.

[@feliciasmith1910]

BEST COMMENT EVER!!!! 100% agree with you the ending hurts

[@tonygajate5780]

heard that Raymond, have a good one

[@vinniequakennedy222]

Yesssss

[@mitmo03]

Totally agress

[@cameo6796]

you have me afraid for a minute with the " only thing I don't like about Erykah" but you saved the day with the ending

[@d-pink1580]

When you love music, you can only love Erykah Badu. She's a queen of soul (all generations). A truly amazing voice. ✨❤️

[@PutsOnSneakers]

"When you love music, you can only love Erykah Badu" that's incredibly shallow.... music is so various so vast so wide it can not and should not be limited towards only 1 artist. choose your words more wisely, that original comment you made just doesn't touch reality

[@namehere4033]

@@PutsOnSneakers bro don’t take it too seriously.

[@williamhacker3582]

@@PutsOnSneakers Its not that deep, chill.

[@PutsOnSneakers]

@@namehere4033 Are you sure about that?

[@PutsOnSneakers]

​@@williamhacker3582 I can only be satisfied when I can go deep.

[@Reneg8d_Ren]

The fact that I'm 38 years old and today 2-14-2023 is my first time ever hearing this song really has me in my feelings! The horns got me! The piano got me! Her vocals got me! The story got me! I'm so glad I finally gave this tiny desk a listen. My favorite by far!

[@rainypuddz]

Which song?

[@Reneg8d_Ren]

@@rainypuddz Green Eyes

[@rainypuddz]

@@Reneg8d_Ren better late than never 😉

[@BrianHamilton-pm8by]

Well next year on the same day gotta come back and listen again

[@kimlatondress2668]

She is everything! Get her discography a listen! I love buying her stuff

[@MsBlack-ks6wx]

This song Green Eyes is what each stage of heartache feels like

[@tco6390]

Indeed!!

[@Ifelovv]

you just said something very important!!!

[@vegbird1]

100% This song helped me through my very first breakup. Listened to it for months and months on end. I still like to have a great sob every now and then when I hear it...

[@MsBlack-ks6wx]

@@vegbird1 Yup, this song turned up, some candles, the house to yourself is absolutely cathartic.

[@MsShati21]

my favorite song by Badu.

[@mochamommyATX]

This woman changed my life. quirky, hippie, lovely, and conscious and edgy all the different energies that a black woman can possess

[@reelala4114]

CD M AMEN! 😍

[@castielspn.7928]

Every woman*

[@BreMS513]

That's why I can relate to her so much. I'm literally all these things molded into one 😊.

[@shylo9776]

How many baby daddy's y'all got?

[@shylo9776]

@Moon Rise You must be looking for a stepfather. How many baby daddies you got?

[@malakiasplayhouse]

this video is 4 yrs old and I still listen to as if it’s NEW! 😩

[@fvisalmighty]

She’s the 🐐 fr

[@Locs4evermore]

It’s 2022 and I have jut discovered Tiny Desk, these concerts are simply amazing.

[@myc.o.484]

Has anyone realized that in Green Eyes, Erykah wonderfully flows through the stages of grief?

[@selalewis9189]

Yea, anyone who has ever heard it would say that.

[@sherine202]

I played this for months when my ex and I broke up in college

[@araweelospirit4180]

I want you is a fabulous companion piece for green eyes

[@jamie9726]

@@selalewis9189 😂

[@jamesdixon2338]

This is a coping mechanism for me...Ms. Badu has provided this gift.

[@KatGlo]

Green Eyes is a masterpiece. It has So many layers and takes you through so many emotions. It will never get old.

[@linguisticanthropology8422]

yes, a masterpiece Kat

[@matufeliciano8273]

It's evil and that's not a happy life. especially if you sold out and drink Adrenochrome. Layers of BS, it's all to capture your mind and leave you in a state of helplessness. they love to see you suffer. Satanic lover's/ How is it you don't know this?

[@KatGlo]

Matu Feliciano get some help.

[@latashadavis5440]

@@matufeliciano8273 what????

[@decadezero6202]

Matu Feliciano you’re on the wrong video buddy

[@yes-cr4ql]

Just left her concert, shes even more pretty irl and her voiceee omgg its out of this world i love herrr.

[@mysteriousfun4759]

She really does feature a signature jazzy tone and notes are hitting the sweet spot every time. Her band also is slaying with this good earthbound beatnic smoothness.

[@rceeezy]

We had a great time playing this set!

[@akeemwoods5322]

✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@tavaredixon7874]

Mini jazz concert 👏🏿

[@kristrinity9429]

You were brilliant bro. Fantastic work. Hope to see yall live soon

[@salvie777]

you all tapped into the same energy- this is more than just musical harmony

[@movimentodoscacos]

bro come to Brazil!!!!!

[@killahgruvz]

I cheated. I clicked the 'LIKE' button before she began singing...

[@melanatedcutie748]

That makes two of us lolol 😂😂😂

[@db60615]

Kelvin Gilley omg me three!!! 😂😂😂

[@mirroringmii688]

Me 4! 💜

[@Ravaun1]

Guilty!

[@ItsJustTuesday]

You knew she was gonna bless you

[@nicholas2652]

GREATEST TINY DESK CONCERT NO DEBATE. I DON'T WANT ANYONE TELLING ME ANYTHING DIFFERENT!

[@marvinhagler4721]

Lol yeh its the TRUTH bro...!!!!!! BUT SERIOUSLY

[@khrissi17]

Please watch Chloe and Halle, Chika, or Usher (watch this 🤣) tiny desk performances

[@sorria1684]

Mac Miller também é incrível ❤ mas Eryka minha predileta 😅

[@pkattgalorejc]

The fact one song was long enough for the whole show is ICONIC

[@tonysizemore689]

Erykah doesn't get the credit she deserves for creating the Neo Soul genre, she kicked the door in for so many artists like India Arie, Jill Scott & Algebra and so many more.

[@dekariussmall6832]

She def didn't create Neo Soul. I'd argue that artists like D'Angelo, Maxwell paved the way for Erykah to do her thing. She actually rapped before she went full singer.

[@Rachy007]

@@dekariussmall6832 She did & continues to make a huge mainstream impact for GREAT soul music that doesn't get nearly enough radio play.

[@dekariussmall6832]

Rachelle Margaret Turple but D’Angelo released his first album two years before her. Brown Sugar is DEF neo-soul. That’s not saying that Erykah isn’t a greater influence...

[@Rachy007]

@@dekariussmall6832 Erykah just got that "thing" about her that stands out from everyone else and she's *never* fallen off...

[@demondburgess7514]

By way of Roy Ayers and Michele Ndegochello... 💯

[@famousx]

When she said “hey mom” and smiled. So sweet 🥺

[@bridgetmunoz4646]

I know right. I’m reminiscing the passing of my Mom this day 6 yrs ago. “Hey Mom”❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kalyns7198]

Erykah Badu is the most gorgeous woman on earth, and I hope she’s living her very best life.

[@Multifacted_Brotha]

3:49 - I'll never get tired of her singing Green Eyes..... I want her to do a live version of Out my mind just in time ...

[@SavageG4]

You get it

[@luvjad3]

yess

[@ancestoraprotection]

I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING those songs are twins to me

[@prettyawesomejm]

I’ve seen Erykah Badu live more than a few times. Her voice is clearer and stronger than it was 20 years ago. She really is a fairy godmother unicorn ethereal majestic fairy goddess.

[@its_m333]

Yesss

[@NOHSAL]

Yesssssss! 💐

[@JBurney]

How are her shows? Is each one pretty much the same as the one before it? Or do they change it up a good bit?

[@jayel7570]

@@JBurney Shes become infamous for coming on late, her band is dope and vamps so well you dont notice, her dancers are A++, her voice is powerful. Her sound and interests have switched up so much that you never get the same show twice.

[@JBurney]

@@jayel7570 thats good to hear. I had a chance to see Maxwell this fall but didnt go, but everything i saw online about the tour made it look like more or less a nostalgia act. But if badu comes to town im going.

[@Deefinewhine]

She’s a good witch. Her energy is amazing

[@jadelove8234]

Facts

[@jalabaylaa7989]

mhm yup this one right here

[@lah6254]

No such thing is a good witch. Jesus is the way. Christ

[@abhisahni7880]

@@lah6254 lol shut up

[@lah6254]

. lol backatcha

[@Tadaia]

Green Eyes has aged so beautifully. I was in tears watching. MASTERPIECE!

[@tinarjackson9844]

Pure vocalist! No one can ever copy her style! I just love her!

[@loveablearies]

Somebody needs a raise at npr

[@dontealmighty9517]

Definitely ‼️

[@girlmusician24]

loveable Aries amen to that.

[@franciscobello1519]

So donate to your local public radio station sucka! Hahaha

[@LetsBeClear87]

EVERYBODY needs a raise at npr lol they’re the best

[@YveRich]

FACTS

[@abbylanham1064]

She ain't a person, she's a presence 👏👏👏

[@igocamilo6203]

bom dia

[@mendia9341]

I been xcited since she started the aka play n namin the crew ☆☆☺

[@kennygwalk5328]

An actual Goddess

[@logchopproductions3421]

you're not a person , you're a bot

[@abbylanham1064]

@@logchopproductions3421 no,I'm a person 🤷‍♀️

[@FILLEREI]

Hey man, she's so elegantly surfing on the notes, love it

[@MoiraRussell]

she goes from breathing to speaking to singing like it's all the same, so gorgeous

[@tiasmith5728]

Cause it is

[@sORrYiMLaTEwHAtdiDiMiSs.]

Moira Russell Ain't it though!! Awesome.

[@deutaj8586]

🤔😂🤣

[@Noemyskillz]

Moira Russell right

[@YveRich]

Beautifully said ❤️

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

Erykah is Mystery personified

[@DoubleDrastik]

😉

[@nohatenohypenohatenohype9779]

Yes , you nailed it !

[@lazylion420]

she's definitely ignorance personified... ask her how she feels about R Kelly or Bill Cosby lol

[@indrinita]

@@lazylion420 exactly, isn't she a hertep?

[@planetzoot7410]

@@lazylion420 enlighten me I don’t have her number

[@Gudsur]

I don't see how anyone can resist the Baduism. Everything about her just hits you so magically. She makes you feel differently about life in a positive way.

[@MinLuna]

I have watched this performance for countless of times for the past four years and it's one of my favorite TinyDesk performances. She was a permanent fixture of my childhood and through my teens. Listening to her brings me back to when I was 13, doing homework while she sings in the background. Back when life was still good. So when I learned that she will be collaborating with Namjoon (who's mixtape 'mono' saved me in so many ways) for the latter's upcoming album, I felt like my soul transcended to the highest cosmic realms in the universe. It's something straight out of my wildest dreams. Indigo drops 12/2.

[@kimberlyshumate5107]

And Yun is absolutely everything! So sorry she was not able to join him for his solo Tiny Desk to perform it but I certainly hope to see them together live someday. Magic! Art is so healing!

[@sugasweet5704]

One of the few artists who's voice sound exactly the same whether on radio or in person 😍 Thanks NPR for this nice addition to my morning commute 😘

[@simbaryan4144]

LADY K nah. It’s tons of artist that sound like their actual songs. Step outside main stream beloved

[@oluadesina1575]

So true! voice is amazing

[@Facepalm710]

Evening commute tho

[@Gabriela-me7ns]

LADY K you leave great comments! Just liked your comment on the nicki vs cardi b video! :)

[@sugasweet5704]

G Marm Thanks 😊😘

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

This version of green eyes honestly makes me cry.... Its so beautiful.

[@coilytextured9374]

none of your business that version is on her Mama’s Gun album.😊

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

@@coilytextured9374 im aware it just sounds so beautiful more so live.

[@chozen_juan]

The trumpet player plays the trumpet even when he's not playing the trumpet. ;)

[@acaldwe1174]

none of your business my 1st time hearing it. I thought I wasn't going to like it. Wrong! Wrong! (In my Charlie Murphy) voice. Been on repeat.

[@nca4794]

"But I'm your FRIENNDDDDD"

[@Js2557ty]

It’s a privilege to listen to her sing

[@thevoicewithin123]

i need to see this in person. im crying through a screen right now. my heart is so full of joy from the magic that is going into my ears

[@ronnieaustion6777]

It’s amazing in person I swear

[@isabelle2240]

this comment is beautiful

[@Reneg8d_Ren]

Exactly this!

[@cdonbailey]

I saw her live for the first time a couple weeks ago. It was a magical experience! I hope you get a chance to see her.

[@nana8135]

❤❤

[@thab9929]

It's impressing how she barely opens her mouth and her voice simply takes all the space around, this woman sing as beautiful and as soft as a bird

[@aysitumari1064]

💜💙💜💙💜💙😊🤗😁

[@BrandonTheWarriorPrince]

Factz

[@jamecalozano-lott2538]

20+ years and E. Badu still sounds exactly like her first album. Much love and respect to this queen!!

[@monat_son]

First second she began her performance i knew its gonna be gold.

[@themountain59]

Unfortunately she is still such an underrated artist...I just love her music 🤩

[@apeshitclothing]

"Green Eyes" live 😍

[@therealkenj98]

apeshit clothing sounded great huh!

[@jdk67]

I literally could listen to Erykah Badu for hours. Her voice and personality are so captivating. She is a truly special artist. Once in a lifetime.

[@majekgyrl348]

I love her

[@receptieletoile7595]

I think many people take at least 1 hour when they listen to Erykah Badu. One song and then you want some more.

[@ivatorres3312]

Is an spiritual thing

[@RaychealWinters]

She’s the most beautiful person inside and out

[@Fe302011]

Omg me too❤️❤️

[@Azand3]

I fall into depressive episodes weekly. The past few weeks haven’t been easy. A lot has happened. I’m so grateful for this channel for creating a space of love and peace even if it’s just for a few minutes. It means the world. Whenever I feel down I find myself back here. My safe haven.

[@lai_raw]

hang on, everything passes :) hugs

[@eatrawskin]

I relate to this very strongly. I hope on your low days you can find at least ONE thing that makes you happy. You can wait for the storm to pass, or you can become the storm, a force of nature, surviving despite yourself. All the best to you, stranger.

[@lelle1068]

Hugs to all of you ❤

[@janeyallen1510]

Hope your great 😊❤

[@princesscaprice]

Green Eyes is just what I need in my life at this moment. Can’t believe I used to skip over this song when I was younger for her more mainstream hits but I can really appreciate it now ❤️

[@ariyellaa4098]

Girl it’s the one.

[@lanettecavins]

Look at all those beautiful black men of different shades and ages playing those instruments.

[@mathathawahyasharalah]

lanette cavins God has gifted us as a people. . The Creators & Innovators of Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, Blues, Disco, House & etc . . Through centuries of oppression it has bred soul and essence together as black men & women . . When ever i see black people singing soul music i know that it is our spiritual divinity gifted by the most high in sonic form for the world to be influenced by

[@djfashow]

I'm a need a million likes for this comment ^^^ "spiritual divinity gifted by the most high in sonic form"

[@ShayeReese]

And they are have beautiful smiles!!! Great energy!!

[@NPGLAMB]

I love that 💞

[@Thexdmattx]

Hurr durr lets make everything about race.....

[@PowerOfSoulx3]

I use to go to a hair stylist in a really rural area of Japan, and my stylist only played Erykah Badu.... loved going there

[@busisiwemthembu3384]

How were your hairstyles?😊

[@joshhernandez6068]

Answer the question please

[@mwashi401]

NPR need to come out with an album compilation on everyone who's been on Tiny desk! These are awesome!

[@Mrs3000]

Loved seeing her Unfollow Me tour, took my Mom ❤ we had a great time singing her songs together. She is a legend and nothing short of Astonishing in person live!!

[@SpraggieEdits]

Erykah Badu’s voice is so timeless...

[@hoc1992]

SpraggieEdits YES

[@Reddyeforty]

"Silly me. I thought your love was true. Change my name to silly e badu." Love this lyric!

[@treemarie3080]

Before I heal it's gonna be a while... I know it's gonna be a while chile... dumdeeee dumdeedeeedeeeeee 🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@BettyblacksS]

Me too

[@leahyates5759]

Right when I read this comment she sang that

[@TheMonalisa804]

Bruh! Smh...🖤 *8:17**-**8:48*

[@2552644]

me too 😂

[@mines2680]

EPIC! This NEVER gets old! I have been coming back to watch this for years. Mama's Gun was an epic album!

[@ricphilips3965]

The queen!!! The vibe resides in her and we live in her warmth

[@dawng5890]

The lyrics to Green Eyes are genius and so raw...a true rollercoaster of emotions. It was so beautifully written and relatable.

[@danavixen6274]

What a genuinely profound description. The rollercoaster ride of emotions when I endure heartache is summed up in this beautiful piece. 💔🎢😔❤️🙏🏾

[@dennamorgan2119]

Each musical movement represents a stage of denial/bartering/acceptance/moving on in a healthy way. Lyrically and musically, the whole song shows the stages of grief of mourning a relationship that is done but you can't bear to let go of. It's brilliant.

[@nikkia5399]

This song is amazing- it is so intricate, delicate, difficult yet exquisite- love it doesn’t do it justice.❤❤❤

[@jae-keirajemane1825]

real

[@aharper12]

Facts and the stamina to perform it the way she does is just epic!!!

[@audiovisualproof5407]

Erykah Badu is one of those once in a lifetime talents that will long be remembered and never forgotten.

[@alexandriahaynes1695]

Audio Visual Proof shes upthere with michael for me

[@93yes]

N E V E R R R

[@bensfranklin5933]

Nina simon

[@93yes]

@@bensfranklin5933 ima check nina out

[@xLukeJx]

But criminally underrated in the modern age

[@totogisela9719]

Hi I´m an Army, BTS RM fan, I´m here bc I just heard YUN from the Indigo Album and I loved it so much, the vocals are insane !! So I´m a new fan, Erykah Badu touched my soul !

[@aracelyontiveros1278]

Me too

[@carmeletaha7230]

Welcome ARMY💜✨ I'm an army but I knew Erykah before BTS and I'm so happy to see people appreciate her😊😊

[@CDiana-th5xg]

Me too :)) I love her voice.. OMG ♡♡♡♡ಥ_ಥ

[@Flora_Moana]

Same here :)

[@imjam.1988]

Literally took everything out of her singing Green Eyes her after performance body gesture says it all Green Eyes is in the annals of one of the deepest songs on relationships I hope we can all find salvation and facilitate a space of love and healing it won't be perfect but it'll aid in reconditioning and providing harmony for the older generation and the kids behind us, namaste 🙏🏽

[@Thighblaster3000]

She sounds just like the album 20 years later

[@mommyandmir]

Desiree Smith so true!!!

[@yoshubrown8132]

I just wasn't expecting to hear "Green Eyes" tho!!! My Goodness!!! This rendition gets you in your SOUL. YOU HEAR ME!!!!!!

[@tsmiles27]

Yes. You never know how music in the words makes the feeling oh so real.

[@sharondalewis1620]

Yoshu Brown right, I'm listening now, and I get that tingly feeling

[@marcusnesbit4759]

This the best tiny desk! She sounds perfect live! Her style is so organic and the soulfulest!

[@gessicapeixoto1185]

When u discover such amazing singer this exactly day... Thanks RM ! I'm waiting for the feat with Erykah!!!! 💕💕💕

[@camilled3443]

She’s not of this world. That’s why she is so captivating

[@garyaugustus1009]

Yeah, demonic...

[@camilled3443]

Gary Augustus The brainwashed will continue to spew their master’s truth and lies.

[@yoyo-kl9dt]

@@garyaugustus1009 hey is it true ?

[@TheCloudPeeple]

Str8 👽... 😍😍😍

[@bella7687]

I agree. She’s otherworldly.

[@megajames3000]

Badu is an alien that our planet is lucky to have

[@maggiepena7239]

When Erykah talks or signs the vibe she puts out is so smooth and relaxing. The coolness this amazing artist has is like no other. Her jazzyness and poetic sounds puts you in an amazing tranz is crazy. Love 💕 her music and how it takes me back in time. Thanks Erykah B.

[@lildavid7571]

I've seen Erykah Badu live 3 times and I can tell you ,she sounds better live than on record . A true musical genius and living legend. I remember a sad type feeling every time she was on her last song.

[@maguffle]

When "Green Eyes" came out, I was in high school and didn't have the maturity to really get it. But now that I'm older, I realize just how amazing that song really is.

[@ShesRYRY]

Explain

[@maguffle]

@@ShesRYRY Green Eyes is flowing opus of emotional, musical storytelling. When I was in high school, my attention span for music was around 5 minutes and I wasn't a big fan of non-repetitive ballads. Back then I felt slow songs were only good for slow dancing at school dances. I didn't have the emotional maturity to appreciate what Erykah was doing. But now I'm older and have experienced more...and I can appreciate the brilliance of this song

[@deandrajohnson-barrett1364]

@@ShesRYRY lol I'm still confused but thank you.. its not your fault its me lol.. I just love Erykah I don't get everything she does..

[@bl757]

@@deandrajohnson-barrett1364 I kind of feel like green eyes is the story of being jealous told from three different perspectives

[@joaquinillo_]

@@maguffle 5 minute attention span? No need to flex like that...

[@ellisgill1337]

Not Green eyes. Lawd I wasn't ready. Most favorite song of hers. Gal broke my heart and I felt every verse of that song lmao.

[@talkthattalkmo6009]

Ellis Gill okkkaaaayyyy I’m in a zone.

[@honestybrodis4312]

when i heard the first few notes of green eyes i almost burned my food on the stove.

[@ellisgill1337]

@@honestybrodis4312 lmfao

[@shayla478]

Those flutes 🤌🏾! Oh how i love this song and performance.

[@Hybtaz]

The most beautiful masterpiece I ever stumbled upon in my life😳I’m addicted now.

[@amaure216]

I'm absolutely responsible for approximately 100k of the views and I don't apologize for my behavior. This performance of "Green Eyes" is of the caliber that only Erykah can deliver. And that black FLUTE! I will forever Stan.

[@jada2288]

i’ve never related to a comment so much.

[@lucyk8935]

Same!! I'm desperate to know what make that flute is 🖤

[@exlipse_lxve]

yes ✨✨

[@mikedeveau7075]

One of the most important comments on KZbin. This Green Eyes is incredible.

[@Ingrid85_]

I don't wanna ruin the 555 likes your comment got, so here is a like for your comment and thoughts on this one 😊🙏😊

[@cruzpineda8224]

The world about to end but NPR riding it till the wheels off. They took KZbin hostage. Forcing everyone down on the dance floor. Feel the groove. Life's so Good!

[@matthewugh4294]

YES YES YES

[@accthackedSoundsAstound]

!!

[@getchristielove]

Yesssss! NPR tiny is keeping me sane

[@kiaralewis30]

This band is on fire!!!!!!!!

[@maggiehopkins8945]

Listening to Erykah sing is not a passive experience. Her voice draws the listener into something that transcends empathy: I cannot help but feel. Sometimes I can't define the emotions, but it's deeply ingrained in my heart and soul to respond to her voice. Maybe cuz it makes me happy when she sings about heartbreak? I dunno, but it's truly a power to behold.