Mick Jenkins: 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.
Rodney Carmichael | December 10, 2021
Beneath Mick Jenkins' smooth veneer lies a smoldering intensity. It comes across in subtle fashion, as he stays seated, cool and collected for the duration of his Tiny Desk (home) concert shot in Los Angeles. But like the embers glowing in the adjacent fireplace, you can feel the heat emanating from this brother's soul.
He opens his set with "Carefree," a song from 2020's The Circus, that reminds us why living without a care isn't a universal privilege for Black boys. The Chicago-bred MC then moves to songs from his newest release, Elephant In The Room. Backed by a four-piece band, Jenkins alternates between sung hooks and intricate wordplay during a set that just simmers with soul. The highlights "Gucci Tried to Tell Me" and "Scottie Pippen" both find him contemplating how the best kind of love can leave you "lost in the sauce."
In a year brimming over with hip-hop, Jenkins' third studio LP may have missed the arbitrary deadline to make most year-end lists, but it definitely ranks among the best. He put time and intention into making this album - his last for the label Cinematic Music Group - and it's a luxury he says he's rarely been afforded in the industry. That frustration comes through on "Stiff Arm," the second song of his set, where he puts distance between himself and the Klingons. If it's any hint of what's to come, Jenkins' next incarnation could be fire.
SET LIST
"Carefree"
"Stiff Arm"
"Gucci Tried to Tell Me"
"Scottie Pippen"
MUSICIANS
Mick Jenkins: vocals
Noah Hyppolite: drums
Brent Hoyte: bass
Jason Iyama: guitar
Otto Marloft: keys
Lon Renzell: DJ
CREDITS
Video: Bryan Allen Lamb, Matthew Stanley and Eli Tahan
Audio: Houston Fry
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Rodney Carmichael
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #mickjenkins

[@nprmusic]

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[@211sambo]

Mick Jenkins is one the most underrated lyricists for real

[@1BergerVongSchlauigkeitHer]

Who's underrating him?

[@erichernandez3488]

@@1BergerVongSchlauigkeitHer he’s definitely not as big as he should be

[@1BergerVongSchlauigkeitHer]

@@erichernandez3488 Still not saying anything.

[@tinicoleofficial]

Fr tho!

[@javonsuniverse]

Indeed

[@MiguelRamirez-nm5kw]

Scottie Pippen is one of the best-written love songs I've heard. complete poetry, and underated

[@TopoFighter]

"The Elephant in the Room" is a no-skip and it reflects on this performance, Mick could have chosen any other 3 songs and It'd still have sounded badass, I am so glad to know that thanks to Npr people are vibing and hydrated.

[@V-vision]

Couldn't have said it better. I only hope he'll be able to come back for a live one so they don't have to clap for themselves lol

[@ll.khunou]

But Im glad that he put scottie pippen on there its one of the songs i wanted to see him perform it live

[@ethanward6713]

@@ll.khunou had it on repeat since it came out, too smooth

[@Horac3]

@@ll.khunou Definitely needed that live performance of SP, best cut on the project👌🏾

[@davidowens7305]

⛽💥💥💥

[@dxviation]

What a flawless album. Mick's as comfortable as he's ever been.

[@ethanward6713]

Facts, you can hear how he's put together all the elements from his last decade of projects. Dude's too nice with it

[@abrahamdelatorre3246]

dude on god

[@txmothy2025]

Scottie Pippen has me hooked, can't get enough of the song

[@MrHahn576]

What a treat it is to be Mick fan, especially those of us that have been here since The Waters. So slept on still. Thankful for these vibes.

[@AndreiBerezin]

True thoughtful music is not for everyone. Most of people are dumbfucks anyway, that's why Mick will never be popular. And let it stay that way

[@andrewkronebusch8328]

@@AndreiBerezin don’t gatekeep

[@JoshWJ]

Since Crossroads* 🙌🏻

[@CH3FDIZZYLO]

Been since trees and truths and mickstape

[@ROCCOLOCKWOOD]

Yo the Water[S] tour, he stopped in Chicago. Still one of the best performances!

[@vincentmurovhi3015]

Still can't believe this didn't hit a milli , we actually a few of us in the world experiencing how great Mick is and it's okay , we appreciate you bro❤️

[@hankleepixain4283]

Fam, i can not believe that i am seeing my man Mick, over here. I've been bumpin his music since high school. Much love!

[@AndreiBerezin]

How close are yall two? Just curious

[@hankleepixain4283]

@@AndreiBerezin hahahaha, i don't know him like that, but i feel that i know him through his music

[@hiphoprates6255]

His newest album is way too underrated for how good it is. Would have loved to see him perform Speed Racer the production by Saba on that one is insane, but man Mick Jenkins just doesn’t miss

[@hidd3nvoid478]

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS SONG!!!!

[@ethanward6713]

Hope he pops up on the tour at somepoint

[@marketw2955]

That’s the whole honest truth

[@wizardkellyjr5847]

We haven’t kicked it in awhile..lol

[@TraeDorsett]

Didn’t even know Saba produced Speedracer that my favorite beat by far on the album.

[@coJric]

one of the best rappers of all time. Not an overstatement. dudes amazing.

[@bizzionary1]

man Mick is too clean. everything from his style, the way he dress, the subject matter right down to his music is sharp and crystal clear. def timeless music. s/o to the band. they killed that. when they played scottie pippen it was so good.

[@stillz56]

I'm new to Mick Jenkins but the opening song is one of my fav tunes from him

[@Horac3]

Go back and listen to his 1st project The Waters. You can just let the hw flow after that.

[@Phonophobia]

His freestyle on Sway some years back was fire af if you wanna check it out.

[@stillz56]

Thanks for the recommendations fella

[@cdamiengtz8992]

@@Horac3 nah trees & truths

[@CH3FDIZZYLO]

If you liked that track listen to “the circus ep” that’s where that track is from and honestly that’s an amazing project next to all of his

[@DH-rq7gw]

Mick is right there with Isaiah Rashad on how consistent his voice sounds live vs a studio recording. Huge resect, great stuff. Edit: why the reply’s turn into Mick vs Zay? People always rush to the negative I guess…

[@deeznutz23]

I always found a lot of similarities between the two

[@LiamWithThaAux]

Nahh frr, those two are one of my biggest inspirations🔥❤️‍🔥

[@kyle9675]

So true. My two favorites. Saw mick on his first tour for the waters. Seeing him here now is insane.

[@ryanyowell9697]

He and Isaiah have different vibes, but are equal in ability and raw talent for me.

[@emmalane18]

Now I'm waiting on a Isaiah tiny desk!

[@musashongwe1719]

I'm all the way from South Africa and I'll be bumping Mick like I'm from Chicago

[@CalumLyall]

gotta say - what an outstanding fit

[@PentameronSV]

0:04 - *Carefree* (2:55) 3:30 / 3:34 - *Stiff Arm* 5:55 - *Gucci Tried to Tell Me* 10:05 - *Scottie Pippen* (14:13) [14:31 - Tiny Desk team]

[@soulshineSessions1]

Thanks for song titles! Shout out from JAZZ1CAFE Internet Radio 🎵

[@kre8tyve]

Thank you

[@Randhawa241]

Been listening to him since 2014 his growth is so crazy and is still underrated.

[@rr770]

haha liar

[@vick48]

@@rr770 how is he a liar lol. how could you deduce that from the comment

[@ANJ1320]

Still cannot believe how underrated this guy is. A legend. Every album is fire. Haven't be able to see him perform yet, but I know he crushes it.

[@ramakrishnankumaran847]

How they sit onscreen, occupying a perfectly-designed space and performing numbers so solid that they could be etched in marble, is a testament to their skill and NPR's. Thanks for this gem.

[@mikeramikera8133]

Beautifully stated 🤌🏾✨

[@Strictlydt]

One goal in life is to see this man live

[@GPrice-mg8mi]

One of the best you never heard of. Been rocking with Mick since Trees and Truths and The Waters.

[@raymondharris359]

Real fans know about that trees and truths bro

[@vick48]

I still listen to The Truth with that saba production daily. Bro snapped fr on trees n truths.

[@p3tro]

Happyness, the tales of mickless cage!

[@gerardocortez9816]

Thank God for the Waters🙏🏼 Thank God for Mick Jenkins🙌🏼

[@ptrcrispy]

A masterpiece. I didnt know I needed a Tiny Desk version of Carefree till now, because I already thought it sounded perfect.

[@Lucyloo858]

Never heard of him, was just browsing tiny desk concerts and I’m glad I found this, great stuff!

[@Horac3]

Bout Time! Manz been a Beast since 2014🤟🏾

[@awake1251]

P.S. - "The Waters" is one of the most creative hip hop albums to drop. Mick constructs such an atmosphere. Check it out.

[@marthablanche3813]

agreed

[@matijailic9986]

💯 Masterpiece. Still his best project imo and quite possibly my favorite mixtape oat.

[@mylesthered3614]

I’m glad to still be up😭I was not expecting this at all, Mick is really one of the best in the game rn!

[@Horac3]

Rn, manz been a Beast since 2014!

[@jaco5five6six]

Best in the game right now? 🎵Now you definitely trippin now that I think abooout it🎵

[@elmergutti1994]

That transition to Scotti Pippen was majestic ✨️

[@ots.47]

Carefree and stiff arm 😭😭🔥 This man has always been in rotation since high school.

[@loveyaTW123]

proud moment. been bumping Mick for a solid 5-6 years now. such a smooth, seamless performance every time. hope you’re rolling up, basking in the glory of Tiny Desk!!

[@beinerthchitivamachado9892]

VINCE STAPLES and Elephan In The Room are my favorite projects from 2021. MASSIVE Shoutout to Mick Jenkins, a TRUE MC and Lyricist.

[@aygabe]

I need to see Mick live IMMEDIATELY.

[@ShaniceMeshell]

so happy to see Mick Jenkins on Tiny Desk. 🖤 i stumbled across him after The Waters mixtape in 2014 and have always loved his music. i’m so happy he stayed consistent with dropping quality content. this is unexpected, but well deserved ! don’t forget to drink more water guys. ✨

[@victorialee3810]

Still bumping The Waters in 2021.

[@ShaniceMeshell]

@@victorialee3810 STILL.

[@michaelserrano9334]

Same! Piece of a Man is probably my favorite project from him right after The Waters. I’ve listened to both projects soooo much!

[@jarondavis9795]

All facts!!!

[@kingkelz215]

one of the best rappers to gain [inter]national success since 2000

[@homiey]

the replay value of both this album and this live performance is insane

[@BFields]

The caption captured this brother accurately. He been on this level of artistry for quite some time. If you haven't heard about this brother let me say " Welcome to the vibe of Mick Jenkins"

[@skimbasegod6433]

Mick seems like a man full of love and respect...I like his shoes lol

[@sashafierce1011]

I'm missing "Is, This Cigarettes" but regardless it's always a pleasure to hear Mick 🧡

[@russellrobinson6404]

🥰

[@rajahnicunningham1222]

Yo I was hoping to hear this too! But regardless this is already one of my fave npr sessions ever. Lets hope he does something else like this and add that. 🤞

[@v3nOmgr3aSy]

My favorite song on the album besides Scottie. I was waittttting to hear it.

[@sashafierce1011]

@@v3nOmgr3aSy Right? Rug Burn too, but maybe I'm just being greedy and want the whole album live :)

[@v3nOmgr3aSy]

@@sashafierce1011 it’s a beautiful album and it’s so underrated.

[@wizardkellyjr5847]

Had to drink some water for this one🔥

[@adamschell1080]

top comment 🌊

[@dansilva71]

Seeing Mick here brings me nothing but hydration and happiness

[@dhamage2k]

Being able to see/hear Scottie Pippen come on like that was crazy. Whenever mick step on you know it’s gonna be dope.

[@replicant-1986]

Every album by Mick is better than the last. Definitely top five mc's out right now.

[@tward072]

Happy to see you on tiny desk... definitely a good vibe...

[@indigonegusnegus410]

ME TOO

[@shepherdchamp08]

Chicago is in the BUILDING! Mick is dumb underrated.

[@christianperalta6652]

Maaaaan 15 min aint enough mick, give us an Hour we Starving !

[@yourbrothereli]

Mick and NPR came through with a birthday present for ya boy. Have a glorious day everyone!

[@Phonophobia]

You better be having a great day aswell, HBD brother

[@yourbrothereli]

@@Phonophobia Thank you kindly

[@msburns3]

Happy Birthday! It's my birthday as well, and I had the same thought! Great way to start the day!

[@yourbrothereli]

@@msburns3 For sure! Happy birthday!

[@aquariuskudo]

The bassist face at 12:20 is me everytime Mick start going in 🤣🤣

[@TheYBMTV]

Glad Mick Did This For The Fans Especially “Carefree”

[@Sunfables]

Not gon lie I was holding our for some oldies...we halfway in and I need some water 😩 the day ones know. But I still love u Mick.

[@tasiat.2750]

The Doja reference was super funny. Great performance Mick!

[@ethanward6713]

I had to play that back😂

[@prestonreyes25]

Mick Jenkins is so underrated, def one of my fav artists.

[@tinicoleofficial]

Been listening to Mick since about 2014-15. He’s on my list of top fav lyricists of all time✨

[@shmeeksmusic4182]

I remember the IG live video where Mick said he wasn't a "good singer", that he just has a pocket he stays in. This performance shows just how nice his voice is. Even in his raps, he's got a lovely melody to his voice. I've been waiting for this Tiny Desk for ages!!!!!!!

[@sketchyweekend4503]

I think he got it backwards... He's like Gil Scott-Heron, Neil Young, or James Brown... He doesn't have a great singing voice, but he is truly an excellent singer.

[@poopertin11]

Started listening to Mick Jenkins when I played the Jazz Rap playlist on Spotify on shuffle. Listened to The Waters and it took quite some time to make me like his discography. 2 years later, still vibing to his music today. This NPR Tiny (Home) Desk performance just made me appreciate him more and I really like this version a lot. Thanks Mick for making such dope music. You deserve a lot of recognition. And thanks to NPR for featuring him!

[@MarichalArt]

If He performed healer I would’ve cried

[@myyoutubeaccount4167]

One of my favorites as well

[@simeongranada8959]

Had the honor of meeting Mick Jenkins after he performed at The Middle East in Boston. Been drinking this water since 2016. Great to see him here with NPR; people need to know his voice. I love how he’s not talking much, just letting the rhythms speak for themselves. He’s this level of 💯 in live shows, and he’s such a huge presence and a kind soul. Be the Mick Jenkins of what y’all love doing.

[@katedagreat9628]

He is being heard. SPEAK LOUD, WE ARE LISTENING! LOVE FOR U MAN !

[@owlbynight_js]

This is the greatest Christmas present to find sitting in my feed. Instantly made my Friday way better.

[@victorialee3810]

I love him so much.

[@meechy9166]

Mick is easily one of the best of today!!! A true legend and icon!!!! Give this man his flowers!!!!🎵🎵🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@TroyChewning]

this guy rules. nothing more to say than that. elite hip hop.

[@allsmilez2day]

Still drinking 🚰💙😎 Mick still a young legend!!👏🏽🔥🔥

[@BFields]

Yeah I'm still drinking " The Waters" too.

[@ethanward6713]

"Floating like the sink is broke, drip so consistent now"💧

[@schtooschtoo6361]

MY MAN PLAYED SCOTTIE PIPPIN - THANK GOD - HE'S FINALLY GETTIN RECOGNITION THOUGH - WHOEVER DON'T KNOW THE MAN DOESN'T WANT TO. THANKS MICK

[@MrOhioPlayer]

You are Witnessing a rare artist that has mastered his craft.

[@iamhallo68]

Elephant in the room is such a refined album , amazing message!!

[@tarafountain465]

Don't know him...but definitely will... believe that

[@xboxqueen360]

I just want to see him live. He's so talented.

[@marcic-loftus8265]

Mick just great. and Otto Marloft is a great keyboardist too!

[@Kurrents]

This is dope af

[@mooreprr8067]

This whole joint is fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@elisayovino6672]

Omg thank you for introducing your band members, somehow this has become a rarity

[@Horac3]

Exactly and it’s a shame because analog will always reign! Bands/Musicians deserve way more credit.

[@tiagopacheco4654]

Mick is so criminally underrated that even tho I'm a npr subscriber it still took me 3 months to find this gem. Love the acustics

[@CamboyGDubbz]

Amazing choice of songs for this. Really showing off his vocal range on the new project, can't box this man in!

[@Varaydein]

Mick been consistent for a decade +

[@HealthyFather]

Man I really hope this blows up. He really deserves more attention. I’m sick of people sleeping on him.

[@russellrobinson6404]

His music is amazing. But he probably doesn't have those industry connections needed to be famous

[@meechmurtans]

Mick is a legend.

[@ryanyowell9697]

Once again, Mick shattering every other poet in the universe with his elegant wordplay.

[@theherbpuffer]

I don't know, I feel like artists like Navy Blue, MIKE, and Mavi are just as poetic if not more so.

[@2gawd555]

He’s the best

[@rajahnicunningham1222]

@@theherbpuffer will give them a try. Always great hearing new artists

[@arcticfire6036]

@@theherbpuffer they tip for tap

[@blake8151]

Mick is in his bag. Loved this project and this live performance. Dude has hella range with his voice.

[@witnessthedream7740]

Mick's music / albums are perfect to be played live.

[@ethanward6713]

Mos definitely, he should totally drop a deluxe with live cuts for each track

[@pushingpstone7750]

Mick one of the best to ever do it

[@stevendidomenico4990]

One of the greatest rappers of our generation, this man's ability to effortlessly float on tracks is unmatched. Been on Mick for so long, glad he's well appreciated within the rap community.

[@shimizu4202]

This whole Tiny Desk was just too immaculate from Mick to the band, all the about the vibrations, really loved this from his latest album great song choice.

[@OngezwaDumel]

I agree 👌

[@myyoutubeaccount4167]

Honestly, any song from the album would've been a good choice.

[@shimizu4202]

@@myyoutubeaccount4167 I wholeheartedly agree to that

[@bambucito]

Drumset sounds incredible. Props to the sound engineer.

[@Jilapooh196]

So glad he made an appearance. Elephant In The Room was too good for him not to do a live performance

[@user-vm9cp2cv3w]

These musicians are insanely talented

[@1bigfishsalmon]

Came across Mick Jenkins and Scottie Pippen a few months ago, just wow........that beat and his voice be special together and more so when performed live 👌🔥

[@Qiast]

Mick mad talented man I’m still hoping he gets the recognition he deserves he’s criminally underrated

[@slanjbo]

If you enjoy this man’s display here, search his BBC Studio 1 performance. Mind blowing precision.

[@slumpAve]

AFTER YEARRRSSSSSS OF BEGGING TINY DESKKKK

[@CH3FDIZZYLO]

Every album Mick has dropped is a masterpiece but my favorites are “Pieces Of A Man” “The Circus EP” and “Elephant In The Room” He’s always been dope but I felt like he found his sound in those projects just my opinion

[@siyageorge2007]

was reading an article about his recent album journey and this pops up ? man , the universe loves me . ❤️ i appreciate you and your music sir ! thank you for this ! ❤️

[@Purplepantzily]

so happy to see one of my favorite rappers do this. his vibe's perfect for a tiny desk.

[@khiddtank]

maaan the band surpassed all possible levels of expectations. ❤️

[@ethanward6713]

Such a perfect fit, made me want to see him and Marlon Craft hop on a track together. Dude's sick live too

[@v3nOmgr3aSy]

He really find himself with this last album I think. I can’t waitttttt for the next album it’s gonna be so good

[@blackcatfancy]

Tiny Desk you are on FIRE this month!!

[@area201soprano]

Finally!!! The time is now. Drink more water!

[@dfrnt_hues]

9.9 outta 10 all I needed was “Things you could do for if doing while black” to make this a 12/10

[@theiconsean]

It is a Good Friday Indeed!

[@JByrd606]

Seen Mick live a few times and have been wanting a Tiny Desk for so long. Absolutely Killed it.