Oddisee: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

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Sept. 22, 2020 | Suraya Mohamed - In 2015, Oddisee visited the Tiny Desk with a drummer and a keyboardist. For his Tiny Desk (home) concert, he assembled his full band, Good Company, for the first time since the global pandemic cancelled their tour last spring. They rehearsed the day before this capture at Assorted Studios in York, Penn., the midway point between the members' hometowns of Philadelphia, New York City and Washington D.C. They picked this facility because it felt more like a living room than a studio. And to make it feel as cozy as possible, they brought memorabilia from their own homes. Bass player Dennis Turner brought family photos, Ralph Real (on the Fender Rhodes) brought his son's toy drum set, and Oddisee brought tribal statues from Sudan.
The five captivating songs are from his new EP, Odd Cure, "a record I didn't want to write but needed to," Oddisee said in July. He wrote it in eight weeks, between March and May, while in self-isolation. He had just returned from a performance in Thailand and wanted to protect his family. Oddisee says these songs were inspired by the deluge of news, social media, misinformation and conspiracy theories generated during the first weeks of the pandemic. Relevant and inspiring, his music and its message addresses the uncertainty and anxiety we all live with today.
SET LIST
"The Cure"
"Shoot Your Shot"
"I Thought You Were Fate"
"Still Strange"
"Go To Mars"
MUSICIANS
Oddisee: vocals; Ralph Real: vocals, Rhodes; Olivier St.Louis: vocals, guitar; Jon Laine: drums, vocals; Dennis Turner: bass; DJ Unown: MPC; Saint Ezekiel: guitar: Priya Ragu; vocals
CREDITS
Video by: Keith Charles, Lawrence Miner; Audio by: Delf; Producer: Suraya Mohamed; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
ABOUT THE SERIES
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.

[@MisterGardner]

if you ever get a chance to see oddisee and his band live in the future, do not hesitate

[@jonahnunez7120]

Their live show goes crazy. Was always a massive fan of Oddisee's music but you've never heard it's full potential until you've seen it concert.

[@theherbpuffer]

I saw him in my city about 5 years ago and there were barely any people there and he says something like "Feels like I'm performing in a living room." Still put on a solid show!

[@jacquelinecarron7753]

Always will be the best show you e ever scene… I’ve gone very far to always catch him live

[@mythcrab6047]

Just snagged some tickets for later this year!

[@gabehoupt27]

I'm going to see them in a month!

[@cakredi4132]

Nothing beats the feeling of watching *The Glorious Return of Mighty Oddisee in Tiny Desk.*

[@samuelbryant6030]

I have no idea how this guy isn't enormously popular. Seen him 4 times in Nashville, never with more than 20 some people in the crowd, and this dude and his band SMOKE live. Just cook up hot funk and rhymes, and are so on point and just in the pocket with their groove. Simply masterful.

[@TheLonelyWZRD]

im planning on seeing him at some point

[@kurtfromMichigan]

Saw him at el club in Detroit. He's Hella good live, kept crowd control 100% it was a great night. He stuck around for a while to sign records or whatever and was just mad cool and humble.

[@randallbarrett3382]

He’ll be in Nashville again July 16 at City Winery. Will be my first time seeing him. So excited 🎉

[@badbackben]

I heard the drummer was lost in the wilderness with no watch or phone and when they found him 3 years later he knew what second it was.

[@rasmuspaulson8689]

hahahhahaa

[@excuse_me_mister]

Clever one, I like it

[@galaxylucia1898]

That sounds like one helluva story😂

[@amberday1367]

🙌🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@marktennin8927]

Good One Bro-Bro!

[@reepzftw]

I swear these guys deserve more shine. Oddisse is a genius. I always loved jazz inspired hiphop beats and when I heard this dude for the first time I was like this is it. The perfect balance. If you liked this, Then you will love his albums The Iceberg and The Odd tape.

[@donnalawson6236]

Yeah, I still play my vinyl of Iceberg most weeks. He & the band underrated in the USA, but not in Europe , Oz, or Aotearoa/NZ

[@caspaclark]

Man I wasnt sure anyone was gonna touch Anderson Paak and the free nationals or Tom Misch. But man these guys move my soul too. Thank you good company band and Oddisee!

[@allysaurus96]

If you like Anderson paak you should watch Saba on tiny desk!

[@k3rri.k]

I missed his most recent Toronto show and have been kicking myself since

[@tombarron2468]

Oh yeh!

[@goldowl88]

Badbadnotgood, Tank and the Bangers, HER, Christian Scott Adjuah

[@timetraveler7122]

.

[@bryanprioleau7604]

This man is REALLY, REALLY, REALLY good at rapping. 🔥🔥🔥

[@costanzaman42]

Soulful, mature grown up bars

[@moonoom764]

likre really (good)

[@2valmusic]

straight from the soul 💪

[@nl5h]

Yes sir.

[@MrAJC5]

That's honestly all the words needed to describe this guy..sheesh

[@gomatriks852]

11:25 this girl Prya Ragu is a really wonderful voice herr in Switzerland🙌🏼

[@albertlee1538]

she KILLLLEd it. her voice is so amazing ...

[@nelkam5543]

This performance deserves well over 1 million views instead of 300k. Oddisee is amazing!

[@cotinaspann9475]

There are not enough words to describe how good this performance was. Thank these talented artist for blessing us with their gifts🔥

[@diraziz396]

Jah Bless. Love is in the Air

[@errolngatai3449]

Oddissee is the essence of real Hip-Hop, the lyric, feel, rhythm & soul of what makes it contagiously addictive...

[@2valmusic]

yeah bro... this music is therapeutical ✌️

[@ahoued42]

Definitely

[@timetraveler7122]

2

[@chuckhuckle]

this is a tight band, they are mixed very well and the quality is outstanding. his vocals punch and are clear. top notch.

[@j0kerland]

God bless Oddisee, real genius alive🙏

[@Andrey_SamZnaeshKakoi]

Гений это Моцарт, а Oddisee просто отличный музыкант

[@j0kerland]

@@Andrey_SamZnaeshKakoi Как скажешь

[@ThinkUpDesign]

Soo glad Oddissee was brought on during this time! We need more of his open, non-ego focused, truth i our ears.

[@0777coco]

everything about this is perfect... that bass especially

[@2valmusic]

dude needs to hop on some tracks... he's too fire 💪

[@popijininsky]

i mean, oddisee is a legend. this performance is so dialed. i'm actually loving the at home tiny desks much more than the actual desk shows. this one is near the top of my list.

[@telefocalworldwide4992]

I wanna go to Mars, live amongst the stars, be the one that got away,,,,,, from it all, yessuhh!!! to end the set with this one was perfection!! Thank y'all for making the world a better place 🙂

[@redd_xiii]

This may be the greatest Tiny Desk performance of all time... up there with Paak’s performance

[@dopedreamer215]

Yessss, the emboidement of underrated I love Oddisee

[@bjmarks24]

Smooth, fresh, refreshing, intelligent, mature and dope! Their grooves are all that!

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *The Cure* (4:12) 4:44 - *Shoot Your Shot* 7:52 - *I Thought You Were Fate* 11:13 - *Still Strange* 15:00 - *Go To Mars* (20:04)

[@memeisself9212]

Cant believe they didn't do brea. Imagine..

[@gerrybanks4774]

Me Meisself New stuff

[@memeisself9212]

@@gerrybanks4774 this is new stuff from him or what do you mean?

[@gerrybanks4774]

Me Meisself that’s old.

[@reinaldomartinez13]

@@memeisself9212 he did stuff off his new album

[@picassokwanele8224]

The art of rap lives through artist like Oddisee.

[@user-rz6vr4ry5q]

I love Still strange 😍

[@dylanheyl536]

that Latte Larry's shirt tho

[@mattashley04]

Looking it up now!! Can't imagine Larry David is selling these but would be genius.

[@nc7182]

i feel deeply connected

[@scotttydoesknow]

@@mattashley04 find anything??? Would buy one instantly lol

[@mattashley04]

@@scotttydoesknow yea but nothing from HBO... But the one he has on is for sell in a few places for about 15 bucks. I might pull the trigger on one I saw on Etsy

[@afrohop]

AshleyDigital I remember seeing them on Instagram on a curb clips page or LD fan page. Btw the episode when Larry and Leon steal the beans is awesome

[@rashadmitchell8885]

I thought you were fate, truly one of Oddisee's most beautiful songs. Almost brings tears to my eyes seeing the performance

[@jacobwilson3734]

One of the few artists where I prefer their live albums.

[@GaborSchmidic]

that swiss girl sings beatiful. much love for this band !

[@luisduarte309]

Had been waiting for this for a long time!

[@BEASTA3000]

Facts

[@commaJim]

The Latte Larry's shirt is so perfect hahahah. I love that he's rocking a Curb shirt. Amazing performance. Oddisee is the man.

[@M.NiCE206]

Such an underrated artist.

[@tymtrppr3]

Oddisee is so slept on its crazy

[@peicesOFaMolldzE]

"..when we get through, we gonna reform, communicate like we need to..." feels like i just took a sip out of a dripping wet, super cold can of my favorite soda pop yum

[@C19more]

Oddisee...whoa! Each time is a stop and chill moment. Clear and melodic flows from lyrics to instrumentals. 🔥💯

[@aishahunt]

My first time listening to these Artists, Fabulous!!! I didn't have to fast forward through the performance at all, just good vibes the whole time! Sharing this❤️

[@shiah1313]

Real hip-hop. Period.

[@skyysims]

That moment when the evening gets better...love this guy's music.

[@MorningMoonDown]

One of my favorites, Keep rocking Oddisee. You've got that soul man

[@user-uo5fk6vj6m]

Дякую хлопці,дуже файно граїте,ви мій ковток повітря в 2022

[@originalRAS]

St. Ezekiel killin that guitar!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@MitchMahoney]

Extraordinary performance! Big respect for Oddisee.

[@headphonedrone]

This was no concert. This was an experience. Thank you!!

[@FortyFive456]

You know I would pay for online concerts like this. An hour or less just works, no need for big show elements.

[@cliffrobinson509]

odd cure was one of my favorite projects from this year

[@jasonbrown6686]

Oddisee is dope . One of my favorite current artists !! Glad to see this !!

[@ashleystovall2875]

listening instantly made me want to create thank you NPR and the Great Oddisee!

[@TheAfronymous]

Who else hopelessly wish for a "The Good Fight" remaster with "Odd Cure" mixing quality ... ?

[@gordondenilson2666]

need a live Album of this

[@sebastianjames7423]

can't wait for the next time I get to see Oddisee live, the whole band gives me life

[@kevinwright5889]

I saw them in concert when they came to Arizona last year they sounded amazing and they were extremely nice I remember Oddisee went out the back and came around the front so he could take pictures with the people who went to the show I remember getting one with them which I thought was awesome

[@sergeyshaolin-g9792]

Oddisee is always gorgeous, pleasure for both eyes and ears, a positive vibe and the right thoughts are guaranteed! His EP is the best I've heard this year for me!

[@danielkhaemba3381]

thank You. I'm Kenyan and this is priceless music

[@Ravmyster1121]

Amir just stole the crown from AP.... All without leaving his home. Mad respect

[@YaBoyBump]

This is my first time hearing this group. Pure dopeness!

[@KMO325]

Oddisee! The DMV's finest✊🏾

[@ninesquirrels]

And again NPR turns me onto a great band I was completely unaware of. This is powerful.

[@mubiomusic]

Bassist is cold af.

[@mubiomusic]

@@RobertSlover It's all good, Rob! Stay safe.

[@RobertSlover]

@@mubiomusic i appreciate your reasonable attitude sir! very refreshing. thanks you too man.~much love

[@samuelmaney1250]

that drummer was tight too. Straight pocket

[@PognasMusic]

I wasn't convinced he was playing at first, his fingers move so little. Deep freeze.

[@getdownpro]

Slapping!

[@RedRoverTW]

So good to see Oddisee and Good Compny back on Tiny Desk. These guys are some of the best in the business and a source of positivity. Beautiful people. Beautiful lyrics. Beautiful grooves. Stay up Good Compny, hope to see you perform live again soon.

[@jerombird1614]

So cool. So kind. So gentle. Thank you so, SO much, from France. The young guitariste, jazz, George Benson style is very great. Lot of great potential. Thank you all. Thank's NPR. You are Wonderfull!

[@wisnuhanggara97]

Oddisee and Good Company bring enjoyment to my ear, been following him since his album 'Tangible Dream'

[@joe.dot.]

love how much they jazzed up the album recordings here

[@nathann3141]

I found Oddisee from the original tiny desk and have been listening to him ever since. This is awesome

[@loosegrams]

Oddisee is such a dope artist! I love the vibes of his lyrics with a live band. Really fkin dope!!!

[@karvarees321]

The Energy.......

[@somagoku]

Peep this live line-up: Oddisee, August Greene, Anderson Paak Ft. Free Nationals, and The Roots. Unreal*

[@theboomonmizar5697]

Add The Internet and I’m in!

[@yeshuatjie1578]

Add Saba 2!

[@another_bites_the_crust_pizza]

Big daddy Kane and rakim also

[@welikelethabo]

😭😭😭yaaaas

[@redd_xiii]

Add Phony Ppl

[@eneszlatar]

Thank you NPR for existing! This band is incredible! I would never discover such unbelievable music without NPR! Oddisee rules!!!!

[@shihyeong]

omg! I'm so excited to see him here! He really is amazing 😫🖤

[@purplerain1848]

Geez Louise can you say musical GENIUS ⭐️🥰

[@dendrens]

"Latte Larry's" is a great Curb Your Enthusiasm reference! Great performance!

[@I_am_Mac]

NPR introduced me to Oddisee 5 years ago! Been a die hard fan since

[@nickagelis6563]

it will be a great honor, to play in Greece. PLE ASE.......COME

[@KarlNova]

This is beautiful. This is what we need. Great music. Real music. I love this. I feel this. Oddisee and Good Company delivering the goods every time!

[@theoryoak5618]

...and then even got the international remote features. love the flavor.

[@recluse.4331]

Oddisee will always be one of greatest gems the world refused to look for.

[@juicyylucyy]

Still Straange dam!

[@itsapurdyworld]

This, is what was needed today. Appreciate y'all

[@pureconception]

The album the world needed🙏🏾

[@dcbandnerd]

Oddisee holding it down for D.C.! Loved this concert.

[@toddkurnat7388]

Thank you Oddisee and NPR! Feeling the vibe. Lovin' the company. Peace and love.

[@triplecmusic]

I can't wait to see y'all live in concert again. Good people. Good music. Thank you!

[@daynepignato9230]

Sick......whoever thumbs down on this doesn't know true music

[@PrezPoet]

'Go to Mars' is my favourite song of the year thus far. Love this rendition. 🔥🔥🔥

[@Churrosonice]

This gives me shivers. Tightness meets smoothness and its good company for sure

[@TripHaze]

Always a pleasure to discover a new band this talented!! Thanks tiny desk 💠💠💠

[@PedroFanny]

Sounds so good, even better than studio version.... thank you NPR for this content.

[@jrmop0965]

Yes Odisee on Tiny Desk! Love it!

[@TebzMoagi]

Fire!!!!! I can't wait to see Oddisee and Good Company live in the near future

[@antucoblack2652]

One of my favorite albums.

[@animezae]

this is extremely smooth. delivery is so on point on everyone's part

[@jowselis]

Love to see Oddisee here!

[@TJvalid]

Never clicked on a video so fast!

[@benji9220]

I’m sayin!

[@2valmusic]

forreal tho

[@JMashouf]

This is one of the best tiny desk concerts!

[@hlalumid]

One of the best to EVER do it. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@LadyAlustria]

Always a pleasure to my ears, welcome back, it has been far too long.

[@damien5578]

Oh yee, can't wait to see them play live and in person again! Cheers

[@jchristensen7805]

I don't know how I didn't know this existed. Awesome.

[@Urbanology101]

Dope..I can't wait for a tour.

[@jrizzo1290]

OMG I'm in love with Priya Ragu's voice!!!!

[@cubillo77]

Amazing performance!! I love his music, the band, the vibe, everything!

[@dude.norman]

Another gorgeous NPR session. Thank you for it! Stay healthy all ya!

[@philosophia3561]

Funky Rappy Jazzy Jazz, Love it!!🔥💜🔥Oddisee and Good Company🔥💜🔥 Big Ups👍🏼