Rod Wave: 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.
Mano Sundaresan | April 29, 2021
The first song Rod Wave performs in his Tiny Desk concert comes with a bit of a wink. The St. Petersburg, Fla., rapper interpolates Drake's "Over My Dead Body," the delicate intro to Take Care. Like Drake, Rod Wave makes sad, melodic rap music. But his feels removed from the Canadian superstar's lineage. His cadences are more in step with the full-bodied crooning of Southern rap giants like Kevin Gates and Lil Boosie. It's been said that Rod Wave could be an R&B or blues singer in another era. With this Tiny Desk concert, anchored by the interplay of flute, piano, bass and drums, he seems to suggest: Why not this one?
Cast against a leafy, luxurious backdrop, Rod and his band deliver fiery renditions of three songs off his new album SoulFly, as well as his 2020 hit record "Rags2Riches." When he sings - about coming out of the trenches, about being away from his loved one, about perceptions of his artistry - you can feel the weight of those thoughts pouring out of every line. You can see it, too, in the way he shuts his eyes, grips the mic, sways back and forth. In light of his massive success - he's quite clearly one of the biggest rappers in the country right now - he could've treated this Tiny Desk like a victory lap, but instead, he brings the same heart and earnestness that's made him so beloved.
SET LIST
• "OMDB"
• "Rags2Riches"
• "Street Runner" (featuring Ruth B.)
• "Don't Forget"
MUSICIANS
• Rod Wave: vocals
• Gil Smith: piano
• Hosny Franck: drums
• Tomoka Nomura-Jarvis: flute, saxophone
• Franckelson Brunot: bass guitar, upright bass
CREDITS
• Video: Tyler Benz, Justin Staple, Albert Lago, Christian Cashmir, Tom Jordan, Tim Buttner, Andrew Ortoski
• Audio: Maceo Price for Skyballer Productions
• All The Smoke & Litewave Media
TINY DESK TEAM
• Producers: Bobby Carter, Mano Sundaresan
• Video Producer: Maia Stern
• Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
• Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Bob Boilen
• Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
• Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#rodwave #tinydesk #nprmusic

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@sever427]

You had one job. You executed agile mobile and hostile. Good Job

[@hosny00]

I’m glad to have been able to play drums!! 🥁

[@lolo2wavy205]

You killed it bro🔥

[@marqueswatson4436]

Great job bro!

[@that1aznboi978]

my guy was banging them drums! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@hosny00]

@@marqueswatson4436 thanks! appreciate it!

[@hosny00]

@@that1aznboi978 thanks! appreciate it!

[@TomokaSax]

Band members are Gil Smith -Piano 🎹 Frank Brunot-Bass🎸 Hosny Franck- Drums🥁 Tomoka Jarvis- Sax and Flute🎷

[@mr.wesley7969]

That sax 🎷 and flute ❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sluggedoutgoldanddiamonds7697]

Y’all all killed it 👌🏾

[@benruns9650]

This should be pinned

[@Mr_DoItAll]

This whole performance makes me happy asl, thank you for being apart of this

[@aleskb]

Thks for details. They smoked this session, awesome musicians!

[@lusitaniasiale1522]

Sweetest man in rap. His heart is so pure and his authenticity bleeds through every track.

[@TyTh3Killa]

Bump all that. U fine

[@blvxkgxldimperialinc]

How you know?are you assuming our don you know 1000%...i beg to defer and say everybody has different characters at different moments...and done are just vulnerable at different moments but you'll get the true them when you least expect it

[@scoreyleaked914]

@@blvxkgxldimperialinc get a life

[@tyleringle3212]

@@TyTh3Killa swingin for the fences my boy🤣✊🏾

[@jillwatral327]

Agreed! 💯

[@Scorpionism_]

His music really do feel like ghetto Gospel ❤️🙌🏽👑

[@joeymillz12891]

Really comes from his soul

[@Mekhi_FitQuest]

He actually has an album called ghetto gospel

[@Scorpionism_]

@@Mekhi_FitQuest oh i know ! Haha

[@briantownsend5124]

Saying Do instead of Does makes this comment feel ghetto! Lol

[@Scorpionism_]

@@briantownsend5124 welp, so be it🤷🏽‍♀️

[@akielharvey7956]

The lady on the sax is simply incredible

[@TomokaSax]

Aww. Thank you so much! Means a lot. ☺️

[@leomelydiegodantesosa9062]

sebastian.entre dos amores

[@leomelydiegodantesosa9062]

entre dos amores

[@chrispowell1677]

Fr

[@that1aznboi978]

@@TomokaSax You were going crazy on them instruments!

[@humblelyfe]

Glad to have been a part! 🎸🩸

[@JohnIdasetima]

Ya'll killed this bro!

[@ysebasefue]

You amazin!

[@UrHighnessC9]

Yessirrrrr blck man

[@Chicken_and_Tings]

Great bass

[@brazy8630]

you killed this 🔥🔥 keep going, never give up. u amazing!!!

[@JamesParkAvenue]

This is what I'll pay to see in a concert.

[@drzfuter13]

I don’t know if you complaining or complementing him

[@vazorta]

Complement

[@kaybee4L]

Me too. Definitely a compliment. I love When rappers perform with a live band

[@laciegalloway6925]

Yes! All day this right here

[@KDADDYSGIRL]

Rolling loud NY HERE I COME

[@hwright85]

I would pay good money for this kind of setting while having dinner!

[@ethanmartin1435]

Fr id pay a few bands

[@glamtaeyyy9772]

Right truly a vibe I'd love ❤️

[@jasmineprewitt2828]

I said the same thing

[@moedavis8977]

Sounds like a hellva business player

[@staydangerousceo5209]

💯

[@Sisithegemini]

It’s 5 am and I’m up watching Rod wave tiny desk lol.

[@ivanthegamer6466]

It’s 4:55 am in Cali this sets the mood

[@kappa_feel]

@@ivanthegamer6466 dang it's 3:12 am right now in hawaii

[@BossDonPlit]

SAME

[@bigbruhking9709]

Same.

[@bigbruhking9709]

It all stemmed from crying to Mac Miller’s Tiny desk. I didn’t know this was here.

[@NinksOnTheMic]

So cool that we get to watch these for free

[@dondon-nz3fs]

The best comment I’ve seen so far 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@robreeto]

The $12 youtube premium is well worth the money 🙌

[@abi.apollo808]

Rod Wave: 'literally sings one note' * feelings activated *

[@Tysheria_]

The last part he sung on street runner he should have put that on the song 🥰

[@coloredapples4784]

That a from an unreleased song called "be free"

[@Tysheria_]

@@coloredapples4784 thanks

[@ypcali7963]

Rt omg 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@stayswaggerific]

When he pulled his sleeves up to show his watch and bracelet for Rags2Riches was powerful...

[@denzeldenzel5396]

That Over My Dead Body peformance paying homage to Drake just took me way back

[@deandrewhite1731]

Man he killed drake sample 🔥🔥🔥🔥 also that band is so smooth... artist always sounds better on tiny desk for some reason!

[@callilove8378]

I legit could not pinpoint that sample.... too smooth

[@quithatgworll]

What drake sample 😭😭

[@deandrewhite1731]

@@quithatgworll drake song called omdb check it out

[@leoansa536]

@@deandrewhite1731 over my dead body

[@david_chuka]

I was going to say this! for some reason you just enjoy the music better on tiny desk

[@1064Ging]

You can tell he still camera shy ‼️

[@that1aznboi978]

mannn but dude still came out and put on a show 👏🏼

[@kellyinca9768]

@@that1aznboi978 that's what i love him🥰

[@jamarbaker5358]

“DAYUMMMMMMN” takes me out every time😂😂😂😂

[@cjgunn6193]

He came out his shell on “Don’t Forget “

[@MrWorld46]

No joke.. he was feeling that one. I wish he had the same energy on every song.

[@celloudiallo4177]

@@MrWorld46 he does

[@KingVerz16]

He killed that! Song is too real.

[@j.mj.m3158]

The original song he said 6 mill now it's 10 mill love the growth

[@timothyonyango563]

The original was July 2020 lol , he made 4-5 million from the 6Mil

[@jasiribandele5601]

@@timothyonyango563 lol are yu dumb tha original was released last month

[@quintaviusnewson8638]

Thought I was the only one caught that... bruh grinding💯

[@Mahmamaya]

Tiny Desk’s A&R is respected. Y’all know who exactly to pick 🔥🔥

[@younameit1407]

Your operating under the assumption people dont pick NPR...or turn down NPR....these artists have the bargaining power these days simply because rod wave or whoever else can do their own tiny desk concert easily

[@Mahmamaya]

@@younameit1407 K

[@antonwilliams4043]

Agree!!!

[@UrHighnessC9]

free blck. next up

[@craigmills6275]

Facts.

[@SoloAbsoluteZero]

You can tell he really put a lot of thought into writing his music. Each song sound very personal to him.

[@YoFonzz]

O yea starting my day off the right way..... IN MY FEELINGS

[@ladylovesherlord]

😅

[@jeremylavarias8668]

FONZ fire cut in Los just watched it crazy transformation

[@wavykidkev]

me to bro🤣🤣🤣

[@eimajmelancon810]

AS YOU SHOULD!😂😂😂

[@YoFonzz]

@@jeremylavarias8668 it was a crazy fun cut for sure. Thank u

[@Carl7846]

That flute in the beginning of street runner is absolutely incredible. Love Rod Wave

[@fitnessn30sec43]

I don't know why I feel this way but I just want to hug him and hold him. .....

[@sonomaemoboys4013]

that’s the effect his music has 😅

[@eimajmelancon810]

@@AbkRawdude you’re mad weird.

[@danielbowling1243]

This man has saved my life bcuz I was contemplating suicide after my dad passed in 2021 on thanxgiving 12 days after my bday but his music has kept me going and he's all that I listen to when I'm in the gym

[@dallasballer6439]

I’m happy for you 😇💯

[@eighteencatss8600]

Stay strong 💕

[@Louisianasfinestshay]

❤🙏🏽

[@jakemanges259]

Upon discovering Rod Wave I haven’t listened to another artist in 3 weeks. He’s truly unique and talented his lyrics paint an incredible picture. NEXT GOAL IS TO MEET THIS MAN!

[@derrickmiles6124]

glaze-a-matic

[@bwin2412]

@@derrickmiles6124 amen

[@jc76384]

That saxophone was soothing on the track don’t forget

[@stillme1065]

Flute too

[@cuddy8079]

The lady on the sax killed it 👌🏾🔥

[@gelsm8709]

No way this doesn't have a million plus views. He's so talented.

[@Cameo96_]

Exactly that’s crazy 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@sdb2087]

It does now 🤷‍♂️

[@hilenihaupindi1730]

Yours years later I’m back again for this🔥🔥🔥💆🏾‍♀️With 1.6m crazy

[@mira4921]

From the moment I heard him clear his throat, I knew this was about to hit different

[@JRookie23]

Rods “yeahhh yeeee eeee yeahhh” are equivalent to kid cudis hums

[@5amclub135]

Underrated observation!

[@BLEST1]

We definitely need a studio version of this street runner!!!!

[@tyrequenewell284]

Istg!!!!!

[@charlielivingston931]

he does

[@domcapalot9989]

that other part is a song he made in 2018 named “Be Free” but never released

[@RasRamboGaming]

I LOOOOOVE HOW RAW IT IS, NO AUTO TUNE, NO NOTHING. JUST A MIC AND A BEAT💪🏾💪🏾💯

[@teekycheri15]

uhhh well, it sucks though

[@llewellyn.7466]

I agree that its great and raw, but there is absolutely auto tune on this, plus compression, eqing etc, little bit of reverb aswell, nothing wrong with that, but if you listen carefully 2:10 for example the auto tune bends through notes in a weird way. He is an amazing singer, which is why it sounds like theres no auto tune, he is already singing the notes close to perfectly, the auto tune just helps them a tad to slide into each other and pull em in when their slightly off..

[@johnnycochicken]

I don't think there is any autotune on this, his voice just slides between notes sometimes. But there is some processing yes

[@xirixbickham7936]

@@johnnycochicken trust me there is light autotune

[@NegronAngel2828]

@@teekycheri15no it does not

[@ivanthegamer6466]

Having a tough morning personal issues honestly this helps a bit

[@robertlivingston5406]

Hang in there hold on and keep pushing. You only fail if you give up or don’t start. You’ve obviously started so don’t give up keep going. Sometimes a setback is a setup. Look for the message in your situation. I’ve been at my lowest many times but now I’m at a higher point and I try to shine light on people who’s light looks dim.. I encourage you 💯🤎✊🏾💪🏾💎

[@ivanthegamer6466]

@@robertlivingston5406 Much appreciate it yeah I’m keep pushing for me and my daughter I most definitely see the messageThank you for The uplift I’m sure trynna resolve this Matter god bless

[@robertlivingston5406]

@@ivanthegamer6466 I know you don’t know me personally but if you ever need to vent hit me up.. I’m been through it all and seen and did it all. Homelessness, self harm attempts, divorce, etc etc. but I’m successful now. I live to help others find light in dark situations. ✊🏾🤎💯💎

[@austinsauer6846]

@@robertlivingston5406 respect to both of y’all stay strong and stay on y’a grind 💪🏼

[@ivanthegamer6466]

@@robertlivingston5406 I appreciate it it man your words really gave me that energy and you got a Snapchat big dawg

[@colinchapman16]

This man never gets the flowers he deserves.. despite being top of the charts album after album he gets constantly slept on by the hip hop community.. this tiny desk made me 3x the fan i already was, phenomenal nothing less.

[@BigMfukinAyyyy]

That saxophone is hittin 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TomokaSax]

Thank you 🙏

[@BigMfukinAyyyy]

@@TomokaSax You are welcome

[@Tharealisaiahmoore]

I’m honored to have played the bass! Preciate the opportunity bro!

[@davidcpearson]

I'm now 200% more of a flute fan

[@TomokaSax]

Thank you 🙏 so glad to be a part of this video!

[@NexusPhotografi]

I've always loved that and the 🎻 violin in rap and rock 💯💯🔥🔥♥️

[@tifb94]

Been a flute fan since I learn how to play in 2007 ❤️

[@debriussmith7190]

@@TomokaSax you have mad skills

[@kaybee4L]

Checkout Zaytoven’s Tiny Desk performance. The flute was 👌🏾

[@Houxton]

Still one of the best tiny desk performance ever

[@terrellmitchel1443]

14 minutes of pure gold.

[@PentameronSV]

0:04 - *OMDB* (3:12) 3:37 - *Rags2Riches* (6:24) 6:34 - *Street Runner (feat. Ruth B.)* 10:43 - *Don't Forget* (14:18) [14:23 - Tiny Deak team]

[@kavee4345]

You're a goat bro 🐐 !!

[@makaylachataigne7436]

OMG THAT WAS RUTH B?????

[@kevinnunes1703]

@@makaylachataigne7436 Ruth b mixed signals super underrated song too 🔥

[@billionzvlog6713]

@@kevinnunes1703 you know good music ! Mixed signals will get you tearing up

[@amber_d624]

Dont forget the Be Free remix at 9:18

[@MrAcas1990]

His music is real art! He just needs confidence and experience. He needs the perfect mentor

[@T.Y.J.30]

Yeah,Rod Wave is in a different lane under the Rap Umbrella. I pray he turn to Gospel using his talent to sing for Jesus,Rod Wave has charisma very influential artist.❤

[@Coolkiss98]

2024 and still loving this . Rodwave is peace

[@terrellcollins1034]

The New Add On To Street Runner!! 📈🔥

[@coloredapples4784]

That a from an unreleased song called "be free"

[@jasiribandele5601]

pretty sure he just freestyled it

[@coloredapples4784]

@@jasiribandele5601 he didn't

[@gamell06]

The happiest I’ve seen him, his music hits different

[@Dontevista4]

Wish they did Letter from Houston 😭

[@Tharealisaiahmoore]

Probably wasn’t cleared 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MrWorld46]

The beat on Street Runner is so fire. I love this performance so much.

[@MrCobee91]

need a Rod Wave x Morray Collab

[@raypierre6632]

YUPPPP

[@socialloner4810]

I agree. 👌

[@thebestdadeverr]

Been saying this before Morray started popping

[@stbnoah]

that’s what i been thinkin

[@lavishlee1856]

It’ll never happen because of politics

[@deraproject9680]

NPR and their featuring artists 💯💯💯💯💯💯💥💥💥💥LIT ..........

[@drewbrowen245]

I want to hug this man.

[@BeautifullyBlessed-vc2ps]

My son loves him and I see why. He’s very talented and authentic 👏🏾

[@tyrelekai1682]

That was hella unexpected

[@boochie808]

My 21 year old daughter put me on to this young man and been living his music every since!!!! Keep winning young man!!!!

[@domjoseph2007]

The full band is the most his recordings should sound like this

[@samuelekhator7702]

Didn’t want this to end. The lady on the sax was awesome, drums on beat, guitar in tune, bass harmonized well, and piano held it down beautifully in the back. Love it. Loved every bit of it. Thank you to tiny desk and ROD WAVE!!!

[@aileenyannah]

SIR respectfully You ain’t have to hit us with the tiny desk like this BLESSING us yes yes yes

[@tylertracey8207]

I love that ya’ll give EVERYONE credit in the description. From all the musicians to everyone behind the scenes. That’s such love 🖤

[@FamousAndyy]

Im glad to say I’m here before this gets millions of views 😭

[@kavee4345]

Same😂

[@skionenine]

Give it up not to just Rod but for the band in the back!!!

[@sparenone]

I love how the musicians playing the instruments 🎸🎷🎹🥁 are infatuated with his music while also getting a free chance to see him perform 😂

[@jerrythejindo]

Actually love how he goes flat while singing over my dead body

[@tommyboyd2674]

The Band is tight AF🔥🔥🔥💯💯

[@eyeofx6052]

Genuinely makes me so happy to see how far he’s came🥲

[@diligenceviber]

Rodwave is the realest and sweetest man in the rap industry,I can’t stop listening to this youngin

[@Ciaran_M]

2 years ago and still got goosebumps 💯🔥

[@tylergonzales7154]

Watched this video probably 100 times by now. Never gets old.

[@Jenniferscratch]

Still can reciprocate the pain through his lyrics..I hope he knows this is therapy for some of us

[@Stevie_jr]

Should of did 🎀 in the sky too that would been dope

[@FinancialBeanstalk]

NPR been CRUSHING the Tiny Desk Concerts lately. SO MANY GOOD ARTISTS!

[@donmtambala2310]

That second verse on street runner 🤩 wish he kept it on the song

[@coloredapples4784]

That a from an unreleased song called "be free"

[@shaymanbhuiyan]

Next we need MORRAY !! Another underrated talented artist

[@dwadeisthegoat2020]

Fax

[@spirituallyqueengoddess5073]

Facts

[@tavilyfeofmusic]

I hope he do a live album too that would be so amazing 🌹🎧

[@BLEST1]

I definitely became an instant fan as soon as I first heard him doing a live version of heart on ice. He's definitely a great talent and a legend in the making.

[@pinkybaby796]

Street runner is such a bop :) he's a hot rookie

[@brandonjackson5068]

Nah rod really a vet in the game

[@mikenickerson9640]

Rod wave got so many fire songs I wish he preformed a few different ones but still love the vid tho everyone’s so talented

[@Theegoldenbooing]

Just the other day i was saying “I cannot wait for rod wave tiny desk “ little did I know God had it all planned out 🙌

[@Loccy_mk]

It’s my mom birthday mouth and I swear he be waking the grave up with is music I can’t stop crying my mom passed away in 2005 and this 1st song is being play back to back rode wave frfr thank u black men your blessed my king @rodewave someone tag em artis Loccy On SoundCloud get Fly 🛩

[@bankheadpolo]

Rod Wave deserve his flowers while he still here the young man make great music of our time right now.

[@chaoticecho3321]

At 1:13 he snapped idk why this doesn't have more views

[@AngelHxze]

Love the flute on OMDB 😭

[@kassandraleos5419]

I listen to this everyday I’m his #1 fan 😂

[@atro5406]

you finna fight me for that #1 fan spot first cuz you aint coming close to me

[@kassandraleos5419]

@@atro5406 😂 well we gone have to go word for word on all his songs to find out !!

[@atro5406]

@@kassandraleos5419 bet

[@thejboogie1697]

Count me in cuz I’m definitely #1

[@kassandraleos5419]

Im his number 1 fan still im in houston going to his concert fridayyy yess sir

[@wandaedwards9803]

Almost 2 in the morning and I’m vibin’ with this master creator….fell in love with you when I heard tombstone and I knew I wanted you to play at my funeral….I had just finished my back piece (tattoo) of the struggles in my life and your song pulled it all together for me….thank you

[@JDoneRanitUp]

You know it’s real music when it sounds the same live and on the record 💯🔥

[@ThaDon144]

He really raps from his heart

[@MrBIGTEE504]

The way he keeps dropping hits please keep him coming back Tiny Desk a Born Legend we Love you Rod Wave 🌊

[@sgvisualz8216]

The lil freestyle at the end of street runner is called rod wave "be free"

[@taylor2pretty728]

He seems so sweet and pure… Stay that way Rod🤞🏾

[@ddot1999.]

6AM were I live, let's get it to it!! Love from Brazil, hope everything works out today and this year. New healthy and peaceful cicles will start in your live.

[@yotchua9716]

Live band sounds soooo good with his vocals

[@professormox]

I never listened to his music but now I realize I'm missing out. This is fire.

[@jameswise3092]

💯

[@budgiespat7883]

YOU ARE SUCH A BELOVED SOUL - ROD WAVE ... you make my day !!

[@thaboydee9172]

9:18-10:35 should’ve been in the song 🔥🔥🔥

[@mtsreek]

That’s and actually unreleased song it’s called go and be free

[@naiis_wrld8408]

NO KAP😤❤️‍🩹

[@jeremywilliams8326]

They got Brenda song on the saxophone 🎷 😂😂

[@Twinshit410]

I wouldn’t be surprised if this album is diamond in 2035

[@blakegresham7847]

So nobody gonna talk about the bit at the end of street runner

[@allenw7531]

We’re the few first hundred here let’s enjoy the show and vibe out everyone

[@angelgoplay1149]

He smoked that. This might be in my top 3 with usher and Mac Miller 🔥

[@tykalabates548]

Just ran up on this & IM DEFINITELY MORE IN LOVE WOTH ROD WAVE & HIS SOULFUL BEAUTIFUL VOICE, HIS MUSIC DEFINITELY TELLS STORIES FOR EVERYBODY....DEFINITELY SPEAKS VOLUMES FOR HIM☝🏾🙌🏾👐🏾💚