Shelley FKA DRAM: 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.
Bobby Carter | April 26, 2021
When D.R.A.M. played the Tiny Desk back in 2017, he made a couple of things clear to us: His playfully dynamic personality was primed for the spotlight, and beneath the catchy hooks, there's a real singer waiting to come out. For his Tiny Desk (home) concert, he does a complete 180. "It's like a new beginning. Full circle. So this time, call me Shelley." he says, following the opening track, "Exposure." Everything is new. Silk pajamas and slippers replace the trench coat and plush beanie, and thanks to lifestyle changes, he's slimmed down quite a bit and goes by his government name now: Shelley.
The shift from lighthearted melodic hip-hop to full-on R&B crooner shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's seen him perform live. It feels like it's his way of saying, "Now that I have your attention, allow me to introduce myself." We still get glimpses of the "Big Baby" here and there - the charm, a little bit of silliness, and the million-dollar grin - but other than that, it's grown folks business and vocally flawless performance. For the Shelley Show, he gathers a groovy band in front of a massive bookshelf and runs through selections, including the premiere of "Rich & Famous" from his upcoming self-titled project, due out on April 29, his late mother's birthday. If D.R.A.M. was the ploy to break into the music industry, then Shelley is the longevity play.
SET LIST
"Exposure"
"The Lay Down"
"Cooking With Grease"
"Rich & Famous"
MUSICIANS
Shelley: vocals
SlimWav: keys
Sensei Bueno: guitar
Keith "KJ" Glover: drums
Trey Mitchell: bass
Yuli: viola
Crystal Carr: vocals
David Fuller: vocals
CREDITS
Video: Junia Abaidoo, Carlon Ramong, Steve Othello
Audio: Paul Katzman, Adrian Porter, Raul Lopez
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Producer: Kara Frame
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Maia Stern, Bob Boilen
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#shelley #dram #tinydesk #nprmusic

[@nprmusic]

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[@haviik412]

This entire album is NOT getting the respect and recognition it deserves.

[@douglasarnoldda33]

Not at all !!!

[@wildbillcustoms]

Say it again🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️❤️

[@kuwinsitall]

yep. is solid front to back

[@saucelaurent8337]

I stg !!!!!!!!

[@arnoldanderson4859]

Period! Its truly a no skipper!

[@happygokhlo]

the background vocalist deserves EVERYTHING!!!

[@ziiiim]

I bet you don’t remember their names

[@TF-tn4ft]

@@ziiiim There's always a naysayer..

[@iamcrystalcarr]

Thank you for the love, love! 💜

[@ethiogirl310]

@@iamcrystalcarr 🔥🔥

[@IndiaYogaJournal]

Big facts. They are all amazing

[@rahjasreign]

WHO IS THE VOCAL COACH?!! They need their flowers expeditiously!! He has evolved phenomenally.

[@prettycali3851]

He’s been eating better and working out! He lost his belly and everything.

[@LDavis]

Was thinking the same

[@dariushertzog]

Facts facts facts, cannot wait til bro’s album drops. His growth is incredible!

[@breeeeeee]

like?!!! his throatbox goin crazy!

[@iamcrystalcarr]

Wow. This means a lot! Thank you Queen 💜

[@DigitalVomitTV]

Back when his first NPR tiny desk concert as DRAM was uploaded, I remember showing it to my dad and he loved it, and that got us started watching new tiny desk concerts together. It was a really nice way for us to bond. In 2019 he was diagnosed with cancer and he passed away in March of 2020. It's bittersweet but I'm really happy to see him releasing new stuff :)

[@mindfulnae4904]

I’m sorry for your loss ❤️

[@e.adriannapatterson3900]

Bless you. My deepest condolences. Your dear Daddy is with you when you chill with Shelley. May your Daddy rest in sweet eternal rest, and may you be encouraged and strengthened. Agape love to you.

[@Officiallij]

Im so sorry for your loss

[@YaBoyMike76]

Sorry for your loss, I'm glad you have those memories to hold on too though. Many blessings to you.

[@ellarodo8465]

♥️♥️♥️

[@jordanlonsdale9468]

Shelley and Anderson .Paak should link up.

[@skylineboy001]

Yooooooooo! I’m totally into the potential of this

[@aisha4674]

That would be an absolute madness!!!

[@ashleylewis8796]

here for it!!!

[@barwani64]

We want Silk Sonic and Shelley fka Dram🔥

[@chawanavaughn]

You, Sir are a genius!

[@nthawi]

Was thinking exactly that

[@angelsegura6834]

Oh wow yes!

[@DEEBLANCA]

Wouldn’t that be amazing 🙌🏾

[@ryansmjth]

Would be powerful live show

[@dawrldizmike]

He is getting better vocally, and he was already pretty good

[@TheAvgWoman]

I'm getting modern Teddy Pendergrass vibes. Loving the reinvention. Well done, Shelley.

[@briaf8745]

I thought the same thing !

[@TheAvgWoman]

@@briaf8745 yay !!

[@cheztate12]

Absolutely!

[@Superguy2096]

The back up singers, straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@iamcrystalcarr]

Hey man, thank you! I appreciate it. Follow me everywhere @iamcrystalcarr 🙏🏽💜

[@childrensbookauthorgingers3439]

yassss beautiful tone, blend & harmonies

[@kathleenkeo7517]

One Thousand Percent 👍🌷🌷

[@CIairdeLune]

No lies detected here 😭

[@thekaerichtexas]

Its the silk jammies for me

[@eubankseubanks9924]

This version is needed on a album. No discredit to his album. Im loving the live version better. 🔥🔥🔥

[@love718ful]

Agreed!!

[@monterayblkds9nr180]

BIG FACTS 💪🏾💪🏾💯

[@DariusPhelanReidDurr3RR]

40 of y’all buggin’...This is so GAHDAMN groovy!

[@jequanjackson6925]

No Cap

[@infinagon]

What? DRAM is evolving!

[@jon_louie]

Just imagine if they had H.E.R. come in for “The Lay Down”

[@cashaegreen1132]

She is on it Nd I think she shouldn’t be it perfect with just his voice

[@honey.shirin]

My fingers were crossed. She snapped on the album 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@cashaegreen1132]

Yes it most definitely is the performance is better than the album version to me

[@dellajones9727]

Love some DRAM! Can we take a moment and appreciate the background singers...Thank U

[@DruryCarr]

Yes absolutely!!

[@KeepItReal1]

These muscicians need a Grammy now! These was golden.✨

[@IllianaDioso]

The 757 will always remain superior when it comes to producing musical talent

[@laurencewhitney3397]

That's my sister on the viola!

[@laurencewhitney3397]

@Damini Nigeria She goes by Yuli

[@timeclock5771]

He look so much better without that beanie...u can see how attractive he is.

[@PentameronSV]

0:04 - *Exposure* [4:19] - *The Lay Down* (7:00) 7:02 - *Cooking with Grease* [10:04] - *Rich & Famous* [14:38 - Tiny Desk team]

[@mr.howard9933]

Thank you!

[@AshRochelle]

Why is this man not being recognized???

[@Mahmamaya]

Dram pjs just makes sense to me.

[@AwkwardlyIntroverted]

He doesn’t get enough credit. Love him!

[@tcoates5335]

Maaan, his vocals were on point!! His voice reminded me of Ronald Isley from the Isley Brothers, especially when he'd hit those higher notes. I think you can really hear it in The Lay Down😉

[@thescourges]

he did it again, i didn’t think he’d top his last tiny desk but here he is

[@stepbrown2000]

Omg them background vocals on Exposure

[@sheritaclark7488]

Dram should've been getting flowers, but welcome back Shelly 💐

[@fransinia.4675]

Dram is such a GIFT.

[@jamilabest8360]

Tiny Desk, y'all do not miss! Thank you for giving us the smooth grooves of Shelley to start off this work week!

[@bmc2295]

Only real ones individually shout out their support staff!

[@azizasingh]

Real musicians and bands always shout out their band members

[@bmc2295]

@@azizasingh "only real ones"

[@ipsilonia]

THIS WAS SO GOOOOOD. shelley come a long way since cha cha and we love to see the growth! his sound has ALWAYS been special.

[@chawanavaughn]

"Just when you need some love 🎶" Shelley came through "cooking with grease"

[@kingreese79]

This entire album is baby making music. He is so f*cking underrated.

[@adamward4546]

That song exposure exposed my soul. DRAM love the flower you have always been. But it seems the flower has bloomed again.

[@rahjasreign]

Why was this an answered prayer I didn't know I had!!!!

[@_vic97]

My goodness. This mix is everything, not taking away from the lovely singers, the lady on viola works so well with the guitarist.. The whole band is locked. This is one of the best NPR tiny desk concert, if not the best. Absolutely beautiful DRAM !

[@jessica__lashae]

I literally Never comment but for this amazing work I just had to. Let me first start by saying I've ALWAYS LOVED SHELLEY fka Dram!!! After watching this I said let me go back and watched his 2017 performance and not that it wasn't great, but I am just LOVING this sexy grown man vibe from him! I LOVE seeing Growth! And is growth has transpired from physically, vocally and lyrically!!! I LOVE IT

[@torrireed7271]

I love the way he introduces Cooking With Grease, like it brings him so much joy ☺️

[@ExistentialGardening]

When you just discovered this album and then find out there’s a tiny desk!!!! Yess!

[@tiffanydouglas2156]

That lol move he does when he performs Cooking With Grease is my favorite 😂😂🔥🔥 he brings some real soul now, love his growth!!!!!

[@McFarJordan]

One of my favourite tinydesk performances I think, I need a third!

[@atvance12]

Gives me very much New Aged Ceelo Vocals And I’m Here for Every Moment of it

[@tprince3019]

Yes!!!! Exactly that. That’s a duet we need.

[@danaburtwell1]

Exactly

[@SPDDFL]

Need that hey young man cover

[@selah_benjaminb7990]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 bro sounds good, but those background singers!!!! Geeeessssuuuuussss!!!

[@iamcrystalcarr]

Thank you so much! Follow me everywhere @iamcrystalcarr 🙏🏽💜

[@mh4003]

The violin was beautiful! Shelley sangs directly to me! Issa vibe!!!

[@sable.theartist]

I love listening to Artist that make me feel like I never heard music before! Fka Dram really made a vibe!!!

[@cynthiawalcott7356]

I don't go one day without listening to Shelley's music ❤️ He just blow's me away and the back ground singers are on 🔥

[@skylarmoore8146]

Sing it sista - stunning yet very complimentary to shelley 🥲

[@growcaseygocasey5804]

For everyone not expecting this, where have you truly been? Honestly.. truly. Dude is that guy

[@MelofFabglance]

SHELLEY! These vocals!!!!!! Here. For. It.

[@riccotherich2176]

The Shelley Show is More Life💯💪🧠🎶💰🙏

[@ilovecody7514]

Hus voice is angelic as always.

[@tyzac17]

Wassup Swami

[@elishawatkins4835]

Saw this brother in concert years ago. He’s continued to grow in his gift. Very 🔥🙏🏽

[@EvilEleph4nt]

Those pyjamas are FIRE 🔥

[@vixtagekirb]

SING SHELLY! So glad to see him back 💕

[@godsdaughterscollectiveTV]

This. Is. Just. Everything. His growth is so inspiring, he looks and sounds brand new. I hope Shelley has the very best of all things in life. Big ups beloved!!!

[@chasityragland3077]

Love his soulfulnesss it is so rare... Big Baby DRAM fan since cha cha ...he is extra ordinary... Here For Shelley ❤❤❤❤🥰

[@kuwinsitall]

Shelley is a national treasure. What on earth is wrong with the radio not jamming this on rotation

[@oerklanktv9713]

Love the violin in this setting!

[@luthscover6442]

looks like it's a viola. not a violin

[@oerklanktv9713]

@@luthscover6442 you’re right. Tnx!

[@oerklanktv9713]

Still love it tho

[@jarrettwhitney7489]

That’s Yuli. She is a really dope artist.

[@triwahyuningsih1240]

1:2 ➡️ livegirls19. com ⤵️ B.e.S.T f'u"l'l D.a.T.i.n.G h.o.T G.i.r.L's -L-o-V-e-S-e-X---❤️😘 ..👍 !💖🖤❤️今後は気をライブ配信の再編ありがとうです！この日のライブ配信は、かならりやばかったですね！１万人を超える人が見ていたもん（笑）やっぱり人参最高！まさかのカメラ切り忘れでやら1かしたのもドキドキでした,. 💖🖤在整個人類歷史上，強者，富人和具有狡猾特質的人捕食部落，氏族，城鎮，城市和鄉村中的弱者，無`'守和貧窮成員。然而，人類的生存意願迫使那些被拒絕，被剝奪或摧毀的基本需求的人們找到了一種生活方式，並繼續將其DNA融入不斷發展的人類社會。. 說到食物，不要以為那些被拒絕的人只吃垃圾。相反，他們學會了在被忽視的肉類和蔬菜中尋找營養。他們學會了清潔，切塊，調味和慢燉慢燉的野菜和肉類，在食品市場上被忽略的部分家用蔬菜和肉類，並且學會了使用芳香的木煙（如山核桃，山核桃和豆科灌木 來調味g食物煮的時候 1619492820

[@masonpatrices]

These tiny desk are so therapeutic going through a tough time in my marriage and Shelly's voice just calmed me down.

[@miztythatsme816]

Praying for you and at this very moment that you are doing well 🙏🏽🥰

[@nocoolkidsallowed8787]

I was just feeling like I could use some new music from him, this is a very welcome return

[@deseangahner6832]

I really ain’t know he had this... shook 🥲

[@1stgenwealthy]

Oh he singing, singing !!!!! I’m here for itttttt ❤️❤️❤️

[@queenv4340]

Shelley is magnificent fr, the backup singers are amazing

[@jevonsygu1]

Aww man I wish my Grandma was still alive so I could show her that the music she loves is still out here.

[@daniellegreenberg6481]

Please go on tour and please come to Orlando. You and everyone that is with you! Tour! I love you! Tour! 😻

[@Andrice954]

Shelley, bruh, you snapped once again. glad im hearing from you again.

[@yummdiddy]

I feel like he took some singing lessons. He still sings some awkward notes similar to Jimmy Hendrix, but the quality of his vocals has really improved dramatically.

[@miyagifatghost2684]

DRAM is that glee student that never gave up...Studied EVERY note ya dig his pen game was what made him amazing and held him over. But its all coming together now sounding soooo lovely

[@Meshaunjay]

HE'S evolved! This album is 🔥🔥🔥by the way. This performance is 🔥too. Sis on background is a vocal beast

[@MAKEITmakeSense-]

“Big Baby DRAM, I’m from Hampton!!!!” Where you been DRAM!?

[@lamara8497]

Big Baby aka D.R.A.M was the industry slash label puppet! Shelley is the true independent artist that's always wanted to come out! Sometimes you have to go left before you go right! Now watch this young man become a bigger force as himself! Keep that 🔥 coming grown folks style Shelley!

[@ovular]

I first discovered Shelley by his first NPR concert and have been religiously following him ever since. I’m so happy he’s embraced his name and so happy to see his evolution over the years. So excited to see this and for his new album.

[@miyagifatghost2684]

Me too

[@gamagoori]

the bridge at 3:00 gives me goosebumps everytime i listen. the passion shelley puts into the runs is just breathtaking. his passion and the beautiful, touching lyrics makes me really believe in love again

[@chawanavaughn]

Those pj's are 🔥 my guy & I'm loving the new music 👏🏿

[@missmeyon]

I love this guy! Very underrated, in my opinion.

[@geocyo8835]

I'm with it. 100%. I want to pull up a chair and be front row to wherever he is performing. I like where I see popular music heading for those like me who like music more than what I am told is supposed to be popular. Give me more.

[@EricaB4385]

I LOVE DRAM ....MUSIC ENERGY IS ALWAYS SO DOPE!!! I SEE HE CAME BACK WITH THAT FIRE FIRE 🔥

[@infinagon]

My guy. I knew people heard his new music. Lol I thought I was the only one

[@cammychillz9463]

Same lol

[@susanlewis4099]

This album in general already has given me so much life..BUT live? Nah this is absolutely amazing . I literally shed a tear.

[@TaylorTooWavey]

this was so goooood!!! I love the reintroduction as Shelly

[@JCole2598]

Continues to make hits...the album is gonna be 🔥

[@chelseamahdi2134]

I'm loving the rebranding! This is such a beautiful follow up to your first tiny desk ❤💖💗💕

[@caniecemitchell7918]

Screaming and crying 😭 Shelley keep smiling man, we love you

[@millifemme]

He's still hurting. Just want to hug him.

[@tripulet]

Came here for Shelley but omg my girl Yuli on the viola!! 🔥❤ I saw her once live, and I've been in love ever since. So dope she worked with Shelley.

[@PurpleCityDame]

WE NEED SHELLEY!

[@heathertea2704]

Y'ALL out Chere SANGING!!!🔥 GON Head!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@iamcrystalcarr]

Thanks Heather! 🙏🏽💜

[@Lisa-sb1co]

I could watch this all day!!

[@jordanliberus5775]

This gonna go soo underrated cause of his song “broccoli”

[@barwani64]

Yeah true💔

[@victorjones8203]

Negative.. his previous tiny desk was 🔥🔥 as well

[@eczema78]

Agreed!

[@The90slim90]

Broccoli is a great track though

[@djchrisoakcliff]

We always give the universe our best no matter what. We are the vibe!!!

[@jubai27]

Been a pleasure watching this brother grow.

[@m1ssteezylov3]

👑💫🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🔥😩A put it on,and let it play..The WHOLE album .I love him. pure. gift.

[@shannonlawhorn3163]

STRAIGHT FIRE!!!!! OMG!!!!!! ShelleyfkaDRAM!!!

[@anaxo3259]

OMG may the best concert of NPR? 💖🔥 I'm dead 💀

[@fumane_]

TIME STAMPS Exposure 00:06 The Lay Down 04:29 Cooking with Grease 07:03 Rich and Famous 10:09

[@goat3212]

I actually appreciated this man as a vocalist and artist because of his first NPR and became a big fan there after. I’m glad he grew into the artist he is now and dropped that “I think you’re cute” era.

[@lisalove4183]

Dram is Shelly and this new music is fire. love your new sound

[@rochelledavid8679]

this was wonderful. he is thriving. love his evolution as an artist.

[@chisaegbelu9171]

I am so incredibly grateful for this. Thank you.

[@keitahentleigh7489]

... Background singers are very good... The female has a very clear & distinct voice... She looks familiar too... Who is she?... Well, Ms. Crystal & Mr. Fuller... Well done...👏👏👏

[@raymondlawson2301]

Cristal carr. Back ground.

[@sarcher011]

Agree...that bkgrnd 🔥🔥

[@iamcrystalcarr]

Hey guys, that’s me. Thank you so much! Your words are well appreciated. Follow me everywhere @iamcrystalcarr 💜

[@keitahentleigh7489]

@@iamcrystalcarr ...I knew I had probably seen you before and more than likely heard you sing... I am from Atlanta... Just looked at your "Auditions" video where you are sitting with John Roberts 🥁... Been rockin with Lil John for over 30 years... I subscribed but more importantly I will be praying for you to become bigger, better, stronger in this thing called music... When I here IT in a vocalist I have to pray you forward... I have never prayed anyone forward and not see it happen... Get ready for what you want because God's about to give it to you... BTW back in the day I used be A&R for several record labels... I have always known the most talented when I here them... I pray and wish you wellness and success... Amen...🙏

[@e.adriannapatterson3900]

Hello Crystal Carr angel. Much love and respect.