Trina: Tiny Desk Concert

Sidney Madden | April 7, 2023
"I wanna introduce you guys to the baddest bitch," Trina told the audience of her Tiny Desk. "The original baddest bitch." It's a title no one but the hip-hop icon herself could been able to claim at the Tiny Desk - and for good reason.
As a rapper, Trina has been pushing P since before her successors were even sitting up in Pampers and her wild ride of a Tiny Desk concert, 25 years after making her rap debut, only further proves why she is the blueprint.
Decked out in leather, diamonds and a wavy jet-black bussdown, the vet got comfortable behind the Desk quickly, ready to give fans the best of her sprawling discography. Trina temporarily fought back tears as she recited "Mama," a dedication to her late mother who died of cancer in 2019. The crew made the breakup anthem "Here We Go" feel even more aching. The energy in the space made a seismic shift when the band took on the bass-bumpin' classic "Da Baddest Bitch," infusing the live arrangement with nimble guitar, charismatic drums and background vocalists so entertaining, their delivery felt like epic narration from the chorus of an ancient Greek play or, just as epically, a group homegirls hyping up their friend at the function. In the middle of it all was the 305 Queen herself, killing her verses with breath control, authority and bougie hair flips.
"I believe in who I am. The game didn't make me; I made the game. I made it," the Diamond Princess declared in her Louder Than A Riot interview before recording this Tiny Desk concert. "I already came in with a motive and an initiative to know who I am from. That's why I breed a whole universe of bad bitches." To hear Trina's full interview, subscribe to NPR Music's Louder Than A Riot podcast.
SET LIST
"Mama"
"Da Baddest Bitch"
"Single Again"
"Here We Go"
"Nann N****"
MUSICIANS
Trina: vocals
Bigg D: guitar
Alton Coley: bass
Jon Anderson: drums
Cory Irvin: keys
Asher Makeba Williams: vocals
Nia McClain: vocals
Shannon McClain: vocals
Corey "C.O." Evans: vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Sidney Madden, Bobby Carter
Director: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Editor: Joshua Bryant
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Sofia Seidel
Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
Production Assistants: Jill Britton, Alanté Serene
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Pilar Galván
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#NPRMusic #TinyDesk #Trina

[@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

[@LavishChino]

I want to perform

[@CoxDannyJ]

Hip hop with live instruments is so underrated

[@djmeekyoutube]

Oh yes

[@CleanMusicLover229]

Organized Noized the only producers that played live instruments.

[@djmeekyoutube]

@@CleanMusicLover229 false. And I love Organized Noize. But that's false.

[@Sarada.Amaru.999]

@@CleanMusicLover229 The Roots play instruments as well.🎯

[@MisterVontega]

I have never experienced anything like this until now. Definitely underrated.

[@sabinedenis91]

The tiny desk concert we didn’t even know we needed 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@shayshebad]

Right! ❤

[@alwaysbgoodTV]

Had no idea! I’m so thankful 🥲

[@supernaturalvictorieswithsunny]

❤

[@TheEnergeticSoulSpa]

Facts!

[@ebirving1982]

Seriously, I really enjoyed it!

[@ninabarrett9372]

Trina’s breathe control is INSANE!!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@gennyyyyyyyyy]

This!!!

[@terrellwilliams2240]

It sure is especially here cause she was sick at the time.

[@cocojack3693]

Compliments of THEE LATE GREAT BETTY WRIGHT! Her training was phenomenal

[@plutostarr8605]

She’s so strong to not cry during the first song 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💕

[@ArghRawrWhoa]

2:08 is when she wipes her tears

[@dswuretheswaggnificent6867]

The background singers where getting there entire life. You can tell that they where genuine fans of each song, & that they where getting took back, it literally seemed like they forgot they where at work a few times, LOL. 💯💯🙌😅🤣

[@sososanchez3512]

Dam Ryte!!!

[@iKETOURAGE]

The vocalist to the right was LIVING

[@k2kfitchannel944]

ENTIRE

[@antwangraham8765]

@@iKETOURAGE Trina said them late Betty Wright daughters

[@vspencer1011]

They had me hype! lol LOVED THEM lol

[@luvistragedy]

This was one of the best tiny desk performances I’ve seen. She sounds exactly like her records.

[@rockrasheed7507]

TRINA IS AN ICON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GoddesssofMind]

My 34 year old heart did not deserve this. Brought me back to being in middle school sneaking listening to her music before church! This was such a treat to watch!

[@kaithleen3872]

trina provides the pre-sermon before the service

[@MsAutumnBreeze]

Wait... Not before church 😆

[@nekaneek4627]

Omg same. And I grew up in Miami. I grew up on her and Trick Daddy!

[@omegamcbride]

Gotta say what song did it for you, "back then"

[@brandyrobinson2822]

Me too

[@88wyrick]

Was not expecting this 😂. NPR hit us with a curveball. Trina with a live band is 🔥. Nia Amber did not come to play!

[@QueenBluntdanae]

I swear I wasn’t I love this for her & us

[@Davonciaaa_Tv]

Facts

[@closetwhisperer7029]

The background singers are everything! They look like they havin so much fun 🙌🏾

[@JillianVSJill]

Ofc Betty Wright in that DNA

[@1710Austin]

Tiny desk is the real test. Live and uncut and no effects or backing vocals to hide behind. Trina a real MC.

[@erikm8372]

It’s the “new” Unplugged. But with far more variety and genres than MTV ever had..

[@gershonnundkumar6444]

That jazz rap fusion vibe of "Single Again" I was screaming from the first note omfg 🔥🔥

[@d3dd440]

00:06 🙌🏾😇 sad song but I love it 🥰

[@lynette5877]

As a Floridian born and raised, this gave me LIFE. Trina is our First Lady! The BADDEST

[@Miadontforgetthisone]

Same. Made my whole day.

[@prettygirlshayka90]

GIRL!!! Miami 305!!! This gave me life! I literally screamed man!

[@nilkamartinez7642]

🙌

[@kemahdee2380]

Trina deserved more than 15 mins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gamecard7640]

Yeah I agree

[@TiffanyAnnn]

Everyone gets 15 minutes minimum if you watch any episodes from NPR

[@sarahjohnson6864]

I scrolled down looks like they’re usually 24 mins

[@GULLAHTV33]

naw

[@livelovely4681]

No fr 😢

[@pointlessNYC]

Trina with a live band is necessary ❤ thank you NPR!!

[@byroncameron6503]

Never imagined an acoustic version of Trina but it sound’s phenomenal

[@BPrincess]

It’s her singing Glorilla 🙌🏾 she’s so supportive

[@DruStory4]

The baddest b!tch song live with the band, is a mood.❤❤💃🏾🕺🏾

[@charjones4376]

Trina I Know Your Mommy Is Looking Down At Her Baby Gurl With The Biggest , Proudest Smile. Keep Shinning Rockstarr 😊🤗😘

[@msgaza2424]

Trina deserved this moment 🥰🥰

[@ucantceeme1]

Hearing a live band play “Naan N****” was all I needed for this Friday! 💪🏾

[@JayDee615]

Thanks for the diversity Npr. TRINA is a legend ❤

[@DenaSimone]

This!!!

[@shardanette1]

Props to Bob. He brings in a wide range of musicians to the desk.

[@tirissymone]

YES TRINA!!!!! SHE LEFT NO CRUMBS! She looks great & sounds even better!!! ❤

[@tracylaneconway6604]

Your background singers are worthy of their craft - Loved it

[@fingee6761]

We need Trina doing a jazz club tour! This was amazing.

[@djmeekyoutube]

Listen....🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mingalingdoe]

Yasssss!!!!

[@miami-dade3058]

Hmmm 🤔 🤣🤣🤣

[@XhipX2bXsquareX]

I got my money ready.

[@kay22100]

@@miami-dade3058 lmbo right

[@niaamber7457]

This was such an honor for me! Thank you so much for the opportunity Trina! Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined being a part of a history!

[@miapertee]

You did great ❤🔥

[@adonistwilliams3113]

Well deserved 🎉🎉

[@Ayurveduh]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Camoutaylor]

You killed it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@iampinktink]

You did an amazing job !

[@MissChrissyJaye]

I love that Trina is getting her flowers 💐 THE ORIGINAL BADDEST B*TCH!!!!

[@lisasims3970]

i keep rewatching this. this is my favorite tiny desk EVER

[@deidrajames4258]

Let’s talk about Trina’s breathing. She got that, these girls needs to take note.

[@dimplesluv007]

This!!

[@neckbone4941]

Studio singers.

[@lamara8497]

Yeah back ground wasn't the best

[@MaryThiboudeax]

She came up in era of artist development

[@e.rogers8763]

You need to watch Megan's tiny desk. She didn't miss a beat.

[@bbcakess]

Never would have expected Trina on NPR. Nia’s voice 🤌🏽🔥🔥

[@Iamniaamber]

Thank you 🥰

[@ashunt29]

I love this with Trina. The live band and the background singers made me want to go see her in concert with them backing her up. It reminds me when LL Cool J performed on MTV Unplugged with the live band. Get it TRINA!!! I wanted more. Trina looks like she is in her element more than I have ever seen her.

[@d3dd440]

Good idea I hopes it’s done

[@akiyatiffany]

This was good. I love how Trina stays relevant and in her own line. Just doing her and enjoying life. Never intimidated. Never competing. But FULLY aware of who the F she is and what she contributed to the game. She confident in her crown and title as a legend.

[@GeminiLesbian]

Indeed! 👏🏾

[@janiacrowder6051]

Right bc she knows shes a legend, she walks in it ❤️‍🔥

[@dcaleb149]

I grew up watching Trina. You just gotta give this woman her Flowers. She has a Heart and a Beautiful spirit!!

[@FocalPointElisa]

Trina's flow and delivery is everything! Let me say, Asher, Nia and Shannon's voices are amazing !

[@1Queen_Dee]

Yes, Betty’s daughters didn’t disappoint. They slayed!

[@Iamniaamber]

Thank you 🥰

[@Iamniaamber]

@@1Queen_Dee thank you!!

[@valenciawilliams983]

Y'all kilt!

[@shangxian]

Absolutely immaculate.

[@sososanchez3512]

A moment of silence for the Background Sangers!!! Amazing ❤

[@islandbrowning2299]

Trina looks great, this was a pleasant surprise. I didnt realize how many songs I knew till I started singing along. The band and background singers were perfect 👌

[@brianichole]

Yassss! Trina did her thing . The tribute to her mama had me crying 😢

[@thuglifeislife]

Me too

[@dnellcarson4571]

The ladies on the Vocals was Fire 🔥!!!

[@topnetworkersgroup]

same -

[@angieboyd3386]

❤

[@CarlosRhodesmusic]

Me too

[@overnightsuccess_w_sy]

her breath control was amazing 💪🏽💝

[@1908prettylawyer]

YES!!! Vocals on 100! 💯

[@LaTany201342]

Trina did that!!!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 The first song had me on the verge of tears🥺, my mom's passing was 8 years ago. The band, the singers, well done! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@NA-8721]

Xoxo losing a mom is hard..sending hugs lost mine 1/1/16

[@sharisseg7214]

❤

[@eshabiswas1087]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤😘

[@keepinitrealwitdg5944]

Trina snapped on this

[@MikeWilderWv3]

Trina is a legend! She walked so that JT and Caresha could FLY! Let's give her all the flowers! Love you Trina!

[@TititoDeBologay]

📠 we love a connoisseur in the comments. Have a great week.

[@rhonnichan]

Fun fact: JT and Caresha was raised around Trina and considers her a god mother 😊

[@40mrm]

@@rhonnichanTrina is Caresha’s actual godmother.

[@AA-td1yw]

U mean she bent over

[@destiny11.29]

if everyone knew this. we’d be okay.

[@michellenieves5338]

She could take these versions to city wineries and seek different venues. This is so chill . Love it .

[@tiffanyfaces4268]

This is the performance I didn’t know I needed to see! Trina is really a Legend! Give her her flowers 💐 the background singers loved them! The guy on the guitar 🔥

[@TheLadyKiel]

Trina is forever a grace of beauty and a huge gift in the rap industry

[@djones5459]

This is like a Great balance of RACHET and CLASSY!!!! I love this performance so much!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥😍👑🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ClowneryAtItsFinest]

EXACTLY 😂

[@Goddessneen1117]

Lol I love it 😩😂 ✨❤️✨

[@djones5459]

@@ClowneryAtItsFinest RIGHT!!!🔥

[@SheGotdajuice_]

Perfectly said ❤️💯

[@tonyjenkins7378]

The word is actually spelled wretched meaning: (of a person) in a very unhappy or unfortunate state: We have lowered our standards for women of color so much and toxicity we praise it. Shame and gross rolled all in one. One of the many reasons why I refuse to date or associate with many women of color to date or be in a long term relationship, because of the toxicity.

[@MindfulMoments1444]

Trina killed it!! She laid the foundation for the modern female dirty rappers-the City girls, Meg the Stallion, Cardi B and etc. 💐

[@Billy.Ripken]

Lil’ Kim did that sweetie. They’re all her offspring. Especially Trina.

[@elleluxe]

​@@Billy.Ripken I ❤ Kim too May you meet her 1 day ❤ 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@samg2198]

@@Billy.Ripkenexactly.

[@mikee3261]

Kinda crazy y’all act like foxy brown never existed

[@Billy.Ripken]

@@mikee3261 Foxy was the original Bootleg Lil’ Kim. What about her?

[@kyleemon1852]

The tiny desk I didn't even know I needed . I saw her versus with eve and this tiny desk is showing me stuff I never focused on . How beautiful her background is , her breath control , how her voice is so on point . Love you Trina.

[@chrissonofruths3583]

The band makes a big difference seriously...A happy band is a live 🔥

[@d3dd440]

✅✅✅

[@prettygirlshayka90]

WHEN I SAW THIS I SAID “WE MADE IT!!!!” Miami let’s go! So proud of you Katrina!!!!!! We love you! Diamond princess!

[@1Queen_Dee]

I love the live band. Trina, did that. I wish more concerts were with a live band. Betty Wright’s daughters’ didn’t disappoint.

[@lovegyal3966]

Yes!

[@mantisbog]

Boring.

[@1Queen_Dee]

@@mantisbog No, it wasn’t. Stop it!

[@kimberlyhudson2385]

💯

[@trentonhuntley9966]

Who’s Betty Wright’s daughter?

[@arnydoll]

Why is she not at a million!!! 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️Yall playing!!!

[@miamisimms88]

Those are betty Wright daughters 😮Wow!! Amazing 👏🏾

[@deglamour2010]

Come on through with it all: Trina, background singers and the band 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Rodnyet]

Trina killed it 🔥 🔥 🔥 and those backup singers were amazing!

[@novellashelton3494]

100%

[@mwashi401]

No lie! This was real entertaining! Go ahead Trina, Nia and the crew!! More artists should do these!

[@JusMittWay.0916]

Yes Tiny Desk shows an artist true talent

[@kaithleen3872]

THE ORIGINAL MOTHER!!! we wouldn't be where we are in music without her, all my love to this whole crew they look so happy

[@COOKIEM260]

Music is garbage now and Trina is part of the reason as to why it is.

[@5thtodasev]

@@COOKIEM260so why watch the video?

[@DannyTruthMagnified]

​@@COOKIEM260👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@rosetopaz]

Mama 0:32 Da Baddest 3:48 Single Again 6:01 Here We Go 9:03 Nann 12:19

[@tumireacts]

I did not have this performance on my Bingo card, but LORD! It has surpassed my wildest imagination. Trina and everyone on that stage did IT!

[@Jazzy-mt3ht]

I know right Trina and the band was on point.

[@terrascott1841]

She is everything. The humble Queen we deserve.

[@heyLex]

They killed this!!!!!!!!! Love how they spin it with the live music. Just artistry!!! Love Trina's energy too.

[@dameionlorenzo]

A Tiny Desk Concert I didn't know I needed! I'm a Florida native so Trina has always been a staple in the culture. This was everything and I hope she does more shows in settings like this.

[@ellarodo8465]

This was unexpected but something I didn’t know I needed 😂! S/O to Trina and NPR for this ❤.

[@sasharenee7348]

Love Me Some Trina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! & Her Crew (singers & musicians) - Perfect, Perfect & More Perfect!!!!!! & I’m single!!! & Thank You for that Bomb A song for Us single ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bossjean6685]

Wish it was longer!!!

[@King__IV818]

Hands down one of the best rap Tiny Desk installments. The live instrumentation REALLY brought added life to her music!

[@djmeekyoutube]

Wha wha wha wha WHAT??!!! Never would have guessed Trina was getting a Tiny Desk but she is so worthy!!!💐💐💐💐💐💐 I want to hear the rest of her hits, JUST LIKE THIS! Okay NPR!!

[@consuelacharleston2369]

Go sis wit yo bad self!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@baddiecee6628]

Who thought we needed a Trina tiny desk I love it 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@accordingtoangela]

Trina is the soundtrack to every party since high school. I’m 33 now. Every time anyone in our friend group makes a party playlist, Trina is on every single one multiple times. Thank you, Trina for the gift of life long memories through your art!

[@sunnybright8206]

Facts

[@QueenBluntdanae]

Facts

[@alexbartowitz1026]

Trina is the reason these new girls exist! A true icon.

[@gqpatf1540]

Living legend Trina did her thing. Give the Diamond Princess her well deserved flowers 🌹 Shout out to those soulful backup singers and that outstanding live band. Much respect to you all. 🙏🏾👍🏾❤️🔥

[@israeljones9563]

The whole set was 🔥 from Trina that band was on point not mentioned those background singers especially the one all the way to the right she looks like she having so much fun

[@soblessed_21]

Ok Tiny Desk Bringing Us Ms. Trina....We Are Here For It!! Vibe and Flow On Point👏💯❤

[@ForHeWhoLaughs]

This is too monumental. I only heard her so often growing up, but this speaks for her the same way it does for NPR. Wow.

[@amh4181]

I made it to this concert Trina❤🌹🌺💐🙏🏽🤩🥰😍

[@Deadbeat2ABossT.V]

Let’s talk about the youth Trina has reserved she still looks 25 ❤

[@HaightTheGreat]

Not what I expected. The band and the singers are amazing.

[@LuvHuni]

I agree! Such a great crew!❤

[@TheRealStellaNoWine]

I done watched this twice already! Smiling so hard. Sometimes you have no idea why you’re so darn happy for someone and that’s how I feel right now! Trina will always be the baddest! These ladies in the background are PURE GOLD! 🥰🙌🏾💚

[@whatchuknowboutdat5740]

Agreed! I can’t stop smiling through the performance. I think it’s cuz Trina’s energy is pretty pure and she’s having fun

[@TheRealStellaNoWine]

@@whatchuknowboutdat5740 🎯 point taken 💚

[@nequag]

There perfect❤

[@angelad599]

I've watched it about 10 times, I'm reading the comments plus my favorite song is with her and jelly on repeat

[@thetruthspoken1]

She ate this up.

[@TulaAntonia]

I loveee how her songs sound livee wow. DEFINITELY A TINY DESK I didn’t know we deserveddd! 🎉🎉❤ amazing!!

[@sashaunahenry1037]

She made me wanna hear a live rap album !

[@Singlehood2Marriage]

That INTRO was AMAZING..... I'm actually teary eyed!!! GREAT JOB TRINA!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@DenaSimone]

Me too lost my Mom in 2017, hits close. I begged her not to leave but her body was tired.

[@Singlehood2Marriage]

@@DenaSimone Awe ... my prayers are with you.... lost my grandma in 2021 and it still hurts til this day!! Much love to you.... we are gonna make them proud!! ❤️🤗🎉🙏🏽

[@honeynicolereign5804]

Healing and prayers to both of you beautiful women🥺🥰🤲🏾🤲🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️❤️

[@MsDorisann]

WOW!!! EVERYONE take notice, this is how it is done, from "The Baddest B***h" Trina is a true Iconic Legend. Love Trina!!!! Longevity is a real thing!!!!

[@juliap5457]

Wow Trina thank you! The confidence level is off the charts! Flowers 💐 definitely deserved

[@tyraxtyra]

Trina has so much charisma

[@Sarada.Amaru.999]

She is fiyyyyyah, you hear me..🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SabaliBGDC]

Tears came down my eyes when she said Betty Wright Daughters..I love this entire set!!! R.I.P Betty Wright

[@karondrenoel71]

Only Asher is the daughter with braids

[@recoveryisessential1423]

❤This is what I needed taday!!!

[@finisher3x]

I've seen Trina twice in club concerts in my life. If she did another with a live band like this, I'd watch her again. This was excellent.

[@YaniquewithLove]

My new favourite tiny desk!!!! 💃🏽 get it Trina!!!!!! And the back up singers are lit! 🔥🔥

[@jonathangoubar3973]

Mornin yall

[@Eliahninja]

👋

[@Rysizzle21]

Morning

[@TheCe28]

Good mornin

[@chocolatebunni]

Good morning...

[@kntayloe880]

Right!!! Up listening to Trina before sunrise

[@ashleyblackberry8523]

The Band , The Singers , Plus Trina …. 🔥🔥🔥

[@galvinbegody5683]

Love u ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ my favorite girl ❤❤❤❤ love u Trina ....I'll see u here in Phoenix Arizona soon. November 18 23 ❤❤❤❤

[@karencline6198]

I’m just a66 white woman and never listen to rap Or language… but I HAD to listen! Got roped in the first song , this is awesome!!

[@spiffyvuitton]

THIS SLAPPED ALOT HARDER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD 🖤🙌🏽

[@djmeekyoutube]

And did. I want to hear more of her hits, just like this.

[@tenmusicpage]

Exactly the arrangement and background made her look and sound much better wow mad respect!!!

[@nicolejames3054]

Right!!😂

[@MisterVontega]

Okay. Straight sucker punch.

[@JayGarcon]

Amazing! Trina should do a live album 🔥🏆🔥

[@Sarada.Amaru.999]

Yessssssssssssssss!My same thoughts!🎯💯

[@thebestofe6652]

trinaaa is so MIAMI & I love it !

[@cindymayorga6021]

Trina❤ ❤❤❤❤

[@bilanali7903]

The background singers were giving me life ❤️‍🔥

[@kamrynlennix7864]

She definitely could have had a longer set this was fire ❤️‼️

[@exienikki3142]

Them background singers n tht gentleman on tht guitahhhhhhh. Yyyaassssss Trina!