Cardi B made her debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, delivering an eight-song performance that reworked some of her biggest hits with a live band. The rapper performed in the intimate NPR Music office, where a large crowd gathered to see her take on the series’ stripped-down format.
The nearly 19-minute set opened with “Hello” before moving through “ErrTime,” “Man of Your Word” and “Be Careful.” Cardi then shifted to more energetic material, performing “Up” and “AH HA” before closing with “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It.” The arrangements featured live instrumentation, giving the tracks a different feel from their studio versions.
Cardi was joined by a group of musicians led by Adam Blackstone, who handled bass, keyboards and musical direction. The ensemble also included DJ Ray G, guitarist Clayton Sears, drummer Cedric Thompson, saxophonist Kenneth Whalum, trumpeter Melvin Jones and background vocalists Tiffany Stevens and Ebony Franklin.
The performance also showcased Cardi’s humor. After joking about the food provided for her appearance, she mentioned missing Maryland crab cakes, adding a lighthearted moment to the set. The concert arrives as the Grammy-winning artist continues promoting her music following the release of her 2025 album “Am I the Drama?” and her recent single “Ah Ha.”
Check out Cardi B’s Tiny Desk Concert- HERE.
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