Need A Break From Politics Talk? Let These Best Black NPR Tiny Desk Concerts Be the Perfect Distraction

There’s truly nothing like the soulful sounds of Black music. Whether it’s R&B, jazz, hip-hop, rap, country or an entirely different genre altogether, what remains unquestionable is the fact that Black artists have been the driving force behind the some of culture’s best music moments.

And thanks to series like “NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts,” where musicians from all over the country come to perform a short set of some of their greatest hits, Black singers, songwriters and performers are continuing to show up and show out. And in times like these where many are still reeling with the political fallout from the 2024 presidential election, we’d thought it’d be fun to take a look at some of the best Black Tiny Desk Concerts from over the years as a form of reprieve. While this list is numbered, please don’t take this as the definitive ranking because just like trying to pick your favorite child, picking your favorite out of these performers was a tall order.

So kick off your shoes, relax your feet (and your mind) and party on down to some of our faves.

Willow Smith’s unique voice and ear for music makes this set one of the better ones yet. Forget all the nepo baby chatter, it’s clear Willow can stand and will stand on her own in her own beautiful way.

Featured songs: “Symptom of Life,” “Split,” “Wait a Minute!”

You already know when The Lox opens up with “Recognize,” whatever happens next is going to be iconic—and indeed, their Tiny Desk set was.

Featured songs: “Good Times,” “By Your Side,” “Money, Power & Respect”

Sporting soft flowy hair with flowers and a floral dress, rapper Flo Milli came in hard with good bars and a good time, placing female rap back on the pedestal where it belongs.

Featured songs: “In The Party,” “Beef FloMix,” “Never Lose Me

Jhené Aiko’s ultimate good vibes set was the thing we all needed in 2020 and it’s healing aura is necessary even now. Get into and get some peace!

Featured songs: “Born Tired,” “W.A.Y.S.,” “Eternal Sunshine”

Switching genres to gospel, Kirk Franklin and his fabulous background singers brought much needed light and love in this set from the pandemic-era in 2021. We might of all been inside but thanks to this, we all felt connected to each other and to something bigger than us.

Featured songs: “Love Theory,” “Melodies From Heaven,” “I Smile”

Neo-soul and R&B singer Maxwell put on one helluva performance by singing songs like “Pretty Wings,” “Sumthin, Sumthin,” “Bad Habit,” and my personal favorite “Ascension(Don’t Ever Wonder).” The spirit of grooving was all over this one and we’re here for it!

Featured songs: “Pretty Wings,” “Bad Habit,” “Ascension(Don’t Ever Wonder).”

SiR grooved and floated over these instruments like he was made for such a time as this. This is one to revisit often.

Featured songs: “The Recipe,” “New Sky,” “John Redcorn”

If you’ve ever wondered what sonic soul food sounds like, then just press play on Anthony Hamilton’s Tiny Desk. It’ll have you saying “amen” and reminiscing on the good ole days and hopeful for better ones to come.

Featured songs: “Best Of Me,” “Cool,” “Charlene”

Unpopular opinion, but I think it’s somewhat hard for rappers to have good sets on this platform. But Big Sean proved me wrong and I’m so glad he did.

Featured songs: “Blessings,” “Play No Games, ” “My Last”

Coming in near the top of the list is Usher (duh). Insanely smooth vocals aside, this performance reached the upper echelons of virality thanks to his impromptu “watch dis” dance which made this already-classic set an unforgettable classic.

Featured songs: “Confessions Pt. II,” “Superstar,” “U Don’t Have to Call

You already know it’s going to be a good time when Uncle Charlie Wilson touches the mic and that’s exactly what we got in addition to a slight visit to church because “I’m Blessed” had all of the Holy Oil on it.

Featured songs: “Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” “Computer Love,” “Sweet Yamz,” “Yearning for Your Love”

Babyface’s “Tiny Desk” showed us exactly why the “Whip Appeal” singer’s been in the game for as long as he has. He also showed us the power of having good background singers, word to Tank, Avery Wilson and Chanté Moore.

Featured songs: “Two Occasions,” “Whip Appeal,” “Superwoman,” “Take A Bow”

To say you never know what to expect from a Durand Bernarr performance, or rather, the Durand Bernarr Experience would be an understatement in the best way. This performance has to easily be in their Top 5 and one that I go and re-visit often. Watch and be amazed.

Featured songs: “Leveled,” “Mango Butter,” “Stuck”

The one and only Chaka Khan proved why she’s every woman and why she’s going to forever be a household name.

Featured songs: “Through the Fire,” “Ain’t Nobody,” “I’m Every Woman”

These sisters with voices continue to show us why and just how they kept selling out shows night after night while on their “Queens of R&B Tour” this past summer. 10/10.

Featured songs: “I’m So Into You,” “Right Here (Human Nature Radio Mix),” “Rain”

If there’s an artist that more people need to talk about, it’s Masego. He can sing, he can play the saxophone impeccably well and he has a hilarious personality that sits a cherry on top. If you don’t believe me, just press play.

Featured songs: “Tadow,” “Nayhoo,” “Queen Tings”

All it took was for me to hear Anderson .Paak scream “y’all niggas got me hot” to get me excited for this performance. And every song after that was just as good.

Featured songs: “Suede,” “Come Down,” “Put Me Thru”

If you were looking for a person who sounds just as good as as their record, if not better, that’s exactly what you get with Lucky Daye. Listening to him is never a bad idea.

Featured songs: “Roll Some Mo,” “Late Night,” “Misunderstood,”

Energizing, funky, eclectic, original. Those are all words I’d use to describe Tank & The Bangas performance. Tapping into them is tapping into a breath of fresh air musically and I think we all deserve to inhale a little deeper from time to time.

Featured songs: “Boxes And Squares,” “Quick,” “Rollercoasters”

Thanks to the pandemic, “Tiny Desks” went to from in-person to virtual and Kirby’s performance back in 2020 was one of the more brightening moments of a rather despondent, crazy year.

Featured songs: Kool Aid,” “Apple,” and “Velvet”

Even though this “Shea Butter Baby” was technically under the weather when she showed up, Ari Lennox still delivered a performance that’s found it’s way into a little pocket of my heart. Get into her if you haven’t already!

Featured songs: “Speak To Me,” “Pop,” “New Apartment”

I happen to be of the belief that there’s nothing on this Earth that Tyler the Creator can’t be successful at and his “Tiny Desk” performance was just further proof of that notion.

Featured songs: “Boredom,” “See You Agin,” “Glitter”

A longtime love of the concert series, Jordan Ward finally got his time to shine and perform a handful of his best songs. He brought an undeniably good sound and infectious energy that kept the flow of the set going effortlessly.

Featured songs: “FAMJAM4000,” “Lil Baby Crush,” “White Crocs”