Top 10 Tiny Desk Concerts Since 2025

NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts transformed the way we experience live music, stripping artists back to the essence of their craft: voice, instruments, and raw emotion. For those accustomed to the big productions and lighting effects of big stages, these concerts, pioneered by Bob Boilen in 2008, were a breath of fresh air. Of the hundreds of memorable performances, here are the ten that redefined this unique format.

1. Mac Miller

Mac Miller captured the essence of Tiny Desk like no other. With his rendition of tracks from Swimming , including “What's the Use?”, this session became a moving tribute to his talent and sincerity. Thundercat on bass, Miller vulnerable but charismatic… It’s a memorable performance, especially for those who appreciate a moment of pure authenticity in music.

2. Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals

If you like high energy, Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals will satisfy you. This 2016 performance is a blend of funk, soul and hip-hop. Anderson .Paak, a true maestro, alternates between drums and vocals with a groove that makes it impossible to stay still. It's a live masterclass, ideal for lovers of positive and contagious energy.

3. Stromae

Stromae's session brings this unique touch of poetry and depth. With his electronic rhythms and theatrical interpretation, he delivers an intense performance, which demonstrates how each word, each gesture is thought out to capture the audience. Stromae is the art of transmitting raw emotions, with this quasi-mystical aura that only the greatest can afford.

4. Wu-Tang Clan

If you appreciate authentic rap, rooted in hip-hop culture and history, seeing the Wu-Tang Clan in the cramped space of the NPR office is a pure pleasure. They perform “CREAM” and “Triumph” with an energy that shows why they are a living legend of the genre. This Tiny Desk is a lesson in history and raw power, perfect for those who love rap in its purest form.

5. Jorja Smith

For those moments when you want to immerse yourself in a more soulful and introspective atmosphere, Jorja Smith's performance is ideal. Her voice, soft but powerful, finds a perfect echo in this intimate space. Each of her pieces, carried by a sincere emotion, creates a moment suspended in time. A real treat for lovers of soulful and authentic music.

6. T-Pain

T-Pain shows an unexpected side of his talent during this Tiny Desk . Without Auto-Tune, his natural voice takes over, and he proves that he is much more than just a hitmaker. His session is perfect if you appreciate artists capable of reinventing themselves and breaking prejudices. With “Buy U a Drank” and “Up Down”, he offers a surprising and unmissable performance.

7. Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator brings his creative madness and untamed energy to this Tiny Desk . His provocative side is combined here with a certain gentleness, an almost intimate reflection. This performance is a must-see for any Tyler fan, but also for those who like performances where the artist shows his different facets without filter.

8. Burna Boy

Burna Boy's session is one of the most rhythmic and captivating of the Tiny Desk . With his mix of afrobeat and reggae influences, Burna Boy instills a unique vibe and transports the audience into his vibrant universe. Ideal for those who love sunny sounds, this performance is a concentrate of energy and feeling.

9. Time

Tems, in a more minimalist register, captivates with her suave and powerful voice. Her Tiny Desk gives off a soft and melancholic aura, perfect for moments of calm and reflection. It is a performance that soothes and transports, with a vocal mastery that will seduce those who are sensitive to immersive voices and hushed atmospheres.

10. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

Finally, for underground hip-hop fans, Freddie Gibbs and Madlib sign an intense session, full of flow and dark rhythms. The duo, often associated with raw and uncompromising rap, delivers an intense performance here. Perfect for those who appreciate rap in its most authentic and direct version.