Cardi B turns up with electric ‘NPR Tiny Desk’ performance

The rap superstar made her debut on NPR’s flagship music concert series, offering her trademark humor and vulnerability as she performed some of her biggest hits.

Cardi B‘s highly anticipated “Tiny Desk Concert” for NPR led to a rare moment in the program’s illustrious history: not everyone could actually see it live.

“We drew one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen here,” NPR’s Alanté Serene wrote about her performance. “People from all walks of life lined up to watch one of rap’s most unfiltered stars take over the Desk.”

Needless to say, the “Trap Selena” and Grammy Award winner made it clear with her Black power blazer that her energetic personality and hits translate even in a stripped-down environment. Over 18 minutes, Cardi weaved through some of her biggest hits and even some of the punchier moments from her 2025 sophomore album, “Am I The Drama?”

Even though her set was scaled down, Cardi’s emphasis and confidence were on 10. From the triumphant and defiant opener “Hello” to the bombastic set closer “I Like It,” Cardi displayed engaging breath control while giving new energy and new interpretations to some of her most vulnerable singles. After a personal one-two combination of “Man of Your Word” and “Be Careful,” Cardi made it clear: “Change the vibes!”

Backing the rapper inside the NPR offices for her band were Adam Blackstone (bass/keys/music director), DJ Ray G, Eugene Roberts (keys), Clayton Sears (guitar), Cedric Thompson (drums), Kenneth Whalum (sax), Melvin Jones (trumpet), Tiffany Stevens (background vocals), and Ebony Franklin (background vocals).

Fans of the Bronx rapper hopefully won’t have to wait seven years between her sophomore and junior albums as they did between her 2018 debut “Invasion of Privacy” and “Am I The Drama?.” During an interview with “The Breakfast Club” at the iHeartMedia Awards in September, Cardi confirmed she was hard at work on her third studio effort.

“I am doing a new album. And after November, after my birthday, I’m shifting myself away just to record,” Cardi told DJ Envy, Charlemagne Tha God and Jess Hilarious.

Watch Cardi’s “Tiny Desk” set below.