Best & Worst NPR Tiny Desk Performances by Black Artists Ranked

One of the best things about NPR Music? Their oft-viral Tiny Desk performances. Since its inception in 2008, the platform has featured both big name and little known artists who have enraptured audiences both in-person and online.

As you might expect, more than a handful of Black artists have graced the small stage with their talents and there have been countless good–and bad performances that truly left us all speechless, singing along, or side-eyeing hard as hell. Seeing that as the case and with the new “Sinners” Tiny Desk getting folks hype on social media, we thought it’d be fun to take a look back at some of the most memorable ones–whether they made you run it back several times or turn it off after a few minutes.

Keep reading to get into it!

“Sinners” Tiny Desk: A Recent Highlight

Why It’s a Standout: The February 27, 2026, performance featuring Buddy Guy and Miles Caton from “Sinners” has quickly become a fan favorite. The pairing of the legendary blues musician with the film’s star created a unique and compelling moment, drawing significant attention on social media. They performed “I Lied to You” from the film, alongside other hits from Guy’s catalog.

Usher’s Smooth Performance

Why It’s a Highlight: Usher’s Tiny Desk concert was widely praised for his vocal performance and stage presence. The performance showcased his range and solidified his status as a music icon.

Doechii’s Grammy-Worthy Set

Why It’s a Highlight: Doechii’s Tiny Desk performance was lauded as a demonstration of her talent, particularly following her Grammy win earlier in 2025. Her performance highlighted her unique style and vocal abilities.

Amerie’s Performance: A Missed Note

Why It Received Criticism: Amerie’s performance drew criticism for being off-pitch, particularly during her rendition of “1 Thing.” Even as her effort was appreciated, the vocal performance did not meet expectations for some viewers.

Rick Ross’s Performance: Distracting Background Vocals

Why It Was Disappointing: Rick Ross’s Tiny Desk concert was overshadowed by the performance of his background singer, who some viewers found to be overly prominent and distracting.

Maxwell’s Soulful Rendition

Why It’s a Highlight: Maxwell’s performance was praised for its soulful delivery and his signature vocal style. His rendition of “Pretty Wings” was a particular standout moment.

Charlie Wilson’s Sanctified Performance

Why It’s a Highlight: Charlie Wilson’s Tiny Desk concert was celebrated for its emotional depth and his ability to infuse his performance with soul and spirituality.

Tinashe’s Performance: A Slight Disappointment

Why It Fell Short: While Tinashe’s performance was generally well-received, some viewers noted that her vocal delivery was slightly off-key at times.

Jeezy’s Performance: Lacking Energy

Why It Was Underwhelming: Jeezy’s Tiny Desk concert was criticized for lacking the energy and intensity that fans typically associate with his performances. There were also some concerns about his lyrical delivery.

Leon Thomas’s Impressive Vocals

Why It’s a Highlight: Leon Thomas’s Tiny Desk performance was praised for his exceptional vocal range and control, particularly in support of his Grammy-nominated album “Mutt.”

Babyface’s Effortless Performance

Why It’s a Highlight: Babyface’s Tiny Desk concert was lauded for his smooth vocals and his ability to effortlessly deliver classic hits.

The Dream’s Performance: Vocal Issues

Why It Was Disappointing: The Dream’s Tiny Desk concert was criticized for his vocal performance, which some viewers found to be lacking in breath control and precision. The background singers also drew some attention.

Chaka Khan’s Legendary Set

Why It’s a Highlight: Chaka Khan’s Tiny Desk performance was celebrated for her enduring vocal talent and her ability to deliver a captivating performance.

GIVĒON’s Performance: Slightly Off-Key

Why It Was Mixed: While GIVĒON’s performance was generally enjoyed, some viewers noted that his vocals were slightly off-key at times.