Cardi B Delivers a High-Energy, Intimate Performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk

While it is uncommon for us to deny entry to guests, the news of Cardi B’s visit to the NPR Music offices drew one of the largest crowds in our history. Fans from every background gathered to witness one of hip-hop’s most authentic icons command the Tiny Desk stage. Dressed in leather pants and a sharp blazer, Cardi maintained a gracious and witty demeanor throughout a setlist brimming with her greatest hits.

The performance opens with the atmospheric synths and undeniable bravado of “Hello,” establishing a powerful momentum that carries directly into a refreshed rendition of “ErrTime.” Demonstrating her range, Cardi then pivots to more introspective territory with “Man of Your Word” and “Be Careful,” balancing her signature humor with deeply personal storytelling. “Change the vibes, change the vibes,” she quips, successfully shifting the energy back to a high-octane celebration with “Up,” which flows seamlessly into “AH HA.” For the finale, the rap superstar performs two cornerstone tracks: the career-defining “Bodak Yellow” and the boogaloo-infused “I Like It.” As the set concludes, Cardi celebrates alongside the audience, leaving the stage with a radiant smile and sharing warm moments with her fans.

SET LIST

• “Hello”
• “ErrTime”
• “Man of Your Word”
• “Be Careful”
• “Up”
• “AH HA”
• “Bodak Yellow”
• “I Like It”

MUSICIANS

• Cardi B: vocals
• Adam Blackstone: bass, keys, music director
• DJ Ray G: DJ
• Eugene Roberts: keys
• Clayton Sears: guitar
• Cedric Thompson: drums
• Kenneth Whalum: sax
• Melvin Jones: trumpet
• Tiffany Stevens: background vocals
• Ebony Franklin: background vocals

TINY DESK TEAM

• Producers: Alanté Serene, Bobby Carter
• Director/Editor: Kara Frame
• Audio Director/Mix: Josh Newell
• Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Mitra I. Arthur
• Audio Engineer: Tiffany Vera Castro
• Production Assistant: Dora Levite
• Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Felix Contreras
• Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Executive Director: Sonali Mehta
• Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton

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