Cordae has called a few places home during his 27 years, but he’s always repped the DMV as an emcee. “This is a hometown show for me, so I’m expecting a biased amount of love from y’all!” Home-court advantage never hurts at the Tiny Desk, but Cordae had a few more tricks up his sleeve. He rolled in deep with a host of musicians and singers, some from the D.C. area and all rocking vintage graphic t-shirts featuring artists that have inspired the rapper. Cordae’s meticulous approach to music was evident, and the band was on point by the time soundcheck started.

 

 

Cordae has always shined as a masterful storyteller. On The Crossroads, he graduates from origin and neighborhood tales to the adjustment of newfound fame and fatherhood — most of this set comes from that album. But he does take us back to his early days on “06 dreamin,” a song about his mother’s aspirations as a singer that samples one of her original recordings. In a rare and sweet Tiny Desk moment, he shares his big break and brings his mom, Jennifer Dunston, up to sing with him.

SET LIST
“Saturday Mornings”
“06 dreamin”
“C Carter”
“Have Mercy”
“Nothings Promised”
“RNP”

MUSICIANS
Cordae: vocals
Jennifer Dunston: vocals
Brendan “Rad” Mills: drums
Sean “Smiles” Miles: keys
Dean West Jr.: percussion
Melmoth Chung: guitar, music director
Budda Foster: bass
Jared “MK Zulu” Bailey: trumpet
Brent Birkhead: saxophone, flute
Shavance Stephens: background vocals
Lekan: background vocals
Elyscia: background vocals