Rapper/singer Jidenna joined NPR to take part in the latest installment of their iconic Tiny Desk Concert series for a video that was published this week.
Tiny Desk Concerts generally give artists a chance to perform their music in a more relaxed and informal environment and Jidenna embraced that atmosphere, ditching his typical tailored-suit attire in favor of a short-sleeved shirt, shades and baseball cap.
The Wisconsin artist performed some tracks from his debut studio album The Chief, singing into a toy microphone. He wasted no time trying to get the crowd of NPR staffers to loosen up and sing the “Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce” refrain of his song “Trampoline” with him.
Jidenna also had some kind words for NPR’s mission, saying “It’s a pleasure and honor to be here with you all. I didn’t know there was so many of you that work here but it makes sense because you truly are a beacon of light for, not just for radio, but for information in this information age, so thank you for doing that work. Long live NPR, long live Tiny Desk, Long Live The Chief.”
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This led into him performing his song “Long Live The Chief,” before closing on “Bambi.”
Take 12 minutes out of your day to watch the performance.
Previous participants in NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts include Chance The Rapper, Anderson .Paak and T-Pain.