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There are multiple reasons why Chance The Rapper’s performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series is instantly legendary.
Even beyond his superstar status, the inclusion of a hip-hop artist on the intimate in-studio series is a rarity. Yet Chance’s performance was also a surprise to NPR staff, which literally rushed through the building when the session was announced over the intercom system.
The best part, though, is simply the artist’s choice of material and humble delivery.
Backed by his touring band, Chance began with the mellow “Juke Jam,” a gorgeous performance assisted by vocal harmonies and trumpet.
He then performed a poem written the day of for the occasion. Interrupted by the intercom system, Chance laughed it off and began again.
He then covered Stevie Wonder’s “They Won’t Go When I Go,” packed with background vocalists, jazzy keys and a smooth vocal performance.
Watch the full session below.
What do you do for an encore? How about saving SoundCloud? After executives at the streaming music service expressed concern that it only had 50 days of cash left, Chance took to Twitter to brief his followers.
Not too long after, he dropped a new track on the service. I guess now we wait and see.
He'll be back in Chicago to headline Saturday night of Lollapalooza the first weekend in August.
