Cardi B Brings Her Signature Energy to NPR’s Tiny Desk

Cardi B made her debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series on October 19, 2026. She performed eight songs with a live band at the Washington, D.C office.  She wore a suit jacket and latex pants.

Adam Blackstone was the music director and he handled bass and keyboards. Other musicians who backed her included DJ Ray G, guitarist Clayton Sears, Eugene Roberts, drummer Cedric Thompson, saxophonist Kenneth Whalum and trumpeter Melvin Jones. Background vocalists Tiffany Stevens and Ebony Franklin joined the performance.

Cardi opened the set with “Hello,” a track from her 2025 album Am I the Drama? She then followed it with a version of “ErrTime” before moving into “Man of Your Word” and “Be Careful.”

Photo: Getty Images

One moment that attracted attention came during “ErrTime,” when Cardi changed a lyric that originally referenced fellow rapper Latto. Cardi B and Latto’s relationship became strained in September 2025 after leaked audio captured Cardi making disparaging remarks about Latto during a phone conversation involving Ice Spice’s manager. Cardi later apologised publicly, but Latto subsequently addressed the fallout in her song “Gimme Dat.” Cardi B replaced Latto’s name with Kelly Rowland.

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Cardi then sang “Up” and “AH HA” before performing “Bodak Yellow.” She closed with “I Like It,” featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin. The original 2018 recording features Bad Bunny and J Balvin, but neither artist appeared at the Tiny Desk session.

Cardi B also interacted warmly with the audience, calling for a change in mood at one point before dancing with and hugging audience members.

Photo: Getty Images

Cardi B wore a vintage Thierry Mugler jacket featuring celestial embellishments, paired with black latex trousers, square-toe boots and a sleek updo. The jacket closely resembled a star-studded look Naomi Campbell modelled for Thierry Mugler’s Fall 1990 collection, drawing a connection to the designer’s fashion. Her outfit was styled by longtime collaborator Kollin Carter.

She performed several hits from her debut album, Invasion of Privacy (2018), including “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It” and “Be Careful.” She also performed songs from Am I the Drama? (2025), her second studio album.

Cardi B’s Tiny Desk performance shows her mastery of stage presence with live instrumentation. It also reflects her playful sense of humour.