ラファエル！
Watch Raphael Saadiq play at the Tiny Desk.
This Tiny Desk concert was part of Tiny Desk Fest, a four-night series of extended concerts performed in front of a live audience and streamed live on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
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Dec. 5, 2019 | Rodney Carmichael — The first time Raphael Saadiq played Tiny Desk, “it was really a tiny desk.”
“And honestly we were kinda complaining about it,” Saadiq laughs, recalling that performance in 2009, back when hosting intimate little concerts behind Bob Boilen’s desk was still a fledgling idea at NPR Music. “Like, we kinda didn’t wanna do it,” he admits in hindsight. It wasn’t until the video-taped version of his set hit the Internet and began picking up views that the lightbulb went off for Saadiq, too. “It’s like probably the biggest streaming I ever had, so it’s kinda good to be back — not kinda good; it’s really good to be back.”
As he tells this story, exactly one decade later, Saadiq’s return to a slightly bigger Tiny Desk — to close out NPR’s live-streamed Tiny Desk Fest — coincides with the biggest record of his career. Named for one of three brothers who succumbed to addiction, Jimmy Lee is his most personal, most vulnerable, most fearless work yet, and it comes at a point, more than 30 years into his career, when Saadiq has nothing left to prove or lose.
This is the same man, after all, who lit the fuse for soul’s popular revival as the lead for Tony! Toni! Tone!, at a time when black bands bordered near-extinction. Then he led an entire generation of artists to the well and made them drink. In addition to a solo discography that cakewalks backward through the latter half of 20th-century funk and soul, his production credits read like a score card of black music MVPs over the last 20 years (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, Ledisi, John Legend, Solange). If he’s made it look effortless, that’s because, sometimes, it has been.
Take the time when he was walking around the East Village in New York one day out of the blue. “I was like, let me see where can I get a joint from,” as he recalls during our post-performance conversation. The thought led him to Electric Lady Studios, where D’Angelo had taken up residence while working on his second solo album. “I rung the bell: ‘Is D’Angelo here?’ He opens the door. He’s like, ‘What’s up!’ I said, ‘You got a joint?’ ‘Hell yeah I got a joint.’ He’s like, ‘Can we do a song?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, whatever….'”
Needless to say the two already had history together — they’d co-written and co-produced “Lady,” D’Angelo’s biggest hit until that point — and they were about to make more: “We walk in and we do “Untitled [(How Does It Feel)”] in maybe like two hours,” he says.
True to form, Saadiq is still a talent magnet. For his Tiny Desk Fest set — recorded on Halloween, which explains the costumed crowd — he’s joined by rising soul singer and songwriter Lucky Daye, who released his Grammy-nominated debut album, Painted, and made his own Tiny Desk debut this year. Daye performs two songs from that album, in addition to backing Saadiq, who also brought along a sousaphone player for his Instant Vintage classic, “Still Ray.”
His collaborative performance with Daye is yet another testament to Saadiq’s widespread influence, which remains something of an open secret to those in the know. Meanwhile, Jimmy Lee continues to garner Saadiq the kind of attention typically reserved for newer artists. After a career spent contributing so much of his genius behind the scenes and painting over the dark spots in his past with bright, ecstatic strokes, his latest feat feels like a revelation.
“I’m really just shocked about my whole career,” he says. “People say Raphael Saadiq is the most slept-on artist. I think I slept on myself, too. I would read this all the time [and] go, ‘Slept on? I’m slept on? Cause I ain’t Kanye? Cause I ain’t talking loud?’ Naw, they know.”
Indeed, we always have.
SET LIST
“I’m Feeling Love”
“Be Here”
“This World Is Drunk”
“Love You Too Much” (Lucky Daye)
“Call” (Lucky Daye)
“Still Ray”
MUSICIANS
Raphael Saadiq: vocals, guitar; Lucky Daye: vocals; Rob Bacon: guitar, vocals; Alvin Ford: drums; DaQuantae “Q” Johnson: bass; Daniel Crawford: keys; Brent Gossett: sousaphone
CREDITS
Producers: Abby O’Neill, Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative director: Bob Boilen; Audio engineers: Josh Rogosin, Natasha Branch; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Tsering Bista, Kara Frame, CJ Riculan, Jack Corbett; Production assistant: Zemoria Mathis; Executive producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Mhari Shaw/NPR
Only a real G like Raphael would bring another artist on his show to shine like that. Goosebumps all around
Thank you NPR! LOVE the Tiny Desk Concerts!!
Raphael Saadik is so gracious. He not only included Lucky Daye but really made him at home, hyped him up and allowed him to sing 2 of his own songs with the amazing band. What a great mentor. And you can see how grateful Lucky Daye feels.
Has anyone realized Saadiq’s music sound likes it crackling over vinal wax? This is real music and the supporting instrumentalist sounds so well seasoned it blends together. Wow “Lucky Day” is an awesome vocalist.
Very similar to Mint Condition this music of R&B by these artist is “food for my soul”. Thank you!!!!!!!!
LOOOOOVVEEEEE STILL RAY!!!!! I’ve watched at least 10 times already. His swag just boiled over performing that one ♥️👏🏾
Lucky Daye really came through with the vocals🤞🏾
LUCKEY killed it I had to rewind like 5 times man that was dope
A D’Angelo “Tiny Desk” set would have to have this play list:
1. Brown Sugar
2. Dreamin Eyes of mine
3. Chicken Grease.
4. Lauryn Hill feat. D’Angelo “ Nothing Really Matters.” Lauryn’s Hill’s verse, if she isn’t available, would have to performed by Jasmine Sullivan, Moon Child, Yukimi from Little Dragon, or Gabriellle Wilson aka H.E.R.
I swear Saadiq doesn’t age. He’s been at it forever and still looks the same.
This is the first time of ever hearing about this dude Lucky Daye; He’s got a special voice (lady killer) he should be recognized as one of the top up and coming talents period, new fan here
Raphael Saadiq is on the Mount Rushmore of R&B. compelling writer. clear composer. great visuals.
Gente que maravilha!!!!!!!!🎶🎵🎧✌🏾✌🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️
That Lucky Daye is something special. Voice sooo smooth!
Lucky Daye bodied D’angelo’s part🔥🔥🔥🔥
Why do these Tiny Desk Concerts ALWAYS sound better than the original tracks 😎😏
This concert was so refreshing and timeless! I miss the days of originality and creativity. Thank you Raphael for the many years of great music and beautiful melodies! You are a legend and your music will always be in my playlists.
Thanks for being the leader you are and sharing your platform to introduce a new talent. Lucky Daye gives me hope for the future of R&B. Very talented young man with a great story.
This man is unsung. Has been a solid artist for 30+years
I totally love how you see three heads going down all together on 22:23 in the same beat with the same expression-feeling. Great one guys!
I’m shook. This is so amazing. Raphael is a legend. All I need is Mint Condition and Jill Scott to make my NPR box set complete. 💗
NPR may as well have its own record label! Lucky’s Tiny Desk was great, too. I’ve been stalking the NPR job board. Imagine lunch concerts as part of your benefits package! 😲
Raphael & Lucky? We honestly don’t deserve these great tiny desks you all have given us!
Lucky can SANG!!!! I didn’t know he was like that
Lucky Daye sounding so pure I almost thought he was miming…wow!! Raphael you’re a true maestro!
The “BE HERE” version with Lucky Daye is FIYAHHHH
This doesn’t have nearly as many views as it deserves… true artistry at it’s best!
The production value of Tiny Desk Concert videos have gone way up without losing their sense of intimacy with the viewers. Love it!
It’s dope to me that Raph shared his installment with Lucky (who’s already had one). A vocalist like that might intimidate a lesser man.
Jimmy Lee is one of Saadiq’s Best albums. Been a fan ever since my sophomore year of HS when I first heard Little Walter. He’s definitely found the fountain of youth
I love that Raphael is mentoring this young star! Love Lucky Daye!!
I love how Raphael shared his platform with a younger artist and advised him on which song was best to sing. So many newer artist are narcissistic and selfish…afraid to include anyone else in their shine. They don’t realize when God blesses you with a gift that if you keep the right attitude you’ll never be out done or cast aside because what He has for you is for you. Doesn’t hurt anything to help someone else sometimes 🙂
I came here for Ralph but stayed for Lucky 🍀 OMGAWD THE VOICE‼️👍🏾👍🏾🔥🔥
Lucky Daye is a breath of fresh air. On my playlist.. His story is fascinating
His voice is still so angelic after all these years
One of THE ABSOLUTE BEST Tiny Desk performances EVER!
Man the people that work at NPR are the LUCKIEST MOFO’s to be able to hear all the great music in person!!!
This always so beautiful to watch, the way Raphael gave Lucky grace, love and praise .. soul warming .. that’s real love and positivity
This is what real good music sounds like kids!
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Raphael is a treasure. This man has voice like none other and his music is just soulful.
Lucky daye killed “you should be here”..the freestyle melody vibe at the end was on point yaheardme 💯💯💯⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️
Love this !!!
I swear Saadiq doesn’t age. He’s been at it forever and still looks the same.
Raphael is so dope sharing his spotlight with Lucky Daye. I enjoyed this. DOPE.
Lucky Daye can make a grown Woman cry!!!! I can watch this a million times! Thank you Raphael for introducing him to me🤗
Lucky Daye’s voice is truly everything and Raphael as long as I have been listening to him, his voice is magnetic!
This is like passing the R&B torch from one talented artist to another. Raphael Saadiq is handsome, super talented as a singer, songwriter, producer for himself, the groups he was in Tony! Tone! Toni!, Lucy Pearl and other artists. This is a top five best NPR Tiny Desk. Lucky Daye is one of the best new school R&B artists out now. They both deserve their flowers.
I love me some Raphael Saadiq! Now why did he bring out Lucky? You can’t have the both of them singing together. It’s an overload on the ears, I was in a trance. “Be here” was giving me a Marvin Gaye vibe. Shine on Kings! ❤️💐👑👋🏽
Soon as I saw this up on YouTube, I instantly clicked on it. Raphael Saadiq is like solid food. Sticks to your stomach and keeps you full. Saadiq and D’Angelo is like two peas in a pod. They’re both on that level. I wish Prince was here to jam with them. That would’ve been outta sight to see. Saadiq and H.E.R. should do something together.
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Raphael is in the same vein as Curtis Mayfield. Writing, composing, and singing. His hands are everywhere guiding the culture.
It is another hit from a talent man and a lot of people are sleeping on him because he is very talented and he should get his recognition
You could be blindfolded and still kno it’s Raphael Sadiq!!!! That voice!!!!
This is by far one of the best performances on Tiny Desk!! 💯🎶💯
I was NOT READY for LUCKY DAYE. Y’all don’t understand. I STANNED for this song when it came out. This was my ringtone. It kept me hydrated and moisturized. Now I feel like nobody can do this song with Ray other than D’ or Lucky. Thassit. I’m shookington.
My GOOOOOOOOODNESS I’ve never witnessed anything so soulful and passionate. Thank you Tiny Desk/ NPR …. I almost cried while listening to Lucky Daye he’s so gifted…
I’ve watched this like a million times already ❤❤❤❤ ✊🏿
Rob Bacon’s solo is really too divine. I love it.
That TUBA!!!! KILLED it, Raph will always be the man!!! I would love to sing anything written by this genius.
November 2020 and here;
Lucky how do you appear as a guest but perform as the headliner (Raphael wanted this)? You executed with flawless perfection and made this New Orleans native SOO PROUD of you! You are EVERYTHING New Orleans!
You can tell that young brother was inspired by d Angelo you can here it in his voice. It’s like a breath of fresh air. I wish they start back making music like this
That kids voice is amazing!
16:30～Rob Bacon’s solo is really too divine. I love it.
Raphael looking the same 20 years later aging like fine wine❤️ Love that man
Lucky Daye can make a grown Woman cry!!!! I can watch this a million times! Thank you Raphael for introducing him to me🤗
Raphael is still a smooth and cool dude no matter what decade! Love this live performance and Luckey D. is a beast in his own rights 🙂
I love his message music. His lyrics are soulful and make you think about real life and the current times. All with a jazz tone. Thank you..
I love Raphael voice 🤎🤎 it’s like so soothing, melodic, and a treasure to the ears … thank you
This must be one of the best performances ever. Love these seasoned musicians hitting everything perfectly
Raphael Saadiq has all of the style AND talent!
Whoever books your acts? That person? Give them a mf RAISE!! They are doing ALL the things. Keep them happy.
I think I’ve rewound this five times. Saadiq and Lucky I need a joint album live. This was magical
Saadiq could seriously cover ANY Stevie Wonder song. Wow!
Raphael Saadiq is Legendary & Lucky Daye is on his way of becoming Legendary!! This is a Beautiful Moment In Music History❤👏🏾
The vibe for this is so amazing. The intro to “Be Here” 👌🏾🔥! Just good music all around.
Hey Tiny Desk Fans,
Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths – a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now:
People better know about Lucky Daye and his raw talent and range after this
So dope 🔥& Raph ended with my shiii 🥃 Bringing out Luck speaks volumes on so many levels considering he’s one of the few true r&b singers of today during ax when ppl say R&B’s dead! GENIUS❣️
When they said R&B is dead or they don’t make good music anymore.. im going to show them this video!!! A perfect blend of old and new school music.. Their voices compliment each other! This was amazing.. i wish i saw this in person..
How sweet letting another artist sing 😻 his voice is amazing too 👏🏿👌🏿🙌🏿❤️
How sweet letting another artist sing 😻 his voice is amazing too 👏🏿👌🏿🙌🏿❤️
Lucky Daye did D’angelo part so well 😭 definitely jumping to his Tiny Desk performance next.