Fat Joe Brings Five Guests to NPR Desk for High-Energy Set
The rapper performed a career-spanning setlist featuring Remy Ma and Jadakiss, marking his second appearance on the series after a home concert five years ago.
By Salma Farouk ·
Five years after a home concert, Fat Joe returned to the NPR headquarters to perform a Tiny Desk concert. The Bronx rapper stated his intention to touch the third rail, describing the show as anything but typical. He aimed to inject a new level of spontaneity into the performance. The approach mirrors his career, which has lasted for over 30 years. He described the show as treacherous and unpredictable, yet solidly grounded.
Since his last appearance, Joe Cartagena has reinvented himself. He has leaned into his polarizing takes and storytelling as an internet personality. He also wrote a book and co-hosts the popular Joe and Jada podcast. His podcast partner is Jadakiss, another Tiny Desk alum. Joe maintained consistent album output and released hit records during this period.
For this session, the emcee invited a large group of guests to the desk. Remy Ma, Stove God Cooks, Stevie Mackey, and Dre joined him. Dre is half of the production duo Cool and Dre. Jadakiss also performed on the set. The guests supported a setlist that spanned his career. They also played songs from his latest album, Organized Rhyme.
The performance began with Million Dollar Intro, featuring Stevie Mackey. The rapper then performed Cocababy with Remy Ma. He followed with (Ha Ha) Slow Down and I Shot Ya. New York featured Jadakiss. The Aroma included Jadakiss, Stove God Cooks, and Remy Ma. Feeling a Way and I Won't Tell both featured Stevie Mackey. The set concluded with Lean Back and All the Way Up, both featuring Remy Ma.
The musical lineup included Zo Harris on keys and as music director. Ricky Strings Ramos played guitar. Keithan Foster handled bass. Antwan Amadeaus Thompson played drums. Ted Smooth served as DJ. Dre provided background vocals. Bobby Carter produced the show. Joshua Bryant directed and edited the video. Josephine Nyounai mixed the audio.
The video team included Maia Stern and Kara Frame alongside Bryant. Neil Tevault acted as audio engineer. Ashley Pointer served as the production assistant. Josh Newell and Felix Contreras were part of the Tiny Desk team. Elizabeth Gillis took the photography. Lars Gotrich edited the series. Suraya Mohamed served as executive producer. Sonali Mehta is the executive director.
Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, and Robin Hilton are the series creators. The copyright for the recording belongs to NPR. The performance took place at the NPR headquarters. Fat Joe described his goal as shaking the table or desk. He wanted the audience to experience the raw energy of his music. The setlist combined classic hits with new material from Organized Rhyme.
