The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.
Bobby Carter | November 4, 2020
The backdrop for Polo G's Tiny Desk (home) concert is a nod to his deep love for the game of basketball. He and his band perform in Los Angeles Lakers jerseys on an outside court in California, with Polo G repping one of the greatest Lakers, Magic Johnson.
The man born Taurus Bartlett has achieved quite a bit for a relative newcomer in hip-hop. This summer he was selected for XXL's popular Freshman Class cover. His second LP, The Goat, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 200 and spawned two platinum-certified singles, including the braggadocious "Flex" that kicks off his Tiny Desk.
Polo G's eyes are hidden behind his hair for the majority of his performance, but as he sings "I'm so sick of farewells and RIPs" on his latest single, "Epidemic," it becomes clear that this 21-year-old Chicago emcee is going through a lot. I found it refreshing to hear a rapper normally backed by beats bare his "heart and soul" with a live band.
SET LIST
"Flex"
"Epidemic"
"Wishing For A Hero"
MUSICIANS
Polo G: vocals
Lamar Edwards: keys
Vasjon Hill: drums
Austin Cain: bass
Chris McCorkle: guitar
Shaunise Harris: vocals
Candice Boyd: vocals
Nava Morris: vocals
CREDITS
Video Director: Ramez Silyan
Audio: Irvin Picott and Anthony Jerome Culpepper Jr.
Video Producer: Mike Lev
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann