Lady Wray: Tiny Desk Concert
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
- This year's Black History Month celebration at the Tiny Desk features a carefully crafted lineup spanning many genres, generations and walks of life. Each artist represents the best in their class and will be performing at the Tiny Desk for the first time.
Bobby Carter | February 1, 2023
This year's Black History Month celebration at the Tiny Desk features a carefully crafted lineup spanning many genres, generations and walks of life. Each artist represents the best in their class and will be performing at the Tiny Desk for the first time.
As Lady Wray and her band checked into NPR headquarters for their Tiny Desk concert, I overheard her talking about how the excitement to perform kept her up all night. Once upstairs, the band got situated for soundcheck, and as she shook off the nervousness, something happened behind the Desk I'd never heard before. The first note from her mouth was so piercing I thought my ears were deceiving me. It sounded like she was singing through a loudspeaker. Bob Boilen walked over with a puzzled look, and before I could get a word out, I affirmed that we had just heard Lady Wray's natural vocal cords. "And that's light," she said as the band moved on to the next song.
That powerful voice has sustained Nicole Wray's decades-long career. As a teenager, she caught the attention of fellow Virginia natives Missy Elliott and Timbaland, lending vocals to their projects and releasing a hit of her own. She went on to work with other A-listers ranging from Jay-Z to The Black Keys, until she linked up with singer Terri Walker and formed the duo Lady in 2012. The pair split following a brief stint but Wray carried on the band name, prepending it to her own, and began making the music she was born to do solo with Big Crown records.
For her Tiny Desk, Lady Wray brought the classic soul from her last two albums, Queen Alone and Piece of Me, including "Joy & Pain" and "Guilty." She closed with a rearranged and emotional version of "Melody," named after her daughter.
SET LIST
"Piece Of Me"
"Joy & Pain"
"Guilty"
"Melody"
MUSICIANS
Lady Wray: vocals
Lola Adanna: vocals
JT: keys, vocals
Eric Hagstrom: drums
Kevin Martin: guitar
Tony Martin: bass
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Directors: Sofia Seidel, Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Videographers: Sofia Seidel, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Assistant: Jay Czys
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#ladywray #nprmusic #tinydesk
How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.
Queerphobic industry? Lol grow up NPR.
Elton John
Freddie Mercury
Sam Smith
Lady Gaga
Hayley Kiyoko
Lil Nas X
Troye Sivan
Halsey
Frank Ocean
Tegan and Sara
Melissa Etheridge
Adam Lambert
Janelle Monáe
Kehlani
Brandi Carlile
Tyler, the Creator
Mika
Christine and the Queens
Kim Petras
Ricky Martin
George Michael
Frankmusik
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Mary Lambert
Adam Joseph
Village People (group)
Sia
St. Vincent
Perfume Genius
Big Freedia
Blood Orange
Anohni (formerly known as Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons)
Steve Grand
Shamir
Stop with the constant divisiveness. People love good music. Period. You can either make or a hit or you can’t.
@@M0ON4.visualsmost artists on the list are not rap artists… they didn’t reference the whole music industry
Puking word salad to a washing machine beat never did anything for me anyway.
What's this got to do with Lady Wray??
@@boimesa8190 that part!!
Love you Nicole. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.
Thank y'all and Leon for signing/producing arguably the best music of her career. Looking forward to more
all your works are dope!!!thanks from France
thanks Big Crown !!
thannks Danny & all thhe Big Crown Crew !
Love Big Crown!
This is a tiny desk that is so Grand and should have 500000000 views. Shes always been a hidden diamond.
i have never heard of this woman before, i just pressed play because of her fabulous pink coat, but once she started singing, i thought omg, what a tone, and the songs and freakin good too, and the band is so smooth, everything just lined up so perfectly
Look her up she use to be with Missy and timberline... Nicole Wray 🔥 late 90s Early 00s
^^^ also check out brainstory…the dudes on bass, guitar and drums. Same label too
If ur at least 30 you have heard her music “I was your girlfriend” was her breakout song
@williamjackson1820 Actually her first single was Make it Hot, which is still played on the radio today.
@williamjackson1820 No Her song "Make it hot " produced by Missy Elliot was
Nicole Wray has an interesting career trajectory. Despite being under the shadow of Missy Elliott, having two albums shelved from two different labels and almost quitting. After 25 years in this business, she is still going strong.
Hi and many thanks for your precisions that can make us appreciate more these Diva. ❤
Dang I didn't know all that. I recently learned of her because of the song piece of me
I still want the Electric Blue album.😢
@@magicwaffl3z Yup, her debut album came out in 1998 and her first single was called Make It Hot.
Yes, and I love how she rebranded herself as Lady Wray. And now she is exactly where she should be and doing what her heart was meant to do.
To the NPR sound engineer…We thank you for your service 🤝
s/o Josh Rogosin
Been a Nicole fan since 1998! I’m so happy she’s still making beautiful music.
Borrowed Time is a joint that I will forever rock with- check it out if you haven’t already heard it 😊
11 year old loved me some Nicole wray in 98’! And still does til today
Wow! I'm just discovering her music in 2023. Great sound!
She 'Make it Hot' lol. I been riding wit her since that album waaaay back in the 90s.
I wish she did this last year when Piece of Me album dropped because that album should’ve been nominated for several Grammys. She was clearly overlooked. I hope this concert introduces her to new fans because Nicole aka Lady Wray is truly amazing!!’
💯💯
You don't know how it works lol
@@wpbdog1625 I actually do
I do is my jam, and I agree, this is an amazing album.
U ain’t lying
I have no idea why this girl keeps getting overlooked
Her melodies are like some good expensive perfume that just lingers on forever.
So many stories and history echo through every timbre of her voice.❤❤😢
Nicole, Nicole, Nicole!!!! Highly underrated. This put a smile on face.
I discovered Lady Wray by way of Bandcamp several years back. It is absolutely fitting for her to be the first guest for Black History Month. She has struggled SO much in her fight to be heard, she persisted when many would have given up. Thank you NPR for showcasing an extraordinaire talent. Special shout out the the legendary Big Crown Records in Bushwick, NYC.
This was a high quality performance.. i low key got emotional. All the years.. hard work and dedicate are paying off. She’s hotter now than Make it hot era & I love all of this for Nicole, she is so deserving.
What an excellent start to Black History! I love how Nicole has reimagined her career into Lady Wray! I'm loving the new music 🎶
Liking this comment just based off your name 👏🏽✨
I saw Lady Wray, Nicole, live in D.C. at the Black Cat just two weeks ago. She sounds even more phenomenal live. KEEP DOING YOUR THING SIS. You have a gift!
I saw her there too! It was AMAZING
WHAAAAA IM SO JEALPUS
I was there, too! What a show.
thanks for sharing that - i could've gone, if i found out. wish i saw that show. that's on me, next time
Shouts to the band, labelmates from Big Crown Records. Holding down the rhythm section is Brainstory and vocalist Lola Adanna is from 79.5 - it's like a family reunion! 🎶
Wooooo! Brainstory is one of the best out there
More people need to realise just how good Nicole's voice is. Loved the version of Guilty, and don't even get me started on how incredible Melody sounds ❤️. Soul music at its finest.
Her voice is sooo beautiful,
Go off Tony!!!
Cried a little bit. She deserves this!
She is amazing, just 'discovered' her last week, and then had my mind blown when I found out this is Nicole of "Make it Hot" fame in the late 90's. Loved her then, love her now, so hyped that's she's back. The latest album is phenomenal, been listening to it on repeat for days now.
Lady Wray.... QUEEN! My wife, kids, and I have all your albums on vinyl and we are wearing them out over here. Saw you in Portland and it was pure fire! Thank you for keeping this real soul vibe alive, no autotune, just great songwriting, feel, and the dopest vocals. Amazing! You bring all the love.
PS first heard you on the end credits of season one, episode one of the show "South Side"- and I immediately jumped up and had to find the song. Never looked back, we been with you every day since. So shout out to South Side, the funniest show on TV.
brainstory and lady wray what a beautiful start to this new month ;.)))
Absolutely LOVE Nicole. Her discography has always been phemomenal. The way her vocals carried her debut album Make It Hot at 17 to her releases as a grown woman now! She is the TRUTH! So proud of her resilience.
She is the queen for a reason ok!
Can Lady Wray please bring this album tour to London. So many of us are ready and waiting!!! 2022 Album of the year frankly.
OMGGGGG. I am so happy Nicole is on Tiny Desk!!!!!!!! She deserves the recognition for sure. Her album "Piece of Me" was one of my most played albums of 2022. I love how she re-invented her artistry and remained true to herself. She deserves more praise. What a singer and songwriter!!!!!💐💐💐
YES so happy to see her on tiny desk!!!
What a great ensemble! I had the good fortune of having Kevin in guitar class in HS; insanely great musician and taught me Bossa Nova and jazz riffs. Always a great jam session.
My boy blas❤
She is a vocal reference for many. So versatile in song choice with a warm reminder that the early 2000’s vocals still there ❤️❤️❤️
I love Lady Wray so much. Imagine my surprise when I saw Brainstory there too!!!! What a combo. Thank you so much!
I was literally just listening to I Can't See last night and now I wake up to this. Thanks Tiny Desk👍🏾
WOW! So Amazing. I saw Lady Wray in Lincoln NE last year and she stole the show for me! So multi-talented. Then we ran into her in a bar and she was so sweet! Glad she's on this show
Oh man, i randomly found this while looking for Nicole Wray, I'm glad to see she still doin her thang!❤
Saw Lady Wray & Brainstory this last October!! Such a beautiful experience to witness amazing artists who genuinely enjoy and love to perform! Very excited to see them on this!
My favorite female vocalist in the world! ✨ 💕
Mine too honestly the greatest singer I ever favored
About time she’s showcased into the spotlight, sublime vocalist!! 🙌
Seeing someone post this link on my favorite day of the week (Thursday) makes me happy 🥰. Nicole Wray and Monica have always been and will always be my favorite singers. Make it Hot is still in regular rotation 25 years later. I absolutely adore her!
My dream set!!! +
BRAINSTORY!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Yes mam! That song Piece of Me really speaks to me on a personal level. I love some Lady Wray❤
This is why I watch Tiny Desk. Talented artists practicing their craft. Excellent episode.
With brainstory backing her, bigcrown unite
So happy for Nicole. It's been a long time. Glad to see she's still in the game and sounding like the phenomenal artist she's always been.
Yes! I keep that first song on repeat. Thank you Tiny Desk and Lady Wray.
I just booked tickets to see this legend in Portland. Gonna have this on loop till the live experience hits. Love you all.
My daughter introduced me to Lady Wray when she performed covers of "Piece of Me" and "Guilty" with her band last year. Love Lady's sound and vibe...can listen to her over and over. She deserves only great success and is a role model for persistence and faith.
Lady wray & Brainstory!! 🔥🔥 que hermosa referencia a Darondo en melody 👌
One of my favorite albums.
Never thought i will see lady wray on NPR one day! 😍
Thank’s for that 🙏🏾
She is so frigging talented.
One of the best albums anyone has released in the last 10 years
Lady Wray finally getting the attention she deserves!! Since "Queen Alone" I'm in love with her music! Keep going girl ♥
Love it when each individual contributor is recognized and given a chance to shine with a short solo
I just discovered her. I really like her voice, but especially her melodies. Great stuff!
Seeing her energy and hearing her beautiful voice while Brainstory plays in the background puts a huge smile on my face!
15:00 that nod to Darondo 👌. Big Crown is an awesome record label, i wish more people knew about their music.
I loveeeee this, Lady Wray and the Brainstory gang, dreamy
How did I miss this?!!!! I love her music soo happy she’s getting exposure.
I seriously love listening to Lady Wray. I’ve been wanting to invest in her records 💗 so so so happy to find this
That band introduction went crazyyy!!!! Haha this is my fav tiny desk in a long time :,)
Lovely, Lovely, Lovely, ..❤
I couldn’t wait to hear “Guilty”! This was the first song that introduced me to Lady Wray while working at Tory Burch. Love this bop!!! ❤❤❤
Nicole Wrayyyyyyyyyy oh my the nostalgia! ❤❤❤❤❤ why you all in my griiilllllll
Yeeeeeeeeessssss!!! Thank you for featuring Lady Wray. Been a big since the beginning. Pray this opens her to a whole new audience 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Lady Wray is criminally underrated. I come back to this video like every week, I just love her and her music so much
I saw lady Wray in Los Angeles ! She is amazing! Got to meet her! Sooo sweet! Big fan ❤️ soul!
Just started listening to her last year. So happy to see her on Tiny Desk!
Her voice ✨💕
Beautiful!!!! I love her & have missed her all this time. Gotta dig up all her recent work!
I recently started listening to Lady Wray and her music deserves so much more attention and accolades. I liked her early stuff as Nicole, but this era is 🔥🔥🔥 Beautiful voice and a true songwriter who has really come into her own.
Her concert at Black Cat in D.C. was soooo 🔥. And it's dope to see Brainstory playing with her. Kevin's voice is fire as well!
This is what relentless perseverance looks like! What a bloody inspiration ❤❤❤
Piece of Me has been on repeat for a while, such a good live rendition! The new Ghostface Killah remix is good as well for anyone reading this
Both she and her band are ALL fantastic. Lovely grooves! A+!
AMAZING singer and what an album, a classic!
This woman is slept on. The voice, the lyricism, the VIBE. It just feels so good.
Sucha fun and soothing voice to listen to! Great way to start this Black History Month
Brainstory needs their own tiny desk video
Such a great band from the same record label
Big crown records
I love all the artists that have featured
Can’t wait to See you in April Lady Wray ❤️
Love this!!! Her music is so good! True talent all of them ❤
Her music helped me thru some real tuff times ..thank you 🙏🏼❤️🌹
❤❤❤beautiful voice
Her voice makes me so high,so beautiful,had piece of me on repeat constantly,love her
Wow!! Where have I been!! She’s AMAZING!!! ❤❤😢.
About time🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
My absolute dream Tiny Desk performance. ❤️
A true front to back concert. Not one song disappoints.
I just listened watched make it hot today I love Ms Wray Nicole Wray Lady Wray ❤❤❤
You shine 💜
I was legit PRAYING for a live version like this FOR GUILTY 😭
Anyone have her debut CD back in the day (produced by Missy Elliott)?
Absolutely so underrated.
Lady Wray is one of my favourite artists!! I love how she lets everyone in the band shine too ❤
New discovery for me - just wow. Backing singers are just ❤❤
It's 10 degrees out and she makes me feel like I'm dancing in summer.
I love tiny desk sooo much. It introduces me to talent, reminds me of talent I forgot about, showcases talent that I still live. It’s the absolute best for an intimate setting. Biggest fan!!
Beautiful voice!
This is such a pleasure to watch! Honestly one of my absolute favorite artists with a voice that’s as powerful as it is serene. Thanks tiny desk and thanks Lady Wray!
Been listening to Lady for years, so glad to see her here
I’m obsessed with her right now ❤️ Piece of me Album made me cry like a baby child, and called all my family to remind them how much I love them.
Best outro eveeer omg so cute and supportive and smooth
Loves!