Key Takeaways
- Cardi B’s eight-song Tiny Desk debut brought tracks from Invasion of Privacy and Am I the Drama? to life with an all-star band.
- The lineup included musical director Adam Blackstone, keyboardist Eugene “Man-Man” Roberts, guitarist Clay Sears, saxophonist Kenneth Whalum, drummer CJ Thompson, and trumpeter Melvin Jones.
- Touring DJ Ray G and background vocalists Ebony Joi Franklin and Tiffany Freeman rounded out the eight-person ensemble, whose credits span Jay-Z, Rihanna, Tyler, the Creator, and Eminem.
Cardi B’s breathtaking Tiny Desk debut happened on Oct. 19, and the rapper, joined by an all-star group of musicians to bring her music to life, delivered an explosive setlist that drew a massive crowd at NPR’s music office — and all across the web.
Though she only performed eight songs, she covered tracks from both Invasion of Privacy and Am I The Drama?, anchored by one of the finest supporting casts seen on a stage anywhere, small or otherwise. The result is one of the most unforgettable Tiny Desk concerts of all time.
Here’s a breakdown of the musicians who helped make Cardi’s debut a legendary one.
Eugene Roberts - Keyboards
Eugene “Man-Man” Roberts got his start playing drums in church in Philadelphia before building a career as a keyboardist, arranger, and musical director. He’s helped shape John Legend’s live shows and has also worked with Ye, J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, and Jeremih. When it comes to Tiny Desk, Cardi wasn’t his first rodeo.
CJ Thompson — Drums
Thompson started out touring with Tamia of “So Into You” fame over a decade ago, but quickly moved into gigs with K. Michelle, Migos, Charlie Puth, Missy Elliott, Roddy Ricch, Chris Brown, and many more. He also has a history with Cardi, having recorded percussion for her 2022 Wireless Festival performance. And if you dig his playing, you can take his course or buy his drum loops!
Clay Sears — Guitar
Guitarist and producer Clay Sears has worked with some of the biggest names in pop, hip-hop, and R&B, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lauryn Hill, and Britney Spears.
Kenneth Whalum — Saxophone
Memphis native Kenneth Whalum is a saxophonist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose credits include Jay-Z’s American Gangster and 4:44, Beyoncé’s Renaissance, and Mac Miller’s Swimming. He also arranged horns and played saxophone on Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night, including “Pretty Wings.”
Melvin Jones — Trumpet
Memphis trumpeter Melvin Jones landed an early recording credit on TLC’s FanMail, including “No Scrubs,” while attending Morehouse College. He’s since worked with Usher, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, and Missy Elliott, and has also served as Morehouse’s head band director.
DJ Ray G — DJ
Before becoming Cardi B’s touring DJ, DJ Ray G helped introduce Migos’ music to Atlanta club crowds and served as the group’s tour DJ. He joined Cardi’s team in 2018 after Offset and Quality Control co-founder Pierre “P” Thomas connected them.
Adam Blackstone — Musical Director/Bass
Adam Blackstone is the musical director behind live performances by Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, and Eminem, among many others. He won an Emmy for his music direction on the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent.
Ebony Joi Franklin — Background Vocals
Philadelphia vocalist Ebony Joi Franklin has performed with Eminem, the Roots, and Usher. Her work also includes recording vocals for award shows, films, and television series.
Tiffany Freeman — Background Vocals
Tiffany Freeman, whose recording credits also appear under Tiffany Stevenson, contributed background vocals for artists like Tyler, the Creator, Jazmine Sullivan, and Mary J. Blige.
