Lecrae Becomes First Christian Rapper to Perform at NPR Tiny Desk
Rapper Lecrae performed an eight-song set at NPR headquarters on April 9, 2026, becoming the first Christian hip-hop artist in the 18-year history of the Tiny Desk Concert series. The performance featured tracks including 'Coming in Hot' and 'Tell the World,' backed by a full live band.
Lecrae made history on April 9, 2026, when NPR Music released his Tiny Desk Concert, making him the first Christian rapper to perform in the series since it launched in 2008.
The Atlanta-based artist delivered an eight-song set at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., backed by a full band that included keys, bass, drums, trumpet, and background vocalists. His setlist drew from across his catalog, opening with "Coming in Hot" and closing with "I'll Find You."
Bobby Carter, the concert's producer, said the performance had been a long time coming. Lecrae's lyrics center on his Christian faith, and his music has long occupied a space between gospel hip-hop and mainstream rap.
Other tracks in the set included "Spread the Opps," "I'm Turnt," "H20," "Die for the Party," "Bless You," and "Tell the World." The performance was recorded live at NPR's Washington offices, the same intimate setting used for artists across every genre.
Lecrae has released music through Reach Records, the label he co-founded, and has won multiple Grammy Awards in the gospel and rap categories. His appearance at Tiny Desk signals growing recognition for faith-based hip-hop in mainstream music spaces.
The full concert is available on NPR Music's YouTube channel and website.
