The Questlove Show

Nimene creates a stirring hip-hop track about the civil rights activist Claudette Colvin, who, as a teenager, refused to give up her seat on an Alabama city bus months before Rosa Parks’ famous protest. Featuring an interview between New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay and a 6 year old named Stella. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys joins Questlove Supreme to discuss his incredible journey. This conversation includes AdRock looking back to the early days of the Beasties and how the Punk band made an authentic and passion-fueled segue into Hip Hop. AdRock also speaks about his distinct voice, a lifelong passion for crate-digging, and how his career has allowed him to experiment with creativity...

Rapper, record producer and Hip Hip icon Too $hort talks about getting his start in Oakland, his legendary collaborations and breaks down the trinity/triumvirate of Bay Area hip hop from which all hyphy flows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bilal sits down with Questlove Supreme and shares his story. The Philadelphia native's complex upbringing and schooling explains why he is a true original, from Jazz scatting to his raw Soul vocals. The guest who recent released Adjust Brightness recalls working with Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar, while discussing his unreleased sophomore album, his second life as an independent arti...

Boney James joins Questlove Supreme to discuss his journey playing Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Funk. The Grammy Award-winning saxophonist recalls his days playing other instruments as a sideman (and delivering pizzas) to build towards becoming a leader in his space. Boney recalls his upbringing outside of New York City, his time touring with Morris Day, and how he earned his unique stage name. James...

Questlove, Phonte and Team Supreme talk about their personal, religious and cultural traditions and share some of their favorite holiday memories. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of Questlove's one-on-one with RZA, The Abbott speaks about his latest release, the Classical album inspired by adolescent lyrics, A Ballet Through Mud. Quest' also fans out with RZA, with both artists highlighting some favorite songs from the Wu-Tang Clan crew catalog, discussing some under-sung affiliates, and addressing why Bobby Digital is focused on evolution, not chasing his rich l...

RZA and Questlove connect for a special one-on-one interview that delves into leadership, creative originality, and some crucial Wu-Tang Clan history. RZA, who just released his Classical album, A Ballet Through Mud, reflects on making Wu's breakthrough single "Protect Ya Neck," his sample pioneering work on Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., and how age has reinforced his growth, maturity, and...

Producer, rapper and hip hop legend Pete Rock talks about his deep knowledge of music, recording and the art of sampling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Times best-selling author, musician, and activist Kathleen Hanna discusses her new memoir, Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk. In a special one-on-one with Questlove, Kathleen also details her passion for records, complicated views on fame and success, and the power of No. In their first extended chat, Questlove also shares the profound impact Hanna had on The Roots by way of the late...

Award-winning singer songwriter Siedah Garrett talks about growing up in Compton, her lifelong relationship with Quincy Jones and what it was like on tour with Michael Jackson. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drummer Cindy Blackman Santana joins Questlove Supreme for a career retrospective. She recalls her Ohio childhood, moving to Connecticut, and early days in New York City. Cindy details learning under Jazz legends Tony Williams and Art Blakey and how she was part of an essential movement in the genre during the 1980s. After working with a who's who of Jazz and cementing her own legacy, Cindy detail...

Team Supreme is joined by Co-founder of Ruffhouse Records, Chris Schwartz. From the streets of Philly, to signing household names like Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, The Fugees and even giving Quest his first internship, Chris breaks down the highs and lows of running one of the most successful hip hop labels of the 90's. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this special QLS, Jonathan Shecter, aka Shecky Green, looks back at his later years at The Source. The magazine's co-founder and Editor-in-Chief recalls assembling a "mind squad" of legendary writers, editors, and photographers. He details his role in recognizing Nas' incredible talent and Illmatic as a 5-mic classic, as well as experiences with Biggie Smalls, Tupac, and KRS-One. Shec...

Jonathan Shecter, aka Shecky Green, is the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Source magazine and its co-creator. In part 1 of this special interview, Jonathan recalls his 1980s Philadelphia childhood, Rap dreams, and working at radio staple Power 99. Shecky details The Source's early years and how the magazine began as support for a Harvard University radio show and expanded to "The Bible of Hip-Hop...

Amerie sat down twice with Questlove Supreme for this extended episode. The conversation examines the singer's upbringing and passion for reading and information. The self-proclaimed "military brat" explains how her years in Washington D.C. informed her musical taste and why she created albums with a different sound than many of her R&B contemporaries. Amerie also speaks about her breakthrough...

This episode of QLS is a special one-on-one between Team Supreme co-host Unpaid Bill and top songwriter and producer Sam Hollander. Sam, who made hits alongside Metro Station, Fitz and the Tantrums, Panic! At The Disco, and Gym Class Heroes, emphasizes his bumpy career journey. This trajectory includes dropping out of college, a record deal at a famed Rap label, and purposeful collaborations with...

Hip hop artist, actor and poet Common talks about how being an NBA ballboy brought him courtside for Michael Jordan's rookie season, his musical influences and personal memories of his time with J Dilla. Recorded in front of a live audience. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This QLS is a special one-on-one episode between Team Supreme co-host Suga Steve and acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Nick Lowe. During an in-depth conversation, Lowe discusses songs from his sprawling catalog—including the newly released Indoor Safari with Los Straitjackets. He recalls making a song he hoped would get him dropped from his label, and why that plan backfired. Nick talks about h...

Hey QLS Listeners! Questlove, Story Pirates and iHeart are excited to announce a NEW podcast for kids and families that combines history with hip-hop!  Starting September 27th, hear host Nimene, her in-house crew of hilarious historians, and a team of beat-making raccoons broadcast from a top-secret underground bunker where they learn about the unsung heroes of the past by turning their history in...

Twenty-five years after "You Got Me," Eve and Questlove have an in-depth conversation alongside Team Supreme. The Grammy-winning, chart-topping Hip-Hop artist is joined by author and historian Kathy Iandoli to discuss her new memoir Who's That Girl? The discussion traces Eve's steps from West Philadelphia to Hollywood to London and success in music, film, and television. Listen as Eve's passion fo...

This week, the world lost a music legend in Tito Jackson. In January of 2020, Questlove Supreme first broadcast this 82-minute interview with the heralded guitarist, vocalist, and member of The Jacksons. As our hearts are heavy in mourning, listen to this lighthearted discussion which was taped in-studio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special bonus episode of Questlove Supreme, Laiya St. Clair has an important conversation with Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of the Black Progressive Action Coalition (BPAC). BPAC is an independent progressive coalition of individuals and organizations committed to empowering Black communities through civic engagement, community mobilization and campaigns that turn issues into polic...

Billy Porter's raw and uncut appearance on Questlove Supreme continues with Part 2. The musician, actor, and performer who just released Black Mona Lisa, Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions, opens up about his strong political views and therapeutic journey. Billy explains why he became one of the first celebrities to be transparent and vulnerable with his AIDS diagnosis and treatment. The dynamic guest a...

Billy Porter joins Questlove Supreme for a spirited two-part interview. In Part 1, Billy recalls his Pittsburgh upbringing around the stage and some of his earliest musical memories. The Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning artist also explains why he has fought so hard to be respected across mediums and asserts why his new EP, Black Mona Lisa: The Cookout Sessions, commands a new lane for himself...