The Questlove Show
The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.
Episodes
A Reaction To The Joe Kay / Soulection Episode Of The Questlove Show
Following the Roots Picnic backstage conversation between Soulection founder Joe Kay and Questlove, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpack the discussion and its broader significance. They trace L.A.’s beat scene from the Good Life Café through Sketchbook and Low End Theory, and examine Joe’s thoughts on Stones Throw Records’ early influence.See omnystudio.com/listener for
Wallo267 Part 1
Wallo267 visited The Questlove Show to discuss his latest book, Yes To You, No To Them. Instead, he ended up disrupting Ahmir’s day—in the best possible way—with an experiential pep talk that captures why so many people need this book. The acclaimed Million Dollaz Worth of Game co-host, motivator, and music lover looks back on his journey—one that began just acros
QLS Classic: Bob James
One of our most-played and most-beloved episodes of 2023. For Jazz Appreciation Month, Questlove and Team Supreme sat down with a living legend of the genre. Bob James recalls his incredible journey and his intersections with Sarah Vaughan, Creed Taylor, Idris Muhammad, and others. He also discusses becoming a beacon for hip-hop DJs and sample-based producers—and how he went from being a sou
A Reaction To The Maseo Episode Of The Questlove Show
Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake reflect on Questlove’s deep conversation with Maseo of De La Soul, pulling out its funniest reveals and heaviest emotional moments. This touches on nuggets from Gorillaz’ "Feel Good Inc." and salute the artistic integrity of scrapping big-name collabs when the music isn’t right. Along the way, they point out connections De La Soul to Bushwick
Vince Staples
Vince Staples sits down with Questlove for a rare, unflinching conversation about community, survival, and growing as an artist without losing yourself. Speaking about his latest album, Crybaby, Vince shares hard-earned truths and wisdom from his life, cutting through myth and memory with his trademark clarity and dark humor. The two artists explore happiness, death, faith, hobbies, and the music
QLS Classic: Jean Carne
As part of 2023's Jazz Appreciation Month, the incomparable Jean Carne joined Questlove Supreme. She reflected on her Atlanta upbringing and growing up around figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as creating Spiritual Jazz in the early 1970s with her former husband, Doug Carn. Jean also shared stories from working with Earth, Wind & Fire, Phyllis Hyman, and Norman Connors—and
Philly Cheesesteaks & Escape Rooms — A Rabbit-Hole Mailbag Edition
Questlove and Cousin Jake field some deceptively simple mailbag questions about cheesesteaks and cereal. Ahmir breaks down his fiercely loyal cheesesteak habits, giving way to tempting side quests about ketchup etiquette and Ultramagnetic MC’s memorabilia on South Street. The Q&A then pivots to music nerdery, with Ahmir naming his all-time favorite live album and dissecting what makes a
Joe Kay of Soulection
Questlove sits down with Soulection founder Joe Kay live backstage at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. The conversation traces the origins of a global movement that grew from zip files and SoundCloud posts into a worldwide community. Joe reflects on his earliest musical memories—from family deep cuts and white-label promos to discovering J Dilla—and how those influences helped sh
QLS Classic: Carlos Santana
Questlove and Team Supreme sat down with the legendary Carlos Santana in late 2021 for a wide‑ranging conversation on spirituality, music, and a lifetime of artistic risk-taking. Santana breaks down his morning gratitude ritual, his concept of grace, and how John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, and African rhythms shaped his sound from Caravanserai through his 1970s catalog. He revisits his journey from
A Reaction To The Kurt Loder Episode Of The Questlove Show
In this QLS Mini, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake briefly unpack their stress soundtracks, from comfort spins like XTC and R.E.M. to the way MTV and MTV News quietly raised a generation. Using their recent Kurt Loder Questlove Show interview as a springboard, they revisit formative moments like the Kurt Cobain and Tupac reports, the Real World era, and how Loder became a kind of Gen X Walter Cronk
JoJo
Questlove and JoJo are NOT close friends. They aren’t—or at least, that’s how they approached this conversation: two pals from different genres and generations who have bonded in recent years, sitting down to see what else they might have in common. For The Questlove Show, the two get into JoJo’s evolution from teen prodigy to Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist&mdas
QLS Classic: Bruce Hornsby
Bruce Hornsby joined Questlove Supreme in 2020 for a deep-dive that went way beyond “The Way It Is,” tracing his late-blooming journey from Virginia jock to conservatory-trained improviser to unlikely pop star. Bruce broke down how playing with The Grateful Dead rewired his approach to live performance, why he’d spent decades upsetting soft-core fans, and how a small-town Souther
A Reaction To The DJ Muggs Episode Of The Questlove Show
In this Questlove Show mini episode, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpack their recent sit-down with legendary producer DJ Muggs. They explore Muggs’ evolution from boom-bap architect to self-mastered, independent creator who—as he told Ahmir—built his own musical universe. The conversation digs into the so-called “drumless” beats wave, how lowering drums in th
Maseo of De La Soul
De La Soul’s Maseo sits down with Questlove for an unfiltered deep dive into his Hip-Hop journey, his approach to deejaying, and the making of a true original. From volatile days in Brooklyn and Long Island to early block parties and the creation of classics like “Me Myself and I,” “Afro Connections,” and the epic “Cool Breeze on the Rocks” splice session,
QLS Classic: Seth Rogen
Back in late 2019, Seth Rogen joined Questlove Supreme in-studio to trace his journey from Vancouver teen comic and Superbad writer to Hollywood multi-hyphenate, unpacking weed culture, comedy craft, and the struggles and rewards of making big, risky movies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
DJ Cash Money Backstage At The Roots Picnic
The LEGENDARY DJ Cash Money joins Questlove live from the 2026 Roots Picnic at Philadelphia’s historic Belmont Plateau for a mini masterclass on the city’s turntablism legacy. A renowned turntable wizard, collector, and beacon of Philly Hip-Hop history, Cash traces the city’s evolution from Grandmaster Nell and Cosmic Kev at Hotel Philadelphia to the birth of the Transformer scra
Eric Benét
Questlove sits down with R&B icon Eric Benét for a deeply human, wildly musical conversation tracing the singer’s journey from Milwaukee family harmonies to gold plaques and Grammy nominations. Benét opens up about early sonic imprints like Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, and “Wichita Lineman,” his Alabama and Mobile roots, and how discovering Questlove’s
QLS Classic: The Avalanches
According to our Questlove, Australian powerhouse The Avalanches—Robbie Chater and Tony Di Blasi—single-handedly changed his perspective on how music could be made and delivered. Their acclaimed album, Since I Left You, not only “cracked our skulls open,” it remains one of Quest’s “top 10 albums of ALL time.” For two decades, the duo has left no stone untu
Questlove Reaches Into The Mailbag & Answers - August 6
Questlove is back to answer another batch of listener questions. This mailbag edition with Ahmir and Cousin Jake dives into recent episodes while revisiting classic Roots and Dilla history. Quest' clarifies a detail from the recent DJ Muggs episode, agreeing that Muggs essentially pioneered Hip-Hop's dark, dusty psychedelic sound. He also unpacks the backstory behind Phrenology's "roll call" segme
Kurt Loder
Legendary music journalist and MTV News icon Kurt Loder joins Questlove in the studio for a deep dive into the evolution of rock criticism, music journalism, and pop culture. Loder traces his journey from his early days covering Janis Joplin and Captain Beefheart to his era-defining work at Rolling Stone and MTV News, sharing firsthand memories of punk at CBGB, Prince, and the rise of Hip-Hop into
QLS Classic: John Densmore
In early 2021, Questlove and Team Supreme sat down with The Doors' John Densmore for a revealing, fun, and spirited conversation. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer reflects on the 1960s Los Angeles scene that gave rise to his legendary band, discusses sharing songwriting credits, and explains why The Doors resisted the temptation to recruit a high-profile new singer after the loss of Jim Mo
Questlove & Open Mike Eagle Talk About Soundtracks
In this mini-episode, Questlove and Open Mike Eagle dig into the real economics behind movie soundtracks and sync licensing. Sparked by a listener question about Saturday Night Fever and Rick Dees’ “Disco Duck,” they break down how fees, royalties, and leverage have shifted from the compilation-album era to today’s catalog-buyout climate. Along the way, the two also revisit
DJ Muggs
DJ Muggs and Questlove link up in Hollywood, California for a deep dive into the creative vision that made Cypress Hill one of Hip-Hop's most groundbreaking acts. From SP-1200 grit and Psychedelic textures to Rock-infused boom bap, Muggs traces his journey from Queens to Bell Gardens, revisits the making of classics like "How I Could Just Kill a Man," "Hand On The Pump," and House Of Pain's "Jump
QLS Classic: DJ Drama Part 2
In Part 2 of DJ Drama's classic Questlove Supreme interview from late 2022, the Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer, and music executive reflects on the 2007 FBI raid that sought to shut down his groundbreaking mixtape empire. History tells a different story: rather than fold, Drama adapted, launching Generation Now and helping usher artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow to stardom. Drama also s
Setting The Record Straight: A Convo With The Creator of MF DOOM's Mask
During the recent Thundercat episode of The Questlove Show, the creation of MF DOOM's iconic mask was misattributed. After QLS past guests (shout out to Dante Ross), friends of the show, and our legions of dedicated listeners called out the mistake, The Questlove Show is proud to set the record straight by welcoming the mask's original and sole creator, KEO—a longtime friend, collaborat
Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow pulls up to The Questlove Show for a rare, career-spanning conversation that begins with humble reflections on Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and ends with Hall of Fame accolades, classic jingles, and a recent victory over cancer. Ahmir and Barry trace his path from CBS mailroom kid to music director, arranger, and reluctant frontman who never saw himself as a singer. Manilow breaks down th
QLS Classic: DJ Drama Part 1
Back in 2022, Questlove and Team Supreme hit Atlanta, where they checked in with old pal DJ Drama. Fittingly, in Part 1, Drama revisits his Philly roots and shares some overlapping histories with several of the QLS hosts. The Gangsta Grillz creator recalls growing up in the 2-1-5, making pivotal Hip-Hop mixtapes as a B-Boy, and taking his talents to Atlanta to pursue a dream and an education. In P
A Reaction To The Riz Ahmed Episode Of The Questlove Show
The mini-episode features Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpacking the recently released Questlove Show interview with Riz Ahmed. Beginning with a behind-the-scenes look at how the virtual conversation came together—amid travel, press days, and technical echo issues—they explore Riz's deep roots as a Hip Hop head, dating back to the Rawkus Records and Lyricist Lounge era. The discussi
Riz Ahmed
Oscar and Emmy winner Riz Ahmed sits down with Questlove for a personal conversation that spans music, art, identity, and purpose. Bonding over a lifelong love of music (especially Hip-Hop), the two reflect on the moments that have defined their careers. Riz also shares the inspiration behind recent projects, including the new series Bait and his bold interpretation of Hamlet. This episode capture
QLS Classic: Terri Lyne Carrington
In honor of Women's History Month, travel back to a 2022 conversation with the legendary prodigy drummer and visionary Terri Lyne Carrington, as she shares her stories of being a confident child amongst the greats. She breaks down earning the respect of the architects of Jazz, working on the Arsenio Hall Show, and appearing in Beat Street. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire's Ralph Johnson sits down with Questlove for a wide-ranging conversation about the music, moments, and mindset that shaped one of the greatest bands of all time. From spinning Benny Goodman records as a kid and witnessing a transformative James Brown concert in 1966 to navigating Los Angeles during The Watts Riots, Ralph reflects on the experiences that set him on the path t
QLS Classic: Top Shelf 1988
Listen back as the masterminds behind Top Shelf 1988 join Team Supreme to discuss the most transformative year in Hip-Hop history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Reaction To The Chuck D Episode Of The Questlove Show
Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake link for a mini-episode to unpack Questlove's long-awaited conversation with Chuck D. Along the way, they discuss the disappearance of Hip-Hop's "middle class," the vital role independent labels played in sustaining it, and why those ecosystems matter now more than ever. As the two QLS affiliates revisit highlights from the Chuck D interview, Mike shares a surreal s
QLS Classic: Howard Hewett
Closing the Black Music Month run of classics, Howard Hewett joined Questlove Supreme back in 2021 for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about one of the most remarkable voices in R&B. From his formative years in Akron, Ohio, to his breakthrough with Shalamar and his enduring solo career, Hewett reflects on the artistry, discipline, and faith that have sustained him through decades in mus
Chuck D
In one of the most requested and long-awaited conversations in this show’s history, Chuck D finally joins Questlove in the studio. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about the art, science, and spirit behind Public Enemy—especially during the group’s formative years. Chuck traces the spark from hearing "Blow Your Head" at roller rinks to the Frankenstein tape loops that gav
QLS Classic: Little Brother
This Questlove Supreme Classic episode with Little Brother aired back in May 2020. Team Supreme's Phonte Coleman is in the guest seat as he and partner Rapper Big Pooh discuss the evolution of their group, and reuniting personally and creatively for May The Lord Watch in 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Terence Blanchard
As we celebrate the final week of Black Music Month 2026, revisit this 2021 episode of Questlove Supreme featuring renowned composer, musician, and arranger Terence Blanchard. Blanchard's 30-year creative partnership with Spike Lee has made them, in Quest's words, "the best combo of film director and film scorer." While his work on the majority of Lee's films is remarkable in itself, it represents
A Reaction To The Thundercat Episode Of The Questlove Show
In this mini, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpack the new Thundercat episode of The Questlove Show and the wider universe surrounding it—from Los Angeles' borderless music scenes to the mentors and misfits who shaped them. Inspired by Thundercat's custom mask medallion and reflections on MF DOOM, Mike recalls collaborating with the late MC/producer, reflects on processing Daniel Dumile's
QLS Classic: Bernadette Cooper
As the celebration of Black Music Month continues, we are revisiting a 2021 Questlove Supreme favorite featuring the incomparable Bernadette Cooper. Founder and bandleader of Klymaxx, acclaimed percussionist, songwriter, producer, and unapologetic trailblazer, Bernadette's influence extends far beyond the hits. Questlove and Team Supreme celebrate a career that reshaped Funk, R&B, and popular
QLS Classic: The Jacksons
Five years ago, in mid 2021, Questlove Supreme sat down with three members of The Jacksons, THE American Music Dynasty. In the spirit of Black Music Month, Ahmir's quote: "we would be pressed to find one person on this earth who has not been affected by their legacy" echoes powerfully. Jackie, Marlon, and the since-passed Tito discussed their 50-year musical legacy, the remastering of their c
QLS Classic: Robert Glasper
A pandemic-era classic, this 2020 conversation finds Questlove, Phonte, Laiya, Suga Steve, sitting down with the incomparable Robert Glasper. The Grammy-winning pianist, producer, and cultural force discusses his mission to push Jazz forward, blur genre lines, and build new bridges between Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop, and beyond. Having collaborated with Glasper themselves, Quest' and Phontigallo get the
Thundercat
Thundercat joins Questlove for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that traces his journey from Compton and church gigs to global stages with Flying Lotus, Mac Miller, and beyond. He breaks down the spiritual impact of MF DOOM, how mentors like Dazz Band affiliate Reggie Andrews and his musician parents shaped his ear. Thundercat reflects on surviving LA’s realities, finding creativ
QLS Classic: David Porter
Questlove Supreme's celebration of Black Music Month continues with an classic David Porter interview. David is a true architect of the Memphis sound. Isaac Hayes's longtime writing and production partner tells Team Supreme about making hits with Sam & Dave, The Bar-Kays, Carla Thomas, and more. A longtime Stax Records artist, producer, songwriter, and executive, David Porter also recalls the
QLS Classic: The Emotions
In this Black Music Month QLS Classic, Grammy Award-winning vocal group The Emotions talk about their unusually early musical start, how hip hop reinvigorated their career and the deep influence of their family on everything they do. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Questlove & Open Mike Eagle Talk Aging In Hip-Hop...And More
Questlove sits down with Open Mike Eagle in-studio for a candid mini-conversation about aging in Hip-Hop, grief, and learning to accept flowers without guilt. Ahmir opens up about losing collaborators (and friends), navigating therapy, and trying to define what The Roots should sound like in 2026 without their longtime mentor Richard Nichols. They break down the tension between survival and artist
QLS Classic: Gary Clark Jr.
Austin rocker and axman, Gary Clark Jr., brings blues-rock center stage in 2019 as he joins Team Supreme to talk about his journey from booking gigs at 14, to collaborating with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and his new album, "This Land." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Black Music Month QLS Classic: D-Nice
In late 2017, DJ and New York Hip Hop legend D-Nice sat down with QLS. He opened up about Scott La Rock's life and death, how "Call Me D-Nice" could have been "Call Me Biz Markie," plus Questlove gets some juicy tales from the Latin Quarter featuring Mike Tyson, David Copperfield and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Estelle
In 2020 this episode we are re-releasing as part of Black Music Month, Estelle talks about strip clubs, looking for love in Los Angeles, gives Questlove a crash course on the UK music scene, and much more. There is wisdom in this gem of an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fab 5 Freddy Part 2
The second half of Fab 5 Freddy's in-studio conversation with Questlove explores the enduring legacy of Wild Style and revisits key moments from Yo! MTV Raps. Fab shines a light on the unsung heroes of the graffiti movement and reveals how a botched audio recording shaped one of his film's most iconic sequences. The conversation also traces his role in bringing N.W.A to te
QLS Classic: Kurtis Blow
As The Questlove Show celebrates Black Music Month, we're revisiting a classic 2019 Questlove Supreme conversation with one of hip-hop's true pioneers, Kurtis Blow. The legendary New York MC reflects on the genre's formative years, giving credit to the peers and innovators who helped build the culture from the ground up. He also breaks down his classic catalog and revisits some of the records that
QLS Classic: Jenifer Lewis Part 2
Back in 2022, Jenifer Lewis spoke with QLS to promote her new book Walking In My Joy: In These Streets. In doing so, the actress, singer, and positive life force gives Team Supreme raw and uncut jewels of wisdom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Jenifer Lewis Part 1
As The Questlove Show's celebration of Black Music Month continues, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations. Actress, author, and cultural force—and yes, songstress—Jenifer Lewis shares hard-earned wisdom from her life, career, and travels. Listen as this queen of multi-hyphenates commands the QLS stage with humor, honesty, and unforgettable stories. Questlove called this 20
QLS Classic: Branford Marsalis
In the words of Questlove our guest for this classic episode, is "a part of one of THE most important musical dynasty's in music". His touch has been pivotal to the evolution of jazz, but that's not all folks! Branford Marsalis' contributions to the culture can be seen and heard through his acting, the products of his marriage of jazz and hip hop, his barrier breaking presence as a band leader on
Questlove Show Mini: An In-Studio Catch-Up
This mini-episode of The Questlove Show features Ahmir, Open Mike Eagle, and producer Cousin Jake reflecting on Mike’s 2025 long-form QLS conversation. Open Mike Eagle shares that he’s just finished a new album, talks about his listening habits (ranging from British bands to YouTube talk shows) and how being embedded in the industry pushes him away from rap in his leisure time. They di
QLS Classic: James "JT" Taylor
As we celebrate Black Music Month, look back to late 2024, when James "JT" Taylor joined Questlove and Suga Steve to revisit his upbringing and two decades with Kool & The Gang. JT detailed arriving with the legendary Funk-Jazz band to help them reach new plateaus with hit songs including "Celebration," "Ladies Night," "Joanna," and more. This conversation also touched on JT's solo career at M
Fab 5 Freddy Part 1
Hip-Hop visionary Fab 5 Freddy joins Questlove to trace his path from Bed-Stuy's Hancock Street to painting whole-car subway masterpieces, exhibiting in Rome, and helping bring Rap to the mainstream through Yo! MTV Raps. While discussing his new memoir, Everybody's Fly, Fred shares vivid memories of Brooklyn riots, preserving Malcolm X’s final speech on reel-to-reel tape, and even cold-calli
QLS Classic: Fred Hammond Part 2
The second half of the 2022 interview with Fred Hammond. The Roots' James Poyser joined Team Supreme as they interviewed their first Gospel artist — others would follow in time. This conversation is spirited, fun, and informative. Enjoy as part of our 2026 Black Music Month fleet of Classics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Fred Hammond Part 1
In 2022, Questlove Supreme interviewed our first Gospel legend, and we started right. Fred Hammond is a game-changer and an innovator. We covered it all in this two-parter. Oh, and keep your ears open for a special guest cohost with his own Gospel "roots."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet the Artist Behind The Questlove Show Logo & Animations
Nick Polowy is the Los Angeles–based artist behind The Questlove Show logo and many of the animations that have appeared throughout QLS episodes since 2022. While taping in Hollywood, Ahmir and Open Mike Eagle sat down with Nick for a special mini episode to talk about his creative process, the deep research that informs his work, and a career that spans everything from major television netw
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Jimmy Jam Part 3
In part 3 of this truly classic Questlove Supreme interview (being re-broadcast for Black Music Month), Jimmy Jam talks about everything from what Janet and Michael's sibling relationship was like, to his relationship with his own family and shares even more insider secrets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Jimmy Jam Part 2
Black Music Month at QLS carries on tradition. In part 2 of his epic interview (the one that Quest' always refers to), Jimmy Jam spoke about making Prince jealous, the studio secrets behind his recordings, how he made all those hits with Janet Jackson and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Jimmy Jam Part 1
In part 1, the legendary R&B songwriter and producer Jimmy Jam spoke about his early days, life with Prince and goin' broke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mickey Guyton
Black Music Month kicks off in a major way. Mickey Guyton joins Questlove for a deeply personal conversation about carving out space as a Black woman in Country music, from her church roots in Texas to performing on global stages like the Super Bowl and in China. She opens up about her religious upbringing, perfectionism, anxiety, creative burnout, and finding her true audience among marginalized
QLS Classic: Ben Vereen
In 2024, Ben Vereen joined Questlove Supreme with his daughter Kabara. Quest' recently called this one of the most powerful QLS episodes in the show's history. What began as a conversation about a legendary, award-winning career in theater, film, and television organically went someplace much deeper. Ben Vereen shared discoveries about his identity and traces his knowledge of self while speaking a
Christopher Cross
Christopher Cross joins Questlove in Hollywood for a deep musician-to-musician conversation about songwriting, studio craftsmanship, and surviving meteoric success. Cross reveals the true origin of Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) and the outlaw mythology behind Ride Like The Wind, while recalling experiences like seeing Jimi Hendrix live, opening for Led Zeppelin, and singing background voca
QLS Classic: Dave Matthews
This 2023 Questlove Supreme episode gave way to a lot of the format you now hear on The Questlove Show. Ahmir, Laiya, Unpaid Bill, and Suga Steve ask Dave Matthews a mix of random icebreakers and some very specific questions about life and career. This interview, and the way audiences reacted to it, taught us all so much.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Open Mike Eagle Talks Touring, Europe, & Chicago Food
In a recent conversation with Padma Lakshmi, Questlove brought up the near-sacrilegious act of putting ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago. Chicago native Open Mike Eagle reacts — while admitting he may already be disqualified from the debate for entirely different reasons. The podcast affiliate (and recent guest) also speaks about the hometown food he gravitates towards, name-checking some purv
Angela Nissel
Angela Nissel joins Questlove for a deeply funny and moving conversation about growing up in Southwest Philly, breaking into television, and navigating grief after losing her mother—the subject of her new memoir, Good Grief, Pass The Bread, Mom Is Dead. The longtime friends revisit their wild early days together, from telemarketing gigs and busted cars to building Okayplayer and discovering
QLS Classic: Cedric The Entertainer
Recorded back in mid-2023, Cedric the Entertainer—the king of comedy whose career spans film, television, and hosting—added “novelist” to his already expansive résumé. That was a cause for discussion with Questlove and Team Supreme during the virtual interview days. In this funny and thoughtful episode of QLS, Cedric discusses his debut novel Flipping Box
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Michael Jackson HIStory Bonus Segment + Twin Cities Mailbag Questions
In this Questlove Show mini-episode, Questlove revisits the making of Michael Jackson's HIStory with a previously unreleased encore segment from the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis interview. Ahmir unpacks the track’s orchestral scale, Boyz II Men vocals, and marathon mix sessions with fellow producers, breaking down why “HIStory” feels like MJ’s “Night of the Living Base
QLS Classic: Steve Ferrone Pt. 2
Back in 2022, the Questlove Supreme's Team Supreme began doing 1-on-1 interviews with some of their favorites. Ahmir captured an amazing two-parter with one of his drumming heroes, Steve Ferrone. In part 2, Steve tells a great story about meeting Prince and recalls amazing years with Average White Band, pivotal time with Duran Duran, Chaka Khan, Rick James, and Tom Petty. Make sure you've heard th
A Reaction To The Posdnuos Episode Of The Questlove Show
On this mini episode of The Questlove Show, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake react to the recent two-hour interview between Ahmir and Posdnuos. In a mutual celebration of the Native Tongues movement, they highlight moments from the conversation involving De La Soul’s Turtles lawsuit, newly revealed details about subliminal lyrics, and the emotional weight of songs like “I Am I Be”
Raheem DeVaughn
Raheem DeVaughn joins Questlove to trace his journey from a Washington DC Go-Go kid to internationally known “Love King,” radio host, and independent R&B force. He breaks down the spiritual meaning of love, the art of the perfect slow-jam mixtape, and how Go-Go culture shaped his sound and hustle (including his current band). Raheem also tells stories about his father touring with
QLS Classic: Steve Ferrone Part 1
Back in early 2022, for a very special Questlove Supreme 1-on-1 episode, Questlove interviewed one of his heroes, Steve Ferrone. In part 1, Steve talks about growing up in England, tap dancing, his major influences on the drums, and going from Bloodstone into Average White Band. This interview is a soulful delight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brianna Wiest
Questlove welcomes bestselling author Brianna Wiest (The Mountain Is You, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think) for a vulnerable, funny, and wide‑ranging conversation about self‑sabotage, creativity, and learning to “just show up.” Brianna explains how she writes from her center, why nature and long drives unlock her best ideas, and how she separates the heart’s “w
QLS Classic: Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter
As we approach the 2025 Roots Picnic, look back at one of the most requested episodes, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter sat down in a New York City studio with Questlove Supreme at the end of 2023. Tariq discussed how he approached penning his new memoir, The Upcycled Self. In the process, Ahmir and Tariq also opened up about how they have separated brotherhood and business. Meanwhile, Team Supreme a
Open Mike Eagle Details The Good Life
Questlove reconnects with Open Mike Eagle, picking up a conversation that began on a 2025 episode of the show. As Mike reflects on his time with Project Blowed, the two artists-turned-podcast hosts dive into The Good Life Cafe and its influence on the West Coast Underground Hip-Hop scene, as well as touring on the left side of the country. This mini-episode is entertaining and insightful—and
Posdnuos of De La Soul
Posdnuos of De La Soul sits down with Questlove for a long-awaited conversation fans have been asking for. Ahmir digs into the group's catalog with fan-driven questions, while Plug 1 shares stories from the studio, reveals which classic tracks were originally intended for other artists, and reflects on the legacy of his brother, Dave aka Trugoy the Dove. The discussion celebrates one of Hip-Hop's
QLS Classic: DJ Clark Kent
Back in October of 2022 DJ Clark Kent joined the Questlove Supreme podcast to discuss performing with Dana Dane, his incredible work with JAY-Z and Biggie Smalls, and signing Das EFX. The esteemed veteran also spoke about his fantastic sneaker collection and turning his passion into meaningful brand partnerships. Sadly, Clark passed two years after this interview, leaving behind one of the greates
Georgia Anne Muldrow On The Personal Origin Of "Stay Woke"
This segment from the Questlove Show was so powerful, we had to share it on its own. Georgia Anne Muldrow breaks down the deeply personal origins of her “Stay Woke” lyric from Erykah Badu’s “Master Teacher Medley" over 18 years ago, and reflects on how its meaning has evolved—and been distorted—over time. Questlove and special guest Open Mike Eagle share their r
Recommended
Bad Friends
Fantasy Flex
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Deadline: White House
این نقطه
TED Business
Dateline NBC
