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.
In honor of Black Music Month, go back to 2018 when world-class MC and producer Scarface spoke about how Rap-A-Lot Records' J. Prince brought him into Geto Boys, the aftermath of the infamous Ice Cube diss, and the golf game of Cedric The Entertainer, Moses Malone, Clyde Drexler and more. This was recorded in front of a live audience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Black Music Month continues with a 2021 Questlove Supreme episode that put the spotlight on a woman whose name should be a part of everyone's Hip Hop matriculation. Lady B has put in her work for the culture from being the first DJ to play Rap on FM radio, to being the first female MC to record on wax and not only did she put Philadelphia on to Hip Hop, she made it a top five market for the genre! This is a rare sit down with a true foremother of Hip Hop, the Legendary Lady B.... without a doubt...
In Part 2 of Wayne Brady's in-studio conversation with Questlove Supreme, the world-class entertainer speaks about what his cameo on Chappelle's Show did for his career and image. Wayne also talks about working on a game show, his love of music, spending free time, and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is a book only Questlove could have written: a perceptive and personal reflection on the first half-century of hip-hop. When hip-hop first emerged in the 1970s, it wasn’t expected to become the cultural force it is today. But for a young Black kid growing up in a musical family in Philadelphia, it was everything. He stayed up late to hear the newest songs on the radio. He saved his money to buy vinyl as soon as it landed. He even started to try to make his own songs. That kid was Questlove,...
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.
In 2017, Questlove Supreme interviewed a Hip Hop legend, the only Biz Markie. This two-hour episode covers TV shows like Yo Gabba Gabba, his legendary record collection, his brotherhood with The Beastie Boys, and the secrets he will never share. Tragically, B-I-Z left us in 2021, but he remains in our hearts, and this conversation endures as a look into the life of a pioneer and legend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
In a variety of eras, forms, and styles, Q-Tip has honored Black Music's past and piloted its future. In early 2017, the legendary MC, producer, and DJ spoke about the historical firsts and classic Hip-Hop history he took part in and witnessed as part of A Tribe Called Quest, and so much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Especially through Hip-Hop, Prince Paul has taken Black Music to new frontiers. Back in 2017, the legendary producer and spoke about his contributions to early Hip-Hop, winning Grammys with Chris Rock, and some of the ways he shaped the sound of De La Soul, 3rd Bass, Queen Latifah, and more. Paul's contributions remain active and ongoing... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Questlove Supreme's Black Music Month programming continues, revisit this 2018 conversation with singer-songwriter Tawatha Agee as she discusses how she rose from her Gospel choir beginnings to recording Mtume's hit single, "Juicy Fruit." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In part 1 of 2 from Questlove Supreme's 2017 interview with late, legendary musician and songwriter James Mtume reminisces about his historical relationships with legendary Jazz musicians like Miles Davis, walks team supreme through the songwriting process and explains the origins of "Mtume." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In part 2 of 2 of Questlove Supreme's 2017 interview with James Mtume, the late legend gets on a roll, talking about everything from his legal problems with Wrigley's Gum, to working with his idol Curtis Mayfield and the importance of passing down your story (and wisdom). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wayne Brady drops by Questlove Supreme in the studio for an epic two-part interview. In Part 1, Wayne looks back at his upbringing and foray into entertainment. Wayne is charismatic, funny, and still incredibly real as he revisits his journey from Florida to becoming a household name across television, music, comedy, and Broadway. This interview also features some basic get-to-know-somebody questions that lead to deeper answers than expected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
As Questlove Supreme dedicates a month-long celebration to Black Music Month, Dr. Otis Williams represents the epitome of Black Music. In this 2018 interview, the legendary baritone singer, a founding member of The Temptations, Otis Williams, discusses the evolution of the Motown sound and label, the band's dynasty, and The Temps' album, All The Time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The celebration of Black Music Month continues. First aired on May 15, 2018, listen as Quest and Team Supreme sit down with singer, musician and percussionist Stokley Williams. He speaks on how imitation helped him find his voice, his early days with Mint Condition and how everything changed once he signed with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Black Music Month, Questlove Supreme is doing a special 30 days of programming from the QLS archives and new episodes alike. There is no place to begin than the Godmother of Black music, Dyana Williams. In this 2020 conversation, Dyana talks about growing up in the Bronx, getting her start in radio as Ebony Moonbeams, and coaching artists like Kanye West, Lil' Kim, and Dave Matthews Band. QLS celebrates Black Music all year, but join us in this honorary programming series. See omnystudio.com...
While the world may have been introduced to her as Willow Smith, the artist now known as WILLOW is actively transforming into her most authentic self. In a one-on-one, in-studio interview with Questlove, WILLOW describes the growth in her music, the drive in her spirit, and the key parts of the journey along the way. This interview celebrates WILLOW's new album "empathogen" and surrounds it with wisdom about creativity, fame, and perception. Photograph by Christian Germoso See omnystudio.com/lis...
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.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weezer's Rivers Cuomo and Patrick Wilson visit QLS in the studio. Ahead of its 30th anniversary Weezer reflects on its famed debut, the blue album. Patrick and Rivers describe their own upbringings, the earliest days of Weezer, and how The Cars' Ric Ocasek was the perfect producer. This conversation between peers shows some intersectional histories and creates a few laughs too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singer-songwriter PJ Morton went from singing gospel in New Orleans to playing keyboard for Maroon 5. In this episode of Questlove Supreme, Morton opens up about his journey from preacher’s kid to Grammy nominee. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Part 2 of Adam Levine's sitdown with Questlove Supreme features some backstories on Maroon 5 hits and his work with Kanye West. In step with Maroon 5's Las Vegas residency, Adam also speaks about the highs and lows of performing. Past QLS guest PJ Morton makes a surprise return as he and Adam discuss some of their most favorite albums across genres. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back in 2022, Team Supreme’s Suga Steve concluded his far-ranging interview with Elvis Costello. This is Part 2 of the first edition of QLS Solo Sessions. This show was recorded at legendary Electric Lady Studio A and finds Suga and Elvis continuing to explore all aspects of Elvis’ career and how it relates to his work with the Roots and his place in music history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adam Levine sits down with Questlove Supreme in the studio for a spirited conversation. In Part 1, he speaks about some of the dynamics within his superstar band, Maroon 5. QLS also takes a turn for the random, as Adam reflects on his musical memories while Questlove and Team Supreme lay out some esoteric music history and debate the truth behind vocal rest. One of Adam's first-ever podcast appearances is interesting, informational, and funny. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Team Supreme’s Suga Steve, a lifelong Elvis Costello fan, sits and talks with Elvis in Electric Lady Studio A, to be aired as two episodes. Spurred on by a clearly amused Questlove, this is the deepest dive possible into The Roots’ and Elvis’ Wise Up Ghost album and the 50-year career of an enduring music superstar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SiR joins Questlove Supreme to share a story of tenacity, self-growth, and personal discovery. The Inglewood, California singer details his years in the wing, working with others (including Jill Scott) as an engineer, writer, and producer. However, as SiR asserted his self-worth, he soon became an in-demand artist who eventually found a lasting home at TDE. Get to know an artist whose HEAVY story matches the title of his new album. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Looking back to the third and final part of LA Reid's epic QLS interview. This 2022 chat covers the founding of LaFace Records and some rarely discussed history surrounding OutKast and TLC. LA also looks at his time leading Def Jam and identifying Rihanna and Kanye West as the label's new stars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Erika Alexander continues her incredible QLS interview with a candid conversation about how executives treated Living Single as compared to other popular 1990s sitcoms. Erika also speaks about her astonishing recent run, including a dazzling role in American Fiction and memorable performances in Get Out and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. This conversation is pure joy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actress Erika Alexander joins Questlove Supreme for a special two-part interview. In the first half, Erika recalls an unusual upbringing that brought her from a childhood in a motel room along Route 66 to the city of Philadelphia. She details making a powerful impact on Camille Cosby to land a part in a beloved sitcom and how that experience prepared her for a definitive role on Living Single. Erika is an incredible storyteller who speaks with heart and draws from experience. See omnystudio.com/...
In Part 2 of this QLS Classic of LA Reid's comprehensive interview with Questlove Supreme, he recalls working with The Whispers, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS gets in the weeds with Mr. Walt and Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz. This free-flowing discussion traces the origins of a very gritty sound and frequency of 1990s Rap production. The two brothers are not above clowning one another as they recall working on Black Moon's classic debut Enta Da Stage, going crate-digging with Q-Tip, and helping to make D&D Studios a true enclave of hardcore Hip Hop. True to Da Beatminerz' name and sound, this episode digs deep. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
The first of L.A. Reid's 3-part QLS recalls his childhood in Cincinnati, playing the Indianapolis club circuit, working with Midnight Star, and meeting Babyface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
