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.
Look back to May 2021 when Questlove Supreme sat down with multiple award winner, super hilarious, multi-talented iconic daughter of an icon— (who became her own icon) Tracee Ellis Ross. This conversation is peppered with so many mic drops. Enjoy. Like Tracee, the wisdom from this episode is ageless. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nimene makes a brand new hip-hop track with special guest Anna Suzuki about Mitsuye Endo, a Japanese American who took her fight against racism all the way to the Supreme Court, helping to bring about the end of Japanese American internment during World War II. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This year's Questlove Supreme salute to Women's History Month closes with Part 3. This compilation includes potent segments from the incomparable Tracee Ellis Ross, Corrin Tucker, and Carrie Brownstein from the band Sleater-Kinney, Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls, and music executive (and all-around great storyteller) Monica Lynch. Please enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Questlove Supreme Classic with the legendary Monie Love was taped in 2021. The "Ladies First" collaborator has used her platform to elevate women and spread the message. One of Hip-Hop's first widely recognized MCs from another continent, Monie continues her passion for rapping today — along with an active career as a media personality at TV and radio. Monie was in the middle of Team Supreme for this epic interview which is worthy of a listen-back. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:...
Strike! Nimene travels to Texas to witness Emma Tenayuca fight for workers’ rights, and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez performs a brand new hip-hop track about the pioneering labor activist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The celebration of Women's History Month continues at Questlove Supreme. This episode features memorable and thematic clips from Chaka Khan, Solange, Stacey Abrams, Kathleen Hanna, Nelly Furtado, Heather Hunter, and more. Questo offers some commentary as well in this curated QLS retrospective. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In early 2021, Questlove Supreme interviewed one of the most spectacular voices of our time — Stephanie Mills. She set the standard in her debut Broadway role as the original Dorothy in the Wiz and then came the hits. As we celebrate Women's History Month, listen and learn about her life and everything in between only on QLS. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nimene learns the inspiring story of Judy Heumann, who fought for the rights of disabled people, and enlists Broadway actor Jenna Bainbridge for a fierce hip hop track to honor Judy’s legacy. Featuring an interview between Tony Award-winning actor Ali Stroker and a 14 year old named Elizabeth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In honor of Women's History Month, Questlove Supreme has gathered a series of clips reflecting achievements, experiences, and accomplishments by women. In Part 1 of this three-part series, listen back to excerpts from conversations with Rapsody, Sheila E., Faith Newman, and more—with some recent reflections from Questlove. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The music community suffered a giant loss this week with the passing of Roy Ayers. In 2017, Roy returned to Electric Lady Studios to sit down with Questlove Supreme. Ahmir adds some reflections and stories about his experience with Roy, as this conversation provides extra insight into the Jazz-Funk pioneer. In this special chat, Roy spoke about his early days in South Central Los Angeles, the strange way Miles Davis had of saying hello, why Electric Lady was the right home, plus so much more. Le...
Nimene heads to outer space to make a brand new hip-hop track about Mary Golda Ross, the very first Native American female aerospace engineer. Featuring an interview between aerospace engineer Kristina Halona, a proud member of the Navajo Nation, and Vivian, an Odawa and Haudenosaunee 8 year old from Ohio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celebrate Women's History Month with this stellar 2022 conversation with the LEGENDARY Bonnie Raitt. The Grammy Award winner discusses continuing Blues traditions and ensuring the pioneers got paid. She recalls some experiences of making a 50-plus-year career in at least one previously male-dominated genre. Bonnie also explains why she cannot perform a show without playing one of her most impactful hits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
For Black History Month, QLS opens up the archives to look at accomplishments in the media. Questlove selects and annotates clips involving legends of stage, screen, and broadcast — while dropping some thoughts of his own. This clips, featuring Donnie Simpson, Wayne Brady, Erika Alexander, Big Lez, and others highlight the progress, impact, and accomplishments of so many. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actor, writer and comedian Deon Cole talks about his show Black-ish, the art of the stolen joke and his time writing for Conan and The Tonight Show. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does it take to win 11 NBA championships AND to play a meaningful role in the civil rights movement? Nimene finds out with a brand new hip-hop track about Bill Russell, the legendary player/coach of the Boston Celtics. Featuring an interview between former NBA star Jalen Rose and a 14 year old basketball fan from Detroit named Messiah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As QLS celebrates Black History Month, look back at poignant clips from Chris Rock, Ben Vereen, Jenifer Lewis, Solange, and others. Questlove offers some insights on why this podcast makes it a point to create a platform for Black History year 'round—now more than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode of Questlove Supreme lands Quest and Team Supreme in the presence of the great Melba Moore. Not many people can claim their career began with winning a Tony Award. Melba Moore can, having STARTED her career on Broadway to become an essential voice in R&B music. Her musical journey has been like no other, providing a different kind of blueprint toward success sought by most and she's still on it! So many lessons and great stories. You don't want to miss this one! Learn more about...
Nimene learns how ‘street couture’ fashion came to be with a brand new hip-hop track about fashion pioneer Willi Smith. Featuring an interview between fashion designer Humberto Leon and an 8 year old fashion lover from New York named Olivia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While there is no new episode this week, Questlove Supreme is at work on some new shows, conversations, and special content to come. Stay tuned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Look back at part 2 of Questlove Supreme's 2022 interview with Millie Jackson and Keisha Jackson. This mother and daughter powerhouse spoke about their relationship and careers while sitting with Team Supreme at an Atlanta studio. Keisha discussed her solo catalog, performing with OutKast, recording with Da Brat, and her ongoing Yacht Rock Revue project. Meanwhile, Millie explained tapping into her Country side, on her own terms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nimene learns about Josh Gibson, the greatest power hitter baseball has ever seen and Broadway star Fergie L. Philippe breaks it down in a brand new hip-hop track. Featuring an interview between Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and a 10 year old baseball enthusiast named Payton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part 2 of this special look-back series, Questlove Supreme examines guests' first music memories. Questlove shares another memory from his life and drops some anecdote. The second set includes memorable reflections from DJ Premier, Sananda Maitreya, Steve Ferrone, Adam Levine, Tevin Campbell, Brittany Howard—and more. As we celebrate these early impressions, please consider writing a review or drop us a line on socials, and let QLS know your own first musical memory. See omnystudio.com/listen...
Questlove Supreme celebrates Black History year round. Travel back to 2022, when singer Millie Jackson was joined by her daughter and fellow songstress Keisha Jackson for an Atlanta taping of QLS. In Part One, Millie Jackson spoke about writing and producing provocative and popular songs that were decades ahead of their time. Millie recalled checking Aretha Franklin, performing her Grammy-nominated hit, and making a profound song that confused and upset Gospel audiences. She sang too. Just like ...
Over the years, many of the Questlove Supreme interviews begin by asking, "What was your first musical memory?" In a special episode, looking back at memorable answers, Questlove offers his own and explains his curiosity. Part 1 of this series includes looking back at answers from Larry Blackmon of Cameo, Dave Matthews, Maya Rudolph, Macy Gray, Organized Noize, Blondie, Bonnie Raitt—and many others. While we're at it, write a review or drop us a line on socials, and let QLS know your first music...
Journalist, author and host of MSNBC’s All In, discusses the heated political climate and finding a way to flourish. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cooking show stars Jazz, Jake, Jurnee and Jussie Smollett talk about growing up nomads, how they work through sibling rivalry and their cookbook, The Family Table. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actress, producer and activist Rosario Dawson talks about getting discovered for the film Kids on the streets of Brooklyn, the costs of being outspoken and working with artists like Spike Lee, Prince, Outkast and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part 2 of this incredible 1-on-1 interview between Questlove and Erick Sermon, Ahmir asks for definitive answers about the EPMD breakup. Erick also speaks about a grocery list of hits, album cuts, and remixes from the 1990s and 2000s. This conversation intersects with stories about LL Cool J, Redman, Keith Murray, Too Short, and others. Happy 2025 from QLS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marley Marl shares some of his studio secrets and talks about how he earned his spot as a legend in the early NYC scene. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Erick Sermon and Questlove spoke for more than three hours in the closing days of 2024. In Part 1 of this QLS season finale, E-Double recalls the early days of EPMD, breaks down how Long Island fueled a rivalry with Eric B. & Rakim, and discusses where the melodic Funk in his music comes from. This conversation touches on classic songs by Erick and his group, Redman, Stezo, and so much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
