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Every episode
The Questlove Show
30 episodes
Maseo of De La Soul
Ep 12 · Aug 17, 2026 · 2 hr 14 min
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, Mase breaks down the art, risk, and innovation behind De La’s catalog. He explains how a skip…
QLS Classic: Seth Rogen
Aug 16, 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
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
Aug 14, 2026 · 27 min
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 scratch at Central High—breaking down how Philly quietly rewrote the rules of the DJ. Cash also tr…
Eric Benét
Ep 11 · Aug 10, 2026 · 1 hr 57 min
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 own lineage story reshaped the way he thinks about ancestry, Haiti, and spirituality. The two dig into P…
QLS Classic: The Avalanches
Aug 9, 2026 · 1 hr 30 min
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 unturned in mastering the art of building an entire sonic landscape from the ground up. So how do they d…
Questlove Reaches Into The Mailbag & Answers - August 6
Aug 6, 2026 · 21 min
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" segment, explaining how a reclaimed Slum Village beat, Ursula Rucker, and an exhaustive Ego Trip's Book o…
Kurt Loder
Ep 10 · Aug 3, 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
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 the mainstream. Kurt opens up about writing Rolling Stone's first major Rap review, chronicling Tin…
QLS Classic: John Densmore
Aug 2, 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
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 Morrison. Densmore, who recently released DoPE with 2026 QLS guest Chuck D, also shares his admiration for…
Questlove & Open Mike Eagle Talk About Soundtracks
Jul 31, 2026 · 21 min
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 the quietly stacked High School High Soundtrack, The Roots’ role in it, and a fateful night l…
DJ Muggs
Ep 9 · Jul 27, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
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 Around." Along the way, he discusses his latest collaboration, Don't Call Me Lucky, with Los Angeles…
QLS Classic: DJ Drama Part 2
Ep 45 · Jul 26, 2026 · 58 min
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 shares with Questlove how The Roots influenced his journey, reflecting on the relationships, resilien…
Setting The Record Straight: A Convo With The Creator of MF DOOM's Mask
Ep 4 · Jul 25, 2026 · 32 min
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, collaborator, and creative partner of DOOM. In this QLS mini, KEO tells the story in his own words, shari…
Barry Manilow
Ep 8 · Jul 20, 2026 · 39 min
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 the craft of writing immortal ad hooks, the no-glam reality of the legendary Continental Baths, and wh…
QLS Classic: DJ Drama Part 1
Ep 44 · Jul 19, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
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 Part 1, he reveals how that journey led him to Lil Jon, T.I., and Jeezy. This was taped on location i…
A Reaction To The Riz Ahmed Episode Of The Questlove Show
Ep 7 · Jul 18, 2026 · 20 min
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 discussion then shifts to Questlove's current Hip Hop worldview, focusing on his appreciation for character-…
Riz Ahmed
Ep 7 · Jul 13, 2026 · 51 min
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 captures an authentic exchange between two boundary-pushing artists whose stories stretch across the Atlant…
QLS Classic: Terri Lyne Carrington
Jul 12, 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
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
Ep 6 · Jul 6, 2026 · 1 hr 31 min
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 to becoming Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary drummer. He also shares stories from the band's early hustle&m…
QLS Classic: Top Shelf 1988
Jul 5, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
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
Ep 5 · Jul 3, 2026 · 25 min
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 story about attending one of Chuck D's lectures while in college. Together, they explore the importan…
QLS Classic: Howard Hewett
Jul 1, 2026 · 2 hr 30 min
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 music. Questlove and Team Supreme explore Hewett's vocal approach, the evolution of Shalamar, the realities…
Chuck D
Ep 5 · Jun 29, 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
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 gave birth to "Public Enemy No. 1," "Rebel Without a Pause," and "Bring the Noise." He recalls writing…
QLS Classic: Little Brother
Jun 28, 2026 · 1 hr 41 min
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
Jun 27, 2026 · 1 hr 59 min
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 just one chapter in an extraordinary career spanning film and television. Recorded as Blanchard pre…
A Reaction To The Thundercat Episode Of The Questlove Show
Ep 4 · Jun 26, 2026 · 34 min
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 passing through song ("For Doom"), and shares memories of appearing on television alongside Thunderc…
QLS Classic: Bernadette Cooper
Jun 25, 2026 · 1 hr 54 min
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 music while giving one of its true innovators the flowers she's long deserved. This is a timeless conver…
QLS Classic: The Jacksons
Jun 25, 2026 · 2 hr 6 min
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 classic albums, and their transition from Motown to Epic Records on QLS. The two-hour episode was rec…
QLS Classic: Robert Glasper
Jun 24, 2026 · 2 hr 7 min
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 inside story from the artist who redefined "Black Radio" and helped reshape the sound of modern Blac…
Thundercat
Ep 4 · Jun 22, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
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 creative family with Kamasi Washington and crew, and the role comics, anime, and Disneyland played in build…
QLS Classic: David Porter
Ep 22 · Jun 22, 2026 · 1 hr 43 min
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 label's glory days and its downfall and talks about his songs which have become sample staples. This int…
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