Questlove Supreme

iHeartPodcasts

Questlove Supreme is a fun, irreverent and educational weekly podcast that digs deep into the stories of musical legends and cultural icons in a way that only Questlove and Team Supreme can deliver. Led by Each episode is driven by conversation ranging from the guest’s origins (along with a few never-before-revealed secrets to their success) to their life passions and current projects. This is not your typical interview show. This is about legends and legends in the making bringing their legacy to life in their own words. Previous guests have included Usher, Michelle Obama, Chris Rock, Steve Miller, Maya Rudolph, Weird Al, Chaka Khan, Babyface and many more. read less

Our Editor's Take

Questlove Supreme is a podcast that presents a fresh and fascinating take on music and culture. In each episode, listeners get a front-row seat to a conversation between celebrities of all types. The host, Questlove, invites guests to open up about their lives, careers, struggles, and successes. If a musical icon or pop culture legend has made an impact on the world, Questlove and Team Supreme are ready to discuss.

Host Ahmir Khalib Thompson, aka Questlove, is the drummer of the band The Roots. He is a cultural critic, music producer, DJ, and filmmaker. He brings his expert knowledge and years of professional music experience to the show. His interviews are intriguing, well-researched, and hard-hitting. Questlove received a nomination for Best Host at the Webby Awards in 2018 for his work on the podcast.

Each episode of Questlove Supreme can last from one to three hours. This gives the host and guest ample time to get comfortable and develop meaningful conversations. Rick Astley discusses his biggest hit and leaving the music industry. Fred Hammond takes listeners into the less-talked-about world of gospel music. Hip hop legend Pharoahe Monch talks about how the pandemic affected him. There is so much for listeners to learn about music and cultural history from the educational and entertaining Questlove Supreme podcast.

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Introducing: Historical Records

Introducing: Historical Records

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 into hip-hop. You’ll meet one of baseball’s greatest power hitters, a biochemist who laid the groundwork for mRNA vaccines, the first Native American female aerospace engineer, an artist who transformed the streets and subways of NYC, and so many more under-celebrated icons! You’ll even learn about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus, 9 WHOLE MONTHS before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Historical Records proves that in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Check out the trailer today for yourself. Listen to Historical Records starting September 27th on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

QLS Classic: Siedah Garrett

QLS Classic: Siedah Garrett

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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cindy Blackman Santana

Cindy Blackman Santana

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 details the conversation and audition that would make her a keystone figure within Lenny Kravitz's band. She also describes staying ageless while balancing music and marriage with past QLS guest Carlos Santana. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Chris Schwartz

QLS Classic: Chris Schwartz

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.

Jonathan Shecter Part 2

Jonathan Shecter Part 2

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. Shecky Green also speaks candidly about his abrupt 1994 exit from the magazine he launched and how he remains in the music curation space today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Shecter Part 1

Jonathan Shecter Part 1

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." This episode is packed with history, passion, and insight into the music that is now considered classic material.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Charlie Wilson

QLS Classic: Charlie Wilson

Singer, songwriter and lead vocalist for The Gap Band, Charlie Wilson talks about signing with Snoop, showing Michael Jackson the moonwalk and other ways his work has influenced music and pop culture. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 songs, label woes, and why she does not believe in charging for features. This episode is for QLS listeners who enjoy our trademark rabbit holes—with twists, turns, and laughs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Jermaine Dupri

QLS Classic: Jermaine Dupri

Hip hop icon and R&B hitmaker, Jermaine Dupri, tells 30 years of industry tales from Fresh Fest days to career-reviving remixes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Carole King and The O'Jays. Sam peppers humor and self-deprecation into a story that offers hope for any impassioned creative. Hollander's book, 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts, chronicles this experience. This episode took place at Renaissance Recording with engineering by Isaiah Abolin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Common

QLS Classic: Common

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.comSee 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 his expansion into production, his relationship with vinyl, and the importance of the studio. Nick also tells the story of one of his songs, which he wrote two decades before, catching a monetary tailwind on The Bodyguard Soundtrack. This special QLS episode was recorded live at Reservoir Studios and engineered by James Yost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Allee Willis

QLS Classic: Allee Willis

"That-one-song" writer, Allee Willis talks shop from her days as a songwriter for Earth, Wind & Fire and The Rembrandts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Historical Records

Introducing: Historical Records

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 into hip-hop. You’ll meet one of baseball’s greatest power hitters, a biochemist who laid the groundwork for mRNA vaccines, the first Native American female aerospace engineer, an artist who transformed the streets and subways of NYC, and so many more under-celebrated icons! You’ll even learn about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus, 9 WHOLE MONTHS before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Historical Records proves that in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Check out the trailer today for yourself. Listen to Historical Records starting September 27th on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eve with Kathy Iandoli

Eve with Kathy Iandoli

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 for rapping and her journey with self-love are apparent in this special conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Tito Jackson

QLS Classic: Tito Jackson

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.

QLS: A Conversation with Adrianne Shropshire of BPAC

QLS: A Conversation with Adrianne Shropshire of BPAC

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 policies that change people’s lives. Listen as Laiya and Adrianne discuss the importance of having a plan in place to ensure your vote counts and dispel the myths about early voting. Whether voting in-person, by mail, or early voting in states that allow it, make sure your voice is heard. For more information and resources, visit www.bpacdemocracytoolkit.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Porter Part 2

Billy Porter Part 2

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 also speaks about his return to the Kinky Boots stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Lena Waithe

QLS Classic: Lena Waithe

Hear about the state of black television, the lifecycle of a script and working on shows like Master of None and The Chi. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Porter Part 1

Billy Porter Part 1

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 — with an exclamation point.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the greatest guitarists of all time, Johnny Marr, joins Questlove Supreme to talk about his playing style and extensive career. The Roots' Captain Kirk Douglas joins the conversation as a special guest co-host. Marr speaks about growing up in Manchester, England, and co-founding The Smiths. He touches on his time with Modest Mouse and The Pretenders, giving away famous guitars and being embraced by diverse audiences. This conversation is a thoughtful and revealing look at a true master craftsman passionate about all types of music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.