Questlove Supreme

Part 2 of the Questlove Supreme Reunion Finale is a celebration of growth, gratitude, and the evolution of Team Supreme. The cohosts reflect on a decade of conversations, chemistry, and collaboration. Suga Steve serenades the crew with a heartfelt karaoke tribute. Phonte opens up about stepping away from recent episodes. Laiya explains how her radio roots helped shape and inform QLS shortly after it launched. Unpaid Bill shares his journey from guest to cohost, and Questlove speaks candidly about the challenges of working closely with friends. This is a joyful farewell to an award-winning squad whose voices, stories, and laughs helped make QLS one of its era's most unique and enduring podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

The five hosts of Questlove Supreme reunite in the studio for a special reason. Just days ago, Phonte, Laiya, Suga Steve, and Unpaid Bill joined Questlove to announce some significant changes. In Part 1 of this joyful trip down memory lane, the co-hosts become the guests, sharing musical memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and confirming the existence of a few long-lost, unreleased episodes from the QLS vault.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Stay tuned for new episodes of Questlove Supreme dropping this month...like, very soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

You know them for their songs, videos, and epic performances, but there is always something even their super fans don't know until now. This is the Spout Podcast, a weekly episodic video and audio podcast where famous people spout about more than they're famous for. Check out the full episode: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-spout-podcast-79518224/episode/akon-237396560/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

we sit down with multiple award winner, super hilarious, multi-talented iconic daughter of an icon, Tracee Ellis Ross. This one is for the record books!

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

We close out Women's History Month with living legend, Monie Love, one of the first MC's from overseas to achieve worldwide success

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

This episode of Questlove Supreme is all about one of the most spectacular voices of our time, Stephanie Mills.

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Jazz funk pioneer Roy Ayers talks about his early days in South Central LA, the strange way Miles Davis had of saying hello, and so much more

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Grammy Award winner Bonnie Raitt talks about carrying on Blues traditions

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

This episode of Questlove Supreme lands Quest and Team Supreme in the presence of the great Melba Moore.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

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/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

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 Millie Jackson, this QLS is bold, raw, and honest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

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 musical memory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2025

James "JT" Taylor joins Questlove and Suga Steve to revisit his upbringing and two decades with Kool & The Gang. JT details 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 touches on JT's solo career at MCA Records, his ventures in film, and his recent Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction. This one is smooth and soulful—just like JT Taylor's incredible voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

Nimene creates a stirring hip-hop track about the civil rights activist Claudette Colvin, who, as a teenager, refused to give up her seat on an Alabama city bus months before Rosa Parks’ famous protest. Featuring an interview between New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay and a 6 year old named Stella.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys joins Questlove Supreme to discuss his incredible journey. This conversation includes AdRock looking back to the early days of the Beasties and how the Punk band made an authentic and passion-fueled segue into Hip Hop. AdRock also speaks about his distinct voice, a lifelong passion for crate-digging, and how his career has allowed him to experiment with creativity now. This two-hour discussion has been years in the making, and it's worth the wait.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

Bilal sits down with Questlove Supreme and shares his story. The Philadelphia native's complex upbringing and schooling explains why he is a true original, from Jazz scatting to his raw Soul vocals. The guest who recent released Adjust Brightness recalls working with Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar, while discussing his unreleased sophomore album, his second life as an independent artist, and refusal to be contained or predictable. This a long-awaited conversation that happened at just the right time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

Boney James joins Questlove Supreme to discuss his journey playing Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Funk. The Grammy Award-winning saxophonist recalls his days playing other instruments as a sideman (and delivering pizzas) to build towards becoming a leader in his space. Boney recalls his upbringing outside of New York City, his time touring with Morris Day, and how he earned his unique stage name. James also describes some of the new ground he's breaking on his latest album, Slow Burn, including his radio-charting single with October London, "All I Want Is You."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

In Part 2 of Questlove's one-on-one with RZA, The Abbott speaks about his latest release, the Classical album inspired by adolescent lyrics, A Ballet Through Mud. Quest' also fans out with RZA, with both artists highlighting some favorite songs from the Wu-Tang Clan crew catalog, discussing some under-sung affiliates, and addressing why Bobby Digital is focused on evolution, not chasing his rich legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

In this episode of Questlove Supreme we sit down with a man who has been woven into the fabric of all of our lives at any point of his 60 year career and we try to cover it all!

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2024

Ben Vereen joins Questlove Supreme with his daughter Kabara. What begins as a conversation about a legendary, award-winning career in theater, film, and television organically goes someplace much deeper. Ben Vereen shares discoveries about his identity and traces his knowledge of self while speaking about Roots, Sweet Charity, and his unforgettable appearance on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. This QLS episode is a powder keg of emotions, realizations, and timely calls for history and truth from one of our great elders, who is finishing his memoir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

RZA and Questlove connect for a special one-on-one interview that delves into leadership, creative originality, and some crucial Wu-Tang Clan history. RZA, who just released his Classical album, A Ballet Through Mud, reflects on making Wu's breakthrough single "Protect Ya Neck," his sample pioneering work on Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., and how age has reinforced his growth, maturity, and purpose. This is the first half of a follow-up discussion between Quest' and The Abbott.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

New York Times best-selling author, musician, and activist Kathleen Hanna discusses her new memoir, Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk. In a special one-on-one with Questlove, Kathleen also details her passion for records, complicated views on fame and success, and the power of No. In their first extended chat, Questlove also shares the profound impact Hanna had on The Roots by way of the late Richard Nichols and explains how she helped influence Black Lily. This conversation is spirited as two like-minded souls connect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2024

Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson family reveals which of his famous siblings was the family snitch as a kid and much more!

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024