The Questlove Show

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis join The Questlove Show in-studio to discuss their upcoming April Las Vegas residency, along with key milestones from their extraordinary career. The legendary duo unpacks the dynamics of their decades-long creative partnership, both in and out of the studio. They revisit sessions with Janet Jackson, Usher, Mary J. Blige, The Isley Brothers, and Barry White, offering insight into the moments behind some of their most iconic work. Along the way, Jam and Lewis reveal which hip-hop star they once crafted a batch of tracks for, the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee they championed, and their perspective on current events in the Twin Cities. A bucket-list conversation for Questlove, the episode is driven by deep mutual respect, admiration, and the kind of chemistry that only comes with true musical brotherhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the words of Questlove our guest for this classic episode, is "a part of one of THE most important musical dynasty's in music". His touch has been pivotal to the evolution of jazz, but that's not all folks! Branford Marsalis' contributions to the culture can be seen and heard through his acting, the products of his marriage of jazz and hip hop, his barrier breaking presence as a band leader on late night television, his compositions and his scoring, including for Netflix's adaptation of August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Now hear his story..... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this mini-episode of The Questlove Show, Questlove dives into the rules (and risks) of “TV monogamy,” from a breakup sparked by secret binge-watching to how episode “hall passes” can save relationships. Questlove also talks about TV as constant background “aquarium,” his accidental reality TV rabbit hole, and why one cult classic TV show (that only lasted a single season) quietly reshaped The Roots’ jam-band approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mini episode of The Questlove Show, Questlove talks with producer "Cousin Jake" in a salute to Sinners, and revisits his early-season conversation with (now Oscar-winning) cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, exploring how 70mm projection, sound, lighting, and film stock shape his emotional connection to movies. He breaks down his knack for spotting award-worthy performances and explains why he’s now deeply invested in everyone involved with Sinners. The mini closes with a detour into the Blues genre, D'Angelo, and B.B. King’s Live at Cook County Jail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Questlove as he sits down with friend Padma Lakshmi for a funny, sharp, and intimate conversation on food, culture, and reinvention. Padma revisits her New York City childhood, makes the case for Queens as the city’s true food capital, and shares her ultimate snack kryptonites. She also opens up about stepping away from a show she helped build into a powerhouse to launch America’s Culinary Cup from the ground up—and why she’s fully in her “zero effs” era.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, actor and writer Jerrod Carmichael talks about how came into the L.A. comedy scene, his distaste for the audition process and shares some of the tricks he uses to make his work special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Lee Curtis sits down with Questlove for an intimate, funny, and deeply motivating conversation about unlocking your greatness. With her signature candor, Jamie reflects on learning to stop shrinking herself and fully embrace her power—and how a recent connection with Quest helped her see that vision more clearly. In this wide-ranging chat, Jamie shares how she likes to be coached, the surprising lessons she’s learned from her dog, and why she refuses to dwell on the comments. As she prepares for her latest endeavor, Scarpetta, Jamie also opens up about the creative freedom behind projects like Everything Everywhere All at Once, True Lies, A Fish Called Wanda, and The Bear—and what those experiences taught her about trusting the process and owning your voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mailbag mini-episode, Questlove answers listener questions on James Brown’s polarizing late-period track “Deep in It” and why he loves the so-called “mustache era” of JB. Quest' gives practical advice to an aspiring collaborator in Spain, talking busking, community-building, and creative ways to find like-minded musicians offline. He weighs in on the rise of listening bars and vinyl-centric spaces. Finally, he goes deep on his favorite snare drums, and discusses some of the kits from his own historic drum collection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The QLS family lost a great friend, supporter, and one of music's greatest ears in the passing of Bob Power. In a small mini episode, Questlove reflects on Bob, who appeared on the second episode of Questlove Supreme back in 2016. He credits as one of hip hop’s greatest advocates and a defining force in boom-bap. He recalls how Bob’s work with De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest helped inspire and shape the sound of The Roots, comparing Bob’s role to George Martin’s with The Beatles. Questlove shares stories about Bob’s meticulous studio approach—mixing quietly and balancing clarity with gritty texture. Quest' also touches on recent collaboration with Bob, a funny phone call in the past, and more. The Bob Power episode of Questlove Supreme has been posted atop the feed. Bob Power forever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary producer, mixer and engineer Bob Power talks about what it was like to make some of the most iconic hip hop albums of our time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baz Luhrmann joins Questlove to trace his journey from a rural Australian kid running a roadside radio station to the visionary behind Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, and The Great Gatsby. He breaks down his signature style of fusing modern music with classic stories, the chaos and cultural impact of Romeo + Juliet, and collaborations with artists like Radiohead, Elton John, David Bowie, JAY-Z, and Missy Elliott. Baz also discusses the new concert film EPIC (Elvis Presley In Concert), built from newly uncovered rehearsal and performance footage from a pivotal moment in Elvis Presley’s career. Along the way, he reflects on his approach to building immersive creative worlds—and why Elvis’s life and music now sit at the center of two of his most ambitious projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy winning mix engineer Michael Brauer talks about the art of engineering, his studio secrets and what it was like working with artists such as Coldplay, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Grace Jones and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove answers Questlove Show listener letters in a candid mini-episode that spans grief, legacy, and the weight of influence. Responding to a fan whose “musical Mount Rushmore” includes several late legends in Ahmir's orbit, he reflects on losing collaborators. Quest also revisits the rise and evolution of Okayplayer, teases liner notes and treats for the next Roots projects, and addresses the fate of his lockdown DJ sets and whether they might return online. Please send your questions by the contact us page on QuestloveSupreme.com or DM'ing the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Questlove Show mini “mailbag” episode features Ahmir responding to listener questions about underappreciated (and groundbreaking) Philly Hip-Hop group The Goats, his creative process and wild story behind crafting the music-driven opening montage for the SNL 50 documentary, and a deep-dive on The Jacksons’ This Place Hotel (Heartbreak Hotel), including why he sees Michael Jackson as an early influence on Gangsta Rap themes, and reveals he made his own private mix of The Jacksons' Triumph. You can submit questions by direct messaging on IG and Facebook, or through the contact-us portal at QuestloveSupreme.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric bass visionary MonoNeon joins Questlove to trace his journey from Memphis church kid and second-generation musician to Prince’s last-hired bassist and a viral internet force. He breaks down his flipped right-handed bass technique, neon-soaked persona, and Dada-inspired art mindset, plus the albums that shaped him. MonoNeon and Quest' dig into his speech-to-music videos, collaborations with George Clinton and Mac Miller, the lessons he took from Paisley Park, and how embracing “mistakes” and self-doubt became the engine of his ultimate goal: total musical freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Questlove and Team Supreme catch up with Ilana Glazer, the hilarious actress and writer known for co-creating and starring in Comedy Central's Broad City. She gives her take on life mid Rona in Brooklyn and everything she's learned in this process. Yup this is a funny episode not to be missed! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Questlove Show, Questlove sits down with Colin Kaepernick live on stage at Web Summit in Qatar for a focused (but abbreviated) conversation about discipline, courage, and purpose. Kaepernick walks through his morning training routine, reflects on his childhood and early athletic ambitions, and examines the influences that shaped his evolution into activism. He speaks about the ongoing work of Know Your Rights Camp, including its response to recent events, and shares how his Lumi platform is designed to expand student engagement, literacy, and AI fluency. The conversation captures where his journey stands a decade after he stepped fully into public activism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Classic episode of Questlove Supreme, you will 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.

In a bonus clip from James Alexander’s two-part conversation, he recalls witnessing The O'Jays and The Temptations go toe-to-toe musically on stage in Cleveland in December 1967. That showdown—shared amid Alexander’s reflections on Otis Redding’s final days—led into a previously unreleased account of how his band, The Bar-Kays, developed a rivalry with Larry Blackmon's Cameo—a situation rooted in showmanship and cash. Steel sharpens steel...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Alexander returns to The Questlove Show for a revealing deep dive into the rebirth and evolution of The Bar-Kays after tragedy, sharing how he rebuilt the group with vocalist Larry Dodson and crafted a louder, more aggressive funk-rock sound that pushed them into a new era. He reflects on becoming a go-to rhythm section for Stax Records and beyond, playing on classics for Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, and others, and revisits the making and lasting impact of “Holy Ghost,” their showstopping performance at Wattstax, the wild realities of 1970s touring and stagecraft, and the band’s constant reinvention through the 1980s. The Bar-Kays remain active today, and Alexander’s spirited storytelling makes clear why their legacy endures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama teaches Team Supreme about Chicago-style stepping and explains why she won’t ever run for office. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Valentine’s weekend arrives, Questlove follows his love-inspired soundtrack with a different kind of selection, one pulled from the side of the crate reserved for heartbreak. He suggests ten songs that sit with loss, loneliness, and love that’s run its course, spanning Jazz and Soul laments from Donald Byrd and Les McCann to more modern reflections by Mayer Hawthorne and Cleo Sol. Along the way, he shares the stories, anecdotes, and personal reflections that make these records ideal companions for a good cry — and, maybe, a little clarity. If this year finds you on the hurting or healing end of love, consider this episode your solace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In preparation for Valentine’s Day, Questlove digs into his collection to curate ten song suggesions that set the mood for love. From timeless classics by Minnie Riperton and Donny Hathaway to deeper cuts and modern selections from Cody Chesnutt and Meshell Ndegeocello, he shares the records that define romance in all its forms. If you’re in a season of love, consider this your soundtrack. And stay tuned for a second edition—songs for those on the other end of the spectrum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bar-Kays legend James Alexander joins the Questlove Show for a deeply personal conversation, tracing his journey from a teenage musician playing segregated clubs in Memphis to becoming a cornerstone of Stax Records and a young artist mentored by Otis Redding. James reflects on the spontaneous birth and enduring impact of “Soul Finger,” the hard truths of touring in the 1960s, and the business wisdom Otis shared with him about publishing and ownership. He also speaks with profound honesty about the 1967 plane crash that claimed Redding and most of the Bar-Kays—a tragedy he narrowly escaped—and the long, painful process of grieving, resilience, and ultimately rebuilding the band in its wake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music executive Stephen Hill gives Team Supreme an education in radio and talks about being an MTV tastemaker and what it really means to be a "suit." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mini “musings” episode of the Questlove Show, Questlove answers listener questions and opens up about his love of certain breakfast cereals, his current morning gratitude and breathing rituals, and his ongoing work to become a more succinct communicator. He reflects on waking up to the music of his late friend J Dilla, the work of painter Ernie Barnes, and balancing creative projects including a new song and an Earth, Wind & Fire film. Quest also shares his ideal getaways—from omakase in Japan to luxury train travel—and invites fans to keep sending questions through the QLS channels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mannie Fresh joins Questlove to trace his journey from a DJ’s son in New Orleans to one of Hip-Hop’s most influential producers. He reflects on the birth of Bounce music, the creation of Cash Money classics like “Ha,” “Back That Azz Up,” “Bling Bling,” and “Still Fly,” working with Teena Marie, and his hopes for a unified Cash Money and No Limit moment. As Black History Month kicks off, this is Southern Hip-Hop history told straight from one of its chief architects—explaining how a rich tradition of Black music informed his inventive, era-defining style.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest “minisode” of The Questlove Show, Ahmir answers questions from the audience—ranging from his top five TV theme songs (pulled largely from 1970s and ’80s television, with plenty of context and backstory) to reflections on some of the show’s most challenging interviews. He talks about why asking personal questions matters, especially when guests struggle to elaborate, and how those moments can still unlock something human. Quest also shares anecdotes about the technical challenges of syncing music to film, his love of off-beat rhythms, and the lasting influence of J Dilla.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove sits down with Sonic Youth co-founder and avant-garde icon Kim Gordon for a candid, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable conversation about imposter syndrome, the Downtown/No Wave era, and how a visual artist became a profoundly influential bassist, singer, and producer. Kim talks about embracing spontaneity in the studio, discovering dissonance alongside Public Enemy at Greene Street Studios, accidentally launching her solo career with producer Justin Raisen, and navigating motherhood. She also reflects on recently updating her memoir and her role in the film Chronology of Water. One of music’s enduring arbiters of cool joins The Questlove Show—take heed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel back to summer 2017 for a Classic Questlove Supreme conversation with singer, songwriter and lead vocalist for The Gap Band, Charlie Wilson. He talks about signing with Snoop Dogg, showing Michael Jackson the moonwalk and other ways his work has influenced music and pop culture.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mini episode, Questlove opens the floor to listener (and viewer) questions—digging into James Brown’s recording techniques, his current favorite stand-up comedians, and much more. From there, the conversation drifts into the emotional power of music, spotlighting Afro-futurist and meditative sounds that soothe, ground, and inspire. Listeners also get exclusive updates on what’s brewing next, including the progress of the highly anticipated Roots album and new developments on the Earth, Wind & Fire documentary. And, because it wouldn’t be Questlove without it, there’s a behind-the-scenes look at his one-of-a-kind birthday ritual: an all-day movie marathon with great snacks to match. Remember, submit your questions via QuestloveSupreme.com, or by following on social and messaging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a word, this episode is significant—and you'll hear why. A$AP Rocky joins Questlove for a wide-ranging conversation about his upbringing and his ongoing effort to protect moments of normalcy amid fame and fortune. He breaks down the creative vision behind DON’T BE DUMB, including the autobiographical personas he developed with filmmaker Tim Burton. Rocky also reflects on the influence of classic Hip-Hop, why film serves as his vision board, and how Mos Def officially certified the name Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2. Toast along, as Rocky and Ahmir connect over life, music, and the art of staying true.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revisit this classic episode from the QLS archives. Attorney, political advisor and TV commentator Angela Rye talks about the current political climate, her part in bringing about change and some of the ways everyone can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special mini episode, Questlove answers questions pulled from the QLS DMs, Facebook inbox, and comments across YouTube and other DSPs. Along the way, he shares the origin story of The Questlove Show theme—touching on J Dilla, D’Angelo, James Poyser, and Questo. He also revisits The Roots’ Game Theory, offering lesser-known history behind the 2006 album. Questlove also responds to a Jazz collaboration suggestion that hits close to home, and more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of her conversation with Questlove, Samara Joy unpacks why Carmen McRae is such a powerful influence on her singing. The Bronx native talks about recording at Rudy Van Gelder’s famed studio, and why those hallowed jazz halls are a perfect match for her voice. Joy also opens up about her musical family, the months she spent adding lyrics to compositions by Charles Mingus and Sun Ra for her latest Grammy-nominated album, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded from Minneapolis: A special visit with Prince's band, The Revolution, where they talk about Prince's early days, his life and the truth behind the legend. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Questlove Show, Questlove sits down with rising jazz star and Grammy winner Samara Joy for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation. Samara looks back on her musical roots and the thrill of her first Grammy win, opening up about the influences, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped her path. The two dig into family, creative risk, mentorship, and self-belief, with plenty of warmth, humor, and rapid-fire moments along the way. Part one of this special two-part series offers a revealing look at Samara’s artistry and perspective, and a reminder of music’s power to change lives. Samara is also nominated in two categories this month for her album Portrait.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 2020 episode of Questlove Supreme we sat 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! From Peyton Place to Cooleyhigh, A Different World, Fargo to Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and about 160 projects in between, the iconic Glynn Turman opens up to Team Supreme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove and fellow Philadelphia music icon Christian McBride drop in on Norah Jones at her home studio to record an episode of her new podcast. Together they relive hilarious shared high school memories, break down the musical influences that shaped them, and perform inspired covers of D’Angelo, Pops Staples, Kris Kristofferson, and more. (Recorded 5/10/2023/Original airdate 9/11/2023.) Check out Norah's podcast 'Norah Jones Is Play Along' here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/norah-jones-is-playing-along/id1645438817See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.