The Questlove Show

Star of Sorry to Bother You and Creed holds court about falling into acting, social activism, potato salad, Philly cheesesteaks and goat love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music industry exec and activist Jason Flom talks about the couplet that got him fired from Atlantic, signing monster acts like Twisted Sister, Kid Rock and Lorde (to name a few) and everything you need to know if you ever come up against the United States justice system. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer, comedian and late-night host Robin Thede talks about her life in front of and behind the camera, how Wyatt Cenac owes his puppetry skills to her and everything you need to know about her show: The Rundown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove sits down with legendary musicians Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdie to talk through how they influenced and, in some cases, invented the ubiquitous groove that’s become the music of our lives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy winning singer-songwriter & satirist "Weird" Al Yankovic talks about the hilarious songs Prince wouldn't let him parody, why he turned down an opening slot on Michael Jackson's '88 Europe Tour and how he got the okay to poke fun at Kurt Cobain, Coolio, Iggy Izalea and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer-songwriter Linda Perry talks about her musical beginnings with 4 Non Blondes and how she creates chart-topping hits for stars like Adele and Pink. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, writer and filmmaker Mike Birbiglia talks about real-life sleepwalking, his movie "Don't Think Twice" and the insatiable nature of success. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Musician and songwriter Ray Parker Jr. talks about finding his voice, working in Motown and Stevie Wonder's surprising driving skills. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indie record label founder, Producer and DJ, Peanut Butter Wolf, talks growing up in the Bay Area and how Stones Throw Records became the authoritative underground hip hop label it is today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician Jon Batiste joins Team Supreme to rehash his journey from small-town Louisiana to Musical Director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Houston's very own DJ Premier talks about how he got his name, what it was like to leave Texas to make it in NYC and how he found musical enlightenment. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter and producer Joi talks about how her debut album changed the direction of Madonna's Bedtime Stories, working with Fishbone, her spot in the Dungeon Family tree and so much more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy winning singer Lalah Hathaway talks about carrying on her father Donny's legacy, working with Prince, singing overtones like it's no big deal and her deep love of video games (plus, loads of Words of Wisdom with Suga Steve). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter and producer Ty Dolla $ign shares some of his words of wisdom and talks growing up in the L.A. music scene, his creative process and working with everyone from Babyface and Skrillex to up-and-comer Tish Hyman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Powerhouse director, producer and writer Kathryn Bigelow talks about the craft of filmmaking, treading tense racial waters Detroit, and what it was like to be the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Director. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius stops by to talk about everything from working with Michael Jackson and Dr Dre to how we've been pronouncing her name wrong all of these years! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress, musician and comedian Maya Rudolph shares some revealing stories about her famous parents, her musical ambitions, her time on SNL and much more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove Supreme has always been committed to giving flowers to the artists who inspire us — whether they’re household names or unsung innovators shaping culture behind the scenes. Following last week’s Part 1 compilation, a two-hour Part 2 continues the celebration, this time with a focus on some of our favorites, with a special emphasis on Hip-Hop innovators. These moments highlight the voices and visionaries who’ve changed the game — and who deserve to hear their impact while they can still feel it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we approach the 2025 Roots Picnic, look back at one of the most requested episodes, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter sat down in a New York City studio with Questlove Supreme at the end of 2023. Tariq discussed how he approached penning his new memoir, The Upcycled Self. In the process, Ahmir and Tariq also opened up about how they have separated brotherhood and business. Meanwhile, Team Supreme asked one of the greatest MCs all about beats, rhymes, and life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the start, Questlove Supreme has been about giving legends their flowers and celebrating their impact. This podcast has always leaned more “thank ya” than “gotcha!” Questlove looks back through the archives to spotlight some of the most memorable moments where we gave some thoughtful and unique flowers to those who deserve them—at times while they can still smell them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On May 31, Musiq Soulchild is celebrating 25 years of Aijuswanaseing at the 2025 Roots Picnic in his hometown of Philadelphia. Use this reason to look back at Musiq's 2020 interview with Questlove Supreme. This conversation was real, raw, and soulful — just like the guest. This is not an episode to miss.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2024, Ben Vereen joined Questlove Supreme with his daughter Kabara. Quest' recently called this one of the most powerful QLS episodes in the show's history. What began as a conversation about a legendary, award-winning career in theater, film, and television organically went someplace much deeper. Ben Vereen shared 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.

In last month’s QLS Reunion Finale, Questlove named the 2021 conversation with Dr. Mathew Knowles as one of the podcast’s most meaningful. So let's revisit it. You may think you know the story of this Alabama native who rose above segregation to thrive in corporate America and later as a powerhouse music executive—but there’s so much more. Listen in for an honest, insightful conversation on the evolution of Dr. Mathew Knowles. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Actress and singer Cree Summer talks about her time on A Different World, the Kravitz family contributions to her music career and being the voice of Penny from Inspector Gadget, a Tiny Toon and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

This week's Questlove Supreme guest is known for producing, editing and directing some of the most impactful movies of our time both scripted and unscripted. From Eyes on the Prize to Style Wars, several Spike Lee movies in between, numerous documentaries including his current project, MLK/FBI and most importantly to this podcast Hookers at the Point, Sam has touched it all. Listen as Quest and Team Supreme dive into the life and times of Sam Pollard. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

SNL royalty and stand-up comedian Michael Che joins Team Supreme to discuss his anecdotes and accolades. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comSee 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.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comSee 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 your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.