The Questlove Show

Copyright: 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

Latest Episodes:

QLS Classic: Terence Blanchard Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

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 prepared for his second Academy Award nomination for Da 5 Bloods, this conversation finds him sharing the true story behind his incredible journey with Questlove and Team Supreme.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Reaction To The Thundercat Episode Of The Questlove Show Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

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 Thundercat and Flying Lotus. Mike and Jake also explore the rewards and risks of artistic reinvention, what it meant to connect with Hip-Hop beyond commercial radio and video shows, and how educator and musician Reggie Andrews quietly influenced generations of artists.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Bernadette Cooper Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

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 conversation with an artist whose impact continues to resonate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: The Jacksons Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

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 recorded on Zoom, but the conversation is preserved as an evergreen look into the musical family that continues to shape music and culture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Robert Glasper Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

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 Black music.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thundercat Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

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 building his singular universe. He and Questlove compare Jazz upbringings, talk bass gods (Stanley vs. Jaco), grief and growth after losing collaborators, and the daily work of staying present in a chaotic world. Thundercat's newest album, Distracted, is out now.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: David Porter Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

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 interview first broadcast in 2023.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: The Emotions Jun 21, 2026

Show notes

In this Black Music Month QLS Classic, Grammy Award-winning vocal group The Emotions talk about their unusually early musical start, how hip hop reinvigorated their career and the deep influence of their family on everything they do.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove & Open Mike Eagle Talk Aging In Hip-Hop...And More Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

Questlove sits down with Open Mike Eagle in-studio for a candid mini-conversation about aging in Hip-Hop, grief, and learning to accept flowers without guilt. Ahmir opens up about losing collaborators (and friends), navigating therapy, and trying to define what The Roots should sound like in 2026 without their longtime mentor Richard Nichols. They break down the tension between survival and artistry in Black music, what it means to grow with a group for nearly 40 years, and why so many artists struggle to feel they “deserve” love and acclaim.

Open Mike shares his own challenges working in a three-MC crew (Previous Industries) and maintaining friendships intact when the music does not always pay the bills. It’s a rare, vulnerable look at midlife, creativity, and the business of staying human while staying dope.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Gary Clark Jr. Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Austin rocker and axman, Gary Clark Jr., brings blues-rock center stage in 2019 as he joins Team Supreme to talk about his journey from booking gigs at 14, to collaborating with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and his new album, "This Land."

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected