Actress, producer and activist Rosario Dawson talks about getting discovered for the film Kids on the streets of Brooklyn, the costs of being outspoken and working with artists like Spike Lee, Prince, Outkast and more.

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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.

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Marley Marl shares some of his studio secrets and talks about how he earned his spot as a legend in the early NYC scene.

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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.

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Latin Quarter staple, hip hop icon and founding member of 3rd Bass, MC Serch, shares stories from back in the day, including how he got his Mom into the rap game and how his beef with MC Hammer almost got him killed.

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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.

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Music industry exec, A&R rep and producer Dante Ross talks about what it was like working with Brand Nubian, De La Soul, Macklemore and others.

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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.

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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.

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Rapper, record producer and Hip Hip icon Too $hort talks about getting his start in Oakland, his legendary collaborations and breaks down the trinity/triumvirate of Bay Area hip hop from which all hyphy flows.

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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.

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Jazz funk pioneer Roy Ayers talks about his early days in South Central LA, the strange way Miles Davis had of saying hello, learning from the great Fela Kuti in Nigeria, plus so much more.

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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."

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Questlove, Phonte and Team Supreme talk about their personal, religious and cultural traditions and share some of their favorite holiday memories.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Producer, rapper and hip hop legend Pete Rock talks about his deep knowledge of music, recording and the art of sampling.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hip hop icon and R&B hitmaker, Jermaine Dupri, tells 30 years of industry tales from Fresh Fest days to career-reviving remixes.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"That-one-song" writer, Allee Willis talks shop from her days as a songwriter for Earth, Wind & Fire and The Rembrandts.

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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!

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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. 

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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.

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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.com

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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.

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Hear about the state of black television, the lifecycle of a script and working on shows like Master of None and The Chi.

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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.

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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.

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Singer-Songwriter Darius Rucker talks about Hootie & the Blowfish, going from playing frat parties with Dave Matthews to The Grand Ole Opry as a solo artist and the obstacles he faced along the way.

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Past QLS guests Common and Pete Rock return to the podcast together to celebrate their new album, "The Auditorium, Vol. 1." Common explains how a recent freestyle and a series of Hip-Hop 50th anniversary events reignited his passion for music-making, while Pete Rock reveals that even if the address has changed his basement studio remains an epicenter for creation. Questlove, who sequenced the new album, explains why the LP is a high mark for MC/producer collaboration. This conversation unpacks the new album, sheds light on what's to come, and gathers some friends for a fun, lighthearted catch-up.

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Comedian, writer and filmmaker Mike Birbiglia talks about real-life sleepwalking, his movie "Don't Think Twice" and the insatiable nature of success.

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Nicolay joins Phonte as The Foreign Exchange to speak with Team Supreme in-studio. This conversation celebrates the 20th anniversary of F.E.'s beloved debut album Connected and the 25th anniversary of OkayPlayer, where this duo first met and formed. The special discussion revisits the message board days and reveals why Nicolay and Phontigallo still honor their original formula. The episode also follows Nic's music-minded journey from the Netherlands to North Carolina, his distinct approach to production, and how The Foreign Exchange was unfazed by Grammy recognition.

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Jazz musician, songwriter and co-founder of A&M records Herb Alpert talks about the art of the trumpet, writing hits with Sam Cooke, the secret to outselling The Beatles and how he really feels about getting sampled by Biggie.

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In the last year, The Roots' Questlove and Ray Angry made an album with today's guest ? Jazz legend David Murray. David is a veteran saxophonist and a longtime leader within the Free Jazz movement. In this episode, taped in-studio, David explains why freedom in music reflects freedom in life. He recalls highlights of a 55-plus-year journey with intersections with a who's who of Jazz, as well as Sly Stone and The Grateful Dead. David discusses the moods, attitudes, tours, and figures that have colored his career. He also discusses working with The Roots and collaborating with Quest and Ray for their Plumb material.

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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.

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In Part 2 of Questlove's one-on-one interview with Sananda Maitreya, the esteemed guest details his personal and professional transformation. The creator of this year's The Pegasus Project: Pegasus & The Swan highlights some songs from the album, including "Walk On" with Jellybean Johnson. The post-millennium rocker also speaks about making his home in Milan, Italy, an affinity for Jean-Michel Basquiat, and so much more.

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The legendary Queen of Percussion Sheila E. talks about the secrets of her craft, sneaking her brother into Marvin Gaye's band, having Michael Jackson on speed dial and lessons learned from working with Prince.

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