Questlove Supreme
404 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 1.7K ratingsQuestlove Supreme is a fun, irreverent and educational weekly podcast that digs deep into the stories of musical legends and cultural icons in a way that only Questlove and Team Supreme can deliver. Led by Each episode is driven by conversation ranging from the guest’s origins (along with a few never-before-revealed secrets to their success) to their life passions and current projects. This is not your typical interview show. This is about legends and legends in the making bringing their legacy to life in their own words. Previous guests have included Usher, Michelle Obama, Chris Rock, Steve Miller, Maya Rudolph, Weird Al, Chaka Khan, Babyface and many more.
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Episodes
Erika Alexander Part 2
April 27, 2024 11:32 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBErika Alexander continues her incredible QLS interview with a candid conversation about how executives treated Living Single as compared to other popular 1990s sitcoms. Erika also speaks about her astonishing recent run, including a dazzling role in American Fiction and memorable performances in Get Out and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. This conversation is pure joy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Erika Alexander Part 1
April 24, 2024 04:01 - 57 minutes - 53 MBActress Erika Alexander joins Questlove Supreme for a special two-part interview. In the first half, Erika recalls an unusual upbringing that brought her from a childhood in a motel room along Route 66 to the city of Philadelphia. She details making a powerful impact on Camille Cosby to land a part in a beloved sitcom and how that experience prepared her for a definitive role on Living Single. Erika is an incredible storyteller who speaks with heart and draws from experience. See omnystudio...
QLS Classic: LA Reid Pt. 2
April 22, 2024 13:48 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBIn Part 2 of this QLS Classic of LA Reid's comprehensive interview with Questlove Supreme, he recalls working with The Whispers, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Da Beatminerz
April 17, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 96.5 MBQLS gets in the weeds with Mr. Walt and Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz. This free-flowing discussion traces the origins of a very gritty sound and frequency of 1990s Rap production. The two brothers are not above clowning one another as they recall working on Black Moon's classic debut Enta Da Stage, going crate-digging with Q-Tip, and helping to make D&D Studios a true enclave of hardcore Hip Hop. True to Da Beatminerz' name and sound, this episode digs deep. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...
QLS Classic: L.A. Reid Part 1
April 15, 2024 04:53 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBThe first of L.A. Reid's 3-part QLS recalls his childhood in Cincinnati, playing the Indianapolis club circuit, working with Midnight Star, and meeting Babyface. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Narada Michael Walden Part 2
April 10, 2024 04:20 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBIn Part 2 of his Questlove Supreme interview, the musician-turned-super-producer Narada Michael Walden examines the 1980s. He recalls making hits with songstresses like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Angela Bofill, and Stacy Lattisaw. One can feel the passion, experimentation, and wise intensity of a 50-plus-year legend in the game. This interview is special. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Pat Metheny
April 08, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBThis week's Questlove Supreme guest is considered a total flex for this show. To quote our leader, "He is the only man who has won Grammys in 10 categories!!!" Pat Metheny is truly one of the most adventurous and creative talents in music, in any genre he chooses. Listen as Quest and Team Supreme dive into a life of limitless improvisation and wait until you hear where he thinks music should go next! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio....
Narada Michael Walden Part 1
April 03, 2024 04:01 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBNarada Michael Walden has won "Producer Of The Year" at the Grammy Awards. Before he produced monster records for Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Whitney Houston, and others, he was a prolific drummer from Michigan with a dream. In Part 1 of his Questlove Supreme interview, Narada recalls his upbringing and influences. He details his experiences, ranging from seeing Stevie Wonder as a child and years hanging out with P-Funk's Eddie Hazel. Narada also describes his time as a member of the Ma...
QLS Classic: Esperanza Spalding
April 01, 2024 04:01 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBTravel back to early 2020 when Esperanza Spalding stopped by the studio to talk about the evolution of her artistry, the charms of Portland, Oregon, and some deeper discussions about spirituality. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fatima Robinson
March 27, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 74.9 MBFatima Robinson is a world-class dancer and choreographer who has pivoted to directing. You know Fatima's work, from Michael Jackson's "Remember The Time" to the Emmy-winning Dr. Dre-led Superbowl Halftime Show to Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour. In a Questlove Supreme conversation, Fatima gushes with passion for dance and hip-hop as she looks back at incredible work with Aaliyah, Michael, and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few. Fatima and Ahmir also reflect on collaborating on the two televised perfo...
QLS Classic: Sleater-Kinney
March 25, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBThe guests on this 2020 episode of Questlove Supreme have been called one of the most important rock bands in the last 30 years, also being credited as pioneers in the Riot Grrrl movement. Listen to this QLS Classic as Sleater Kinney breakdown why hiatus is necessary and how this journey led them to a Path of Wellness. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sleater-Kinney
March 25, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBThe guests on this 2020 episode of Questlove Supreme have been called one of the most important rock bands in the last 30 years, also being credited as pioneers in the Riot Grrrl movement. Listen to this QLS Classic as Sleater Kinney breakdown why hiatus is necessary and how this journey led them to a Path of Wellness. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ledisi
March 20, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBGrammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ledisi spends her new album's release day with Questlove Supreme. Ledisi reveals the challenges she has faced as a self-made DIY artist that works in multiple genres as well as stage and screen. However, after years on the grind, Good Life is a fitting title for the artist's newest project. Ledisi describes this album while recalling a journey of talent and tenacity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Norah Jones
March 18, 2024 09:01 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBBack in 2020, Questlove had a special one-on-one interview with Norah Jones. She has sold over 50 million albums and earned nine Grammys. In this special QLS, Questlove and Norah reflect on 20 years of their friendship, and her musical journey from a restaurant server to a Blue Note Records superstar for a new generation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Corinne Bailey Rae
March 13, 2024 04:01 - 1 hour - 83 MBThis Questlove Supreme interview defies the typical order of things. Questlove and Team Supreme ask Corinne Bailey Rae about the inspiration, iconography, and real-life events that inspired her refreshing and recent Black Rainbows concept album. Then, the conversation heads backward through the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter's discography, dynamic musical journey, and Leeds upbringing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Terri Lyne Carrington
March 11, 2024 11:15 - 1 hour - 75.3 MBIn honor of Women's History Month, travel back to a 2022 conversation with the legendary prodigy drummer and visionary Terri Lyne Carrington, as she shares her stories of being a confident child amongst the greats. She breaks down earning the respect of the architects of Jazz, working on the Arsenio Hall Show, and appearing in Beat Street. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brittany Howard
March 06, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 71 MBBrittany Howard sits down with Questlove Supreme to discuss her new album, What Now. Howard also reflects on her upbringing and the formative years of the Alabama Shakes and discusses making a new home in Nashville. The vocalist and guitarist also reflects on the influence of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Anika Noni Rose
March 04, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 90.8 MBCelebrate Women's History Month at Questlove Supreme with 2021 conversation and a guest can literally do it all and does in the world of theater, TV and film. Think about it, Anika Noni Rose is an award winning actress who has played an array of characters who live in totally different worlds. From a Disney princess to crooked cop with enough edge to rival 50 Cent, she does it and we believe it. Whether she is singing her sentiments or speaking with a South African accent we feel her presenc...
QLS Gives Frankie Beverly His Flowers
February 28, 2024 05:01 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBFrankie Beverly joins Questlove Supreme for a very special appearance. This rare in-studio conversation finds Team Supreme telling the Philadelphia native about his impact, significance, and ability to provoke joy through music as Frankie reflects on over 50 years of exceptional songs and showmanship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Jemele Hill Part 2
February 26, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBIn celebrating Black History Month, listen back to part 2 of a 2020 interview with the game changing Jemele Hill. In part 2 we dive into some of Jemele's favorite things, from Detroit to MJ and why local politics matter, to her top 5 albums of all time — which has some familiar names. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ed Eckstine
February 21, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 106 MBEd Eckstine is a name that has come up during multiple QLS interviews. Now he sits down to talk about not only growing up in a legendary household where icons regularly stopped by, but he shares 50 years of music industry history. Ed recalls working at Quincy Jones Productions before his time with Clive Davis at Arista working with Whitney Houston and Kenny G. Eckstine also talks about his years leading Polygram and Mercury, where he signed acts like Tony! Toni! Toné!, Vanessa Williams, and ...
QLS Classic: Jemele Hill Part 1
February 19, 2024 05:10 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBTravel back to September 2020 for a QLS Classic time capsule: Ladies and gentlemen this long awaited episation (you'll get it after listening to the first 5 minutes) dives into the world of our favorite sports journalist and good troublemaker, Jemele Hill. In the true tradition of Questlove Supreme we not only take you through her life journey, we also fall into some pretty cool rabbit holes (The Bad Boys trilogy and Below Deck !?!?!?). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihe...
Introducing "James Brown: Say it Loud"
February 16, 2024 17:00 - 2 minutes - 2.11 MBJames Brown: Say it Loud Premieres February 19 and 20 at 8pm ET/PT on A&E Directed by Deborah Riley Draper and Executive Produced by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter and Mick Jagger, “James Brown: Say it Loud” traces the incredible trajectory of Brown’s life and career from a 7th grade drop-out arrested and jailed at the age of 16 for breaking into a car in the Jim Crow-era South, to an entertainment legend whose groundbreaking talent and unique perspective catapult...
Robert Townsend Part 2
February 14, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBHere is part 2 from one of the greatest Questlove Supreme conversations ever. Robert Townsend speaks about the passion and purpose that went into making The Five Heartbeats. He details directing Eddie Murphy Raw and nearly getting an X-rating. Robert also discusses why the world needed Meteor Man and recalls coaching a shy Beyoncé for Carmen: A Hip Hop Opera. This interview runs deep with love, wisdom, and comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: George Clinton Part 2
February 12, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBIn 2020, Questlove Supreme landed a bucket-list interview with the Funk captain himself, the legendary George Clinton. This episode hits all the topics you thought we missed and asks the questions you’ve been waiting to get answered. From Zapp to Prince and everything in between, ensure you complete your ride on the mothership with Questlove Supreme. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Townsend Part 1
February 07, 2024 12:37 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBFor 2024 Black History Month, QLS has some special programming. "This is the greatest episode ever," Questlove says during this two-part discussion with Hollywood revolutionary Robert Townsend. Part 1 includes his Chicago upbringing, gift for impersonations, and pursuit to become a working actor in New York. Robert touches on his ascent from minor roles in Cooley High and The Warriors to nearly becoming an SNL cast member. A focal point of Part 1 is Robert detailing how Townsend financed Hol...
QLS Classic: George Clinton Part 1
February 05, 2024 14:06 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBIn 2020, Team Supreme was blessed with an extensive conversation with George Clinton of the Parliament-Funkadelic collective. This two-part conversation features deep-dive discussion and the kinds of questions listeners will only find at Questlove Supreme. Check out part ONE of our George Clinton class. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pino Palladino
January 31, 2024 13:47 - 1 hour - 80.4 MBOne of the greatest bassists ever joins Questlove Supreme in the studio for a special interview. Pino Palladino discusses his journey from working on hit songs in the 1980s to joining Questlove, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and others as a critical figure in the Soulquarians sound in the late 1990s. In the 2000s, he toured with The Who, and continues working with the best in music. Pino discusses his playing style on the fretted bass, his move from Wales to the United States, and some stolen guita...
A QLS Update From Questlove
January 22, 2024 20:37 - 57 seconds - 914 KBQuestlove Supreme will return on January 31 with a brand new season of amazing guests, incredible conversations, and illuminating rabbit holes. Quest' hints at who will be appearing on the next QLS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paradise Gray Part 2
January 10, 2024 08:35 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBParadise Gray continues some incredible storytelling in part 2 of his QLS interview. He speaks about moments at the Latin Quarter nightclub that shaped Hip Hop history, his years with the X-Clan, and his collection of artifacts surrounding the culture. Listeners will understand why they call Paradise The Architect, as his passion, groundwork, and love of Hip Hop run deep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Doug E. Fresh Part 2
January 08, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 78.7 MBLegendary episode alert! Or should we say an episode with a legend alert!?! Both would be true in speaking of Doug E. Fresh and while you may know the music, what do you know about the journey? Class starts now as Quest and Team Supreme attempt to dive into the life of one of the most important figures in music. Take a listen to part 2! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paradise Gray Part 1
January 03, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBQuestlove Supreme sits down with a keystone of Hip Hop culture, Paradise Gray. In the first of a two-part interview, Paradise revisits growing up in the Bronx backdrop of Hip Hop. He recalls his time at The Latin Quarter, a legendary New York City club that birthed the careers of Rap legends and more. This is an insightful, informative, and entertaining in-studio interview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Doug E. Fresh Part 1
January 01, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 86 MBLegendary episode alert! Or should we say an episode with a legend alert!?! Both would be true in speaking of Doug E. Fresh and while you may know the music, what do you know about the journey? Class starts now as Quest and Team Supreme attempt to dive into the life of one of the most important figures in music. Take a listen to part 1! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Team Supreme
December 27, 2023 14:08 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBThis episode is just a family affair. Questlove, Laiya, Phonte, Unpaid Bill, and Suga Steve discuss what's been going on with them during 2023. This conversation also leads to hilarious musings about Christian Rap, childhood movies, and Uno etiquette. Happy new year from QLS and Team Supreme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Mariah Carey Part 2
December 26, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBRevisiting Questlove Supreme's incredible two-part conversation with Mariah Carey. Taped in the middle of the night, this is one of the most open, honest, and incredible QLS conversations you will ever hear—and it happens to be with one of music's biggest superstars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Mariah Carey Part 1
December 25, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBRevisiting Questlove Supreme's incredible two-part conversation with Mariah Carey. Taped in the middle of the night, this is one of the most open, honest, and incredible QLS conversations you will ever hear—and it happens to be with one of music's biggest superstars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter
December 20, 2023 06:33 - 1 hour - 92.6 MBIn one of the most requested episodes, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter sits down with Questlove Supreme. Tariq discusses how he approached penning his new memoir, The Upcycled Self. In the process, Ahmir and Tariq also open up about how they have separated brotherhood and business. Meanwhile, Team Supreme asks one of the greatest MCs all about beats, rhymes, and life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Ceelo Green Part 2
December 19, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 82.1 MBIn part 2 of this Classic QLS, the legendary CeeLo Green describes one of the most incredible career surges of all time. In discussing his solo catalog, CeeLo also recalls the smash success of Gnarls Barkley and how the decorated veteran became a master of reinvention. The Dungeon Family alum also describes working with a young Bruno Mars and passing on an anthem by Pharrell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Ceelo Green Part 1
December 18, 2023 16:01 - 1 hour - 75 MBIn part 1 of this Classic QLS, the legendary CeeLo Green revisits the onset of his career. He recalls the Dungeon Family days, and details making Goodie Mob's first two albums, and shares a profound love for all Hip Hop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
André 3000
December 13, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBAndré 3000 and Questlove meet in Venice, California for a special QLS episode. This discussion veers from the curious — questions about hidden talents, breakfast cereals, and morning routines, to deeper dives into creative callings, conversations with Prince, and those amazing guest verses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Branford Marsalis
December 11, 2023 13:13 - 1 hour - 101 MBIn 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 A...
Shanice Wilson & Tracie Spencer
December 06, 2023 13:39 - 1 hour - 77.2 MBAfter years of manifesting, Questlove Supreme welcomes Shanice Wilson and Tracie Spencer—together. These two songstresses talk about their overlapping music industry experiences, making songs that define a generation's adolescence and what they have been doing in recent years. This fun in-studio interview checks a bucket list for Team Supreme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Little Brother
December 04, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBThis 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.
LL Cool J Part 2
November 29, 2023 13:34 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBPart 2 of LL COOL J's Questlove Supreme interview is epic. From far-reaching questions about lyrics, acting roles, and chapstick, this is one of the best QLS conversations ever. LL COOL J holds court with charisma, passion, and incredible stories about his past, present, and future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Ilana Glazer
November 27, 2023 05:01 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBThis 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.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
LL Cool J Part 1
November 22, 2023 05:10 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBYears in the making, LL COOL J sits down with Questlove Supreme for a career-spanning comprehensive 2-part interview. Part 1 discusses LL's earliest rapping days, his first three albums, and the life and times behind one of Hip-Hop's first superstars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Jimmy Fallon
November 20, 2023 05:22 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBIn this Classic QLS episode from late 2019, Jimmy Fallon talks with Questlove about the joy of sleep, being raised on Doo-Wop music, making mixtapes, their favorite musical performances from Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show, plus some once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Prince and Stevie Wonder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli
November 15, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBMilli Vanilli co-founder Fab Morvan speaks to Questlove Supreme about his musical journey. Fab opens up about the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the misinformation surrounding his career — currently covered in a evocative new documentary. He also remembers his late creative partner Rob Pilatus. Fab's passion for music burns bright throughout this personal and reflective conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
QLS Classic: Heather Hunter
November 13, 2023 05:01 - 1 hour - 90 MBRetired porn star Heather Hunter talks about growing up as part of Brooklyn's legendary hip hop scene, her time spent living at The Latin Quarter and all the ins and outs of her former industry. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hannibal Buress Part 2
November 08, 2023 13:06 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBIn Part 2 of this in-person QLS episode, Hannibal Buress revisits his time as a writer for SNL and 30 Rock. The multi-threat speaks about his rap career and the music he's released as Eshu Tune. Buress also shares his plans to restore a crucial NYC entertainment venue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.