The Questlove Show
iHeartPodcasts
The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 29, 2024 • 2h 10min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Jimmy Jam Part 2
Jimmy Jam talks about making Prince jealous, studio secrets, making hits with Janet Jackson, construction process of 'I Didn't Mean to Turn You On', discovering Alexander O'Neill, analyzing 'Hang on a String' and its influence, production process of BBQ Band and Change records, instruments used in their music, choosing Janet, working with limitations and remixing songs, writing unexpected songs, influence of a record, importance of context and understanding, and importance of partnerships in the music industry.
Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 51min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Jimmy Jam Part 1
Legendary R&B songwriter and producer Jimmy Jam talks about his early days, life with Prince, goin' broke, the influence of Prince and the disco era, DJ experiences, touring challenges, being working class musicians, and pursuing other interests outside the band.
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 3min
Black Music Month: James Poyser Part 2
Part 2 of James Poyer's in-studio conversation with Questlove Supreme celebrates the last 30 years of Black Music. James reflects on experiences working with Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Common, and Lauryn Hill. He details the genesis of great songs from classic albums. This career lookback includes humor and some insider access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25, 2024 • 2h 17min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Philip Bailey
Seven-time Grammy award-winning musician Philip Bailey discusses his journey from Denver’s jazz clubs to playing with Earth, Wind & Fire to the Songwriter Hall of Fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 36min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: DJ Quik
The master of blending reggae, funk, and soul, prolific songwriter, producer, and rapper, DJ Quik's 20-plus year spanning career has been anything but ordinary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 23, 2024 • 2h 54min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Solange
In this Black Music Month QLS Classic, singer-songwriter Solange talks about what it takes to be a strong Black woman today, the making of her new album and just what it is she loves so much about New Orleans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 21, 2024 • 2h 53min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Just Blaze
For Black Music Month, let us revisit when Hip Hop (and more) producer Just Blaze shared some of his recording secrets and talks about everything from the Jazz great who still prank-calls him to what it was like showing up in New York City with $40 in his pocket. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 37min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Donnie Simpson
Legendary radio DJ and television VJ Donnie "Green Eyes" Simpson spoke about getting into radio at 15, breaking some of the biggest artists and songs of his time and the key to success: being true to yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 19, 2024 • 57min
Black Music Month: James Poyser Part 1
Questlove Supreme's Black Music Month programming continues with a special interview with James Poyser. In Part 1, the incredible musician, producer, and member of The Roots retraces his steps from an English-born child of Jamaican parents to West Philadelphia. He also recalls cutting his teeth in Gospel music before ultimately getting down with DJ Jazzy Jeff's A Touch Of Jazz production team. Along the way, James remembers meeting Ahmir and making a line-skipping series of cameos on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 47min
Black Music Month QLS Classic: Bobby McFerrin & Madison McFerrin
evisit this moment in time with the one and only Bobby McFerrin when he stopped by to talk about his unique journey in music. We also spoke with his daughter, singer Madison McFerrin, who was on her rise to become a powerful force in music—which she most certainly now is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
