Questlove Supreme

iHeartPodcasts

Questlove 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. read less

Our Editor's Take

Questlove Supreme is a podcast that presents a fresh and fascinating take on music and culture. In each episode, listeners get a front-row seat to a conversation between celebrities of all types. The host, Questlove, invites guests to open up about their lives, careers, struggles, and successes. If a musical icon or pop culture legend has made an impact on the world, Questlove and Team Supreme are ready to discuss.

Host Ahmir Khalib Thompson, aka Questlove, is the drummer of the band The Roots. He is a cultural critic, music producer, DJ, and filmmaker. He brings his expert knowledge and years of professional music experience to the show. His interviews are intriguing, well-researched, and hard-hitting. Questlove received a nomination for Best Host at the Webby Awards in 2018 for his work on the podcast.

Each episode of Questlove Supreme can last from one to three hours. This gives the host and guest ample time to get comfortable and develop meaningful conversations. Rick Astley discusses his biggest hit and leaving the music industry. Fred Hammond takes listeners into the less-talked-about world of gospel music. Hip hop legend Pharoahe Monch talks about how the pandemic affected him. There is so much for listeners to learn about music and cultural history from the educational and entertaining Questlove Supreme podcast.

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QLS Classic: Elvis Costello Part 2

QLS Classic: Elvis Costello Part 2

Back in 2022, Team Supreme’s Suga Steve concluded his far-ranging interview with Elvis Costello. This is Part 2 of the first edition of QLS Solo Sessions. This show was recorded at legendary Electric Lady Studio A and finds Suga and Elvis continuing to explore all aspects of Elvis’ career and how it relates to his work with the Roots and his place in music history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

QLS Classic: Elvis Costello Part 2

QLS Classic: Elvis Costello Part 2

Back in 2022, Team Supreme’s Suga Steve concluded his far-ranging interview with Elvis Costello. This is Part 2 of the first edition of QLS Solo Sessions. This show was recorded at legendary Electric Lady Studio A and finds Suga and Elvis continuing to explore all aspects of Elvis’ career and how it relates to his work with the Roots and his place in music history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Levine Part 1

Adam Levine Part 1

Adam Levine sits down with Questlove Supreme in the studio for a spirited conversation. In Part 1, he speaks about some of the dynamics within his superstar band, Maroon 5. QLS also takes a turn for the random, as Adam reflects on his musical memories while Questlove and Team Supreme lay out some esoteric music history and debate the truth behind vocal rest. One of Adam's first-ever podcast appearances is interesting, informational, and funny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Elvis Costello Part 1

QLS Classic: Elvis Costello Part 1

Team Supreme’s Suga Steve, a lifelong Elvis Costello fan, sits and talks with Elvis in Electric Lady Studio A, to be aired as two episodes. Spurred on by a clearly amused Questlove, this is the deepest dive possible into The Roots’ and Elvis’ Wise Up Ghost album and the 50-year career of an enduring music superstar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SiR joins Questlove Supreme to share a story of tenacity, self-growth, and personal discovery. The Inglewood, California singer details his years in the wing, working with others (including Jill Scott) as an engineer, writer, and producer. However, as SiR asserted his self-worth, he soon became an in-demand artist who eventually found a lasting home at TDE. Get to know an artist whose HEAVY story matches the title of his new album. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: LA Reid Part 3

QLS Classic: LA Reid Part 3

Looking back to the third and final part of LA Reid's epic QLS interview. This 2022 chat covers the founding of LaFace Records and some rarely discussed history surrounding OutKast and TLC. LA also looks at his time leading Def Jam and identifying Rihanna and Kanye West as the label's new stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erika Alexander Part 2

Erika Alexander Part 2

Erika 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

Erika Alexander Part 1

Actress 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.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: LA Reid Part 2

QLS Classic: LA Reid Part 2

In 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.

QLS 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 privacy information.

QLS Classic: LA Reid Part 1

QLS Classic: LA Reid Part 1

The 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

Narada Michael Walden Part 2

In 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

QLS Classic: Pat Metheny

This 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Narada Michael Walden Part 1

Narada Michael Walden Part 1

Narada 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 Mahavishnu Orchestra and working with some of the most revered Jazz legends while as a disciple of Sri Chinmoy. This is a rare audience with one of Questlove's greatest inspirations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Esperanza Spalding

QLS Classic: Esperanza Spalding

Travel 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fatima Robinson

Fatima Robinson

Fatima 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 performances celebrating Hip Hop's 50th anniversary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QLS Classic: Sleater-Kinney

QLS Classic: Sleater-Kinney

The 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy 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

QLS Classic: Norah Jones

Back 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae

This 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

QLS Classic: Terri Lyne Carrington

In 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.