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The Roots Episodes

Dec. 11, 2024

Bilal

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 …

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Sept. 18, 2024

Eve with Kathy Iandoli

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 …

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Aug. 28, 2024

Johnny Marr

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 …

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Aug. 7, 2024

David Murray

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-s...

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June 26, 2024

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 …

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June 19, 2024

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 …

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Jan. 31, 2024

Pino Palladino

One 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 …

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Dec. 20, 2023

Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter

In 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 …

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July 26, 2023

Dave Matthews

Listen to a Dave Matthews conversation like no other as Questlove and Team Supreme break down the beautiful history between his band and The Roots. That leads to a completely unconventional QLS interview. Between recalling his days as a food …

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June 14, 2023

QLS Live From The 2023 Roots Picnic

Team Supreme kicks it at the 2023 Roots Picnic. Recorded on stage at Philadelphia's Mann Center, this episode features some guest roll calls, thoughtful questions from a live audience, and an impromptu appearance by a friend of the show, Donald, …

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May 24, 2023

Lisa Cortés Part 1

Award-winning filmmaker and former record executive Lisa Cortés joins Questlove Supreme for an in-studio conversation in New York City. Cortés recalls her musical upbringing and serendipitous beginnings at Def Jam Records and, eventually, the Mercury Records executive team. Here is …

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Nov. 30, 2022

Adam Blackstone

Adam Blackstone is an award-winning musician and musical director who has worked with JAY-Z, Dr. Dre, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, and countless others. Fresh off of an Emmy win, Adam sits down with QLS to revisit his ...

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