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Episodes

Dec. 20, 2024

Historical Records: Claudette Colvin (feat. Roxane Gay)

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...

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Dec. 18, 2024

Adam "AdRock" Horovitz

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 …

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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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Dec. 4, 2024

Boney James

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. …

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Nov. 27, 2024

RZA Part 2

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 …

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Nov. 20, 2024

Ben Vereen

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 …

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Nov. 13, 2024

RZA Part 1

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 …

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Nov. 6, 2024

Kathleen Hanna

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 …

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Oct. 30, 2024

Cindy Blackman Santana

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 …

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Oct. 23, 2024

Jonathan Shecter Part 2

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, an...

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Oct. 16, 2024

Jonathan Shecter Part 1

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 …

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Oct. 9, 2024

Amerie

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 …

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Oct. 2, 2024

Sam Hollander

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, …

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Sept. 25, 2024

Nick Lowe

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 …

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Sept. 20, 2024

Introducing: Historical Records

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 ...

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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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Sept. 13, 2024

QLS: A Conversation with Adrianne Shropshire of BPAC

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 ...

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Sept. 11, 2024

Billy Porter Part 2

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 …

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Sept. 4, 2024

Billy Porter Part 1

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 …

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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. 21, 2024

Common & Pete Rock

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, …

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Aug. 14, 2024

The Foreign Exchange

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 …

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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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Aug. 3, 2024

Math & Magic Exclusive: Celebrating MTV’s Anniversary with the Real S…

In honor of the 43rd anniversary of MTV, we’re rereleasing a classic episode: the real story of MTV, as told by the founders. Today MTV is a cultural institution, but people forget what a long shot it was to get …

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