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Sept. 13, 2024

QLS: A Conversation with Adrianne Shropshire of BPAC

Show Notes
Transcript

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 coalition of individuals and organizations committed to empowering Black communities through civic engagement, community mobilization and campaigns that turn issues into policies that change people’s lives.

Listen as Laiya and Adrianne discuss the importance of having a plan in place to ensure your vote counts and dispel the myths about early voting. Whether voting in-person, by mail, or early voting in states that allow it, make sure your voice is heard.

For more information and resources, visit www.bpacdemocracytoolkit.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript

00:00:00
Speaker 1: Quest Love Supreme is a production of iHeartRadio.

00:00:09
Speaker 2: Okay, I'm going to downplay this and say I'm a little excited to have some good old political talk in this good old political season with somebody who knows what they're talking about. And it's excited to get people out and vote, ladies and gentlemen, voters and voters. Introducing Adrianne Shopshire, the executive director of B Pack.

00:00:30
Speaker 3: Hi, Adrian, how are you doing?

00:00:32
Speaker 4: I am doing well, Thank you?

00:00:35
Speaker 2: Are you like the rest of us, We're a little more excited than maybe we were in uh let's say early August.

00:00:43
Speaker 4: Yes, well, if I could quote Michelle Obama at the DNC, hope is making a comeback.

00:00:49
Speaker 3: So yes it is. And let's talk about you and your place in this process.

00:00:54
Speaker 2: Let's talk about b packs because I like to have conversations too on a very basic level. So everybody understands the language. So b pack Black Progressives correct.

00:01:03
Speaker 4: Black Coggre'sive Action Coalition.

00:01:05
Speaker 2: Action Coalition, and you guys are a pack correct in the formal sense of the word pack.

00:01:11
Speaker 4: So there are two different organizations that work together. So b pack is our nonpartisan entity. We make sure that people do the education with folks to make sure that they understand how to vote, where to vote, understand the issues. We talk about what's at stake with folks. Black pack is the actual pack, and so that work is much more partisan. We're talking about candidates. We're making sure that people, you know, understand not just what's at stake, but how dangerous some candidates might be versus others.

00:01:44
Speaker 2: Yeah, I was just thinking to myself, Okay, so I'm going to try to make this really an easy conversation for you to stay nonpartisan. However, this election kind of makes it a little hard. But I'm sure you understand that as.

00:01:54
Speaker 4: What do I do?

00:01:56
Speaker 3: So let's talk about a voting plan. What is it? What should it look like in the season.

00:02:02
Speaker 4: Well, so we know that the last few elections that we have had in this country have been chaos, both leading into them and in twenty twenty coming out right, and so what we always encourage people to do is to, like you make a plan for doing anything else that you put a plan together for how you're going to get your vote cast, and then figure out if there's something you need to do to make sure that your vote actually gets counted. If you end up in that category. So what we say to people, particularly right now because election laws have been changing in states, right we know there's been a lot of attempts to suppress the vote, and particularly suppress the black vote. And we know that right now in states across the country, there's lots of shenanigans going on where people are actually kicking us off the rolls. So some folks are you going on randomly to just check and make sure their voter registration status is still intact and finding out that they've been removed from the role.

00:03:00
Speaker 3: Okay, so let's start there.

00:03:01
Speaker 2: Yes, how do we make sure that our registration is intact? And is that state by state or is that a general answer?

00:03:09
Speaker 4: It is state by state. But BPAC has a toolkit. It's Bpacdemocracytoolkit dot Com. That's b as in boy P as in paul Ac, Bpacdemocracytoolkit dot Com. And you can go there and it will guide you through some steps to be able to check your status. So you can check your registration status. You can get registered if you need to. So these are all the steps when you're building a plan. Check your registration status, if make sure you're registered, register if you need to register, find out where your polling place is. Decide if you want to vote, if you are allowed, if you want to vote by mail or get an absentee ballot, then apply for that appsentee ballot so you make sure that it comes to your house. We encourage people to vote by mail or vote by apps and tee if it's available to them, because it just gets voting out of the way, right, Okay, So can I just say to you, I was just having this conversation with a girlfriend because we were talking about early voting.

00:04:08
Speaker 3: We were like, oh, we should, we should really go vote early.

00:04:12
Speaker 2: But we're a little what's the word worried conspiracy theory esque and somehow in our minds we think that actually showing up on the day to the machine will will make it more efficient than sending in the mail and maybe it'll get lost or you know, just because of the last few years, and what we've been told is can you make us more comfortable with that action?

00:04:34
Speaker 4: So your ballot is going to get counted, whether you send it in the mail or whether you show up an early vote in person, or you show up on election day and you can track your ballot. Right, So you can track your ballot make sure that it got there. Right. In most states, you should be getting sent a notification saying that they got your ballot. But if you didn't, you can follow up with them and make sure that your ballot got to them or make arrangements. Right if they didn't get it, make arrangements to make sure that your voter is cast. I know a lot of people, I mean, for our.

00:05:01
Speaker 3: Community, I didn't even know about this.

00:05:03
Speaker 4: I'm so voting is a community action. We like to take collective action and demonstrate our political power. That's what voting is for us. And so election day becomes really important. It is a singular community action. And so I think that's why a lot of people like to vote on election day. That's important. But what we know is that a few things. One is that your vote's gonna get counted right, whether or not you do it on election day or you do it during early vote, or you do it by mail, and again we can track it. The other is that we know on election day there's a lot of challenges. In the States, there was a lot of craziness at the ballot box, whether it was you know, mysterious mysteriously you know, the charging cords for voting machines disappearing in Georgia right whether it is you know, things.

00:05:51
Speaker 3: Are happening right now as we speak.

00:05:53
Speaker 2: I was just watching the news, like things are happening to disrupt our vote right now.

00:05:57
Speaker 4: Lines are long and you end up an hour or long. So what we suggested people is avoid all of that. If you can get your vote at early, avoid the lines. We also know that there are proud boys showing up at polling sites trying to intimidate and threaten people, right, and so for our community, it's it's not only important to get our ballots, our votes in as soon as we can if we have the option, but it's also a safety issue, right like, let's get let's just cast.

00:06:25
Speaker 2: Our votes, and let's go with our elders maybe and maybe you accompany your elders and volts.

00:06:30
Speaker 4: That's right to your first point. Getting a plan in place is a good idea. Make sure register to vote, make check your voting status, and then decide how you're going to vote in person, by mail, absentee ballot. Decide what you're going to do and stick to that plan, and then you can track. Then you'll be able to track your vale, your ballot but there's also, of course all of the election protection folks that are out there if you decide to go on election day, right, there's a number of organizations that can help make sure that your ballot is counted.

00:07:00
Speaker 3: I'm sure they'll really be out to this year, so.

00:07:03
Speaker 2: That's right, Yes, absolutely, I wanted to ask you some questions to some basic questions too, about some concerns that others may have when it comes to their loved ones in different situations when it comes to voting.

00:07:13
Speaker 3: I know these are some of my concerns as well.

00:07:16
Speaker 2: If you can just give us a tip for these different kinds of situations, like, for instance, do you have a tip for returning citizens or convicted balance who are now released. Is there something that they should know about voting?

00:07:28
Speaker 4: So folks really need to check with their their boards of the rules in their states because they are different. And so whether it's you yourself you're returning citizen, or you have a loved one who's returning citizen, make sure you check what the rules are in your state, because we don't want anyone getting in trouble right for doing something they thought they had the right to do. And frankly, let's just talk about why folks who do their time don't have a right to vote on that part like that. So there's a you know, like there's we can think about, you know, what we need in terms of in terms of a federal law. Right, certainly we know that states.

00:08:10
Speaker 2: You know, but I believe I live in a state that allows such things. Try to live in a political correct state.

00:08:17
Speaker 4: Now there's only a couple of states that just don't allow it. But folks need to check the rules because we don't we wouldn't. We don't want people getting in trouble. But we also want people who have the rights who do.

00:08:27
Speaker 3: Know that they and to know that they have the.

00:08:29
Speaker 4: Right and to be able to cast their ballot.

00:08:32
Speaker 2: Let me ask you about another group of people who are experiencing this for the first time, parents who are sending their eighteen year olds off to college. Can we talk about them, because I would like to know was there something that they should have been doing before they left, or is there there's something that they should be telling them now, Like can you give me some words about well.

00:08:51
Speaker 4: I mean, I think there's there's two categories I think for for eighteen year olds. One, either you are an eighteen year old who already registered, right, and you were excited to turn eighteen year registered to vote. There are eighteen year olds who have not yet registered and are about to go off to school. So when I know that when we sent our daughter away to school, we took her, you know for whatever that move in week. We they have the big you know, on the yard, the student organizations out you know, trying to recruit people to the organizations also have voter registration stations, and so we looked for when we took her, we looked for the voter registration station, and we got her registered right there for the first two days, right that we were there. So if you're sending your child away, your eighteen year old who is not registered, make sure that when they get on campus there will be lots of campus organizations registering folks to vote. They should look for those organizations and they can should get themselves registered where they're going to school. If they're already registered and they're gonna stay registered in their home state, then they're probably gonna need to get an absentee ballot, and so they need to figure out how they do that so that they can still make sure that they vote at home. Or they can reregister if they want it, if they're already registered. If you in California and you go to Spelman.

00:10:10
Speaker 2: You better register in Georgia. You listen if.

00:10:15
Speaker 4: You're reregister when you get to Atlanta asrier.

00:10:18
Speaker 3: That's actually some good advice.

00:10:19
Speaker 2: It's like you sent your kids to one of these battle ground stays, you know, let them register battleground stage. Yeah, another group's expats, can we talk about how soon they should be looking into getting their paperwork together to make sure Number one, I guess checking their registration and making sure they're correct.

00:10:41
Speaker 4: But then they need they need a voting plan, So every everybody, all those categories that, yeah mention, all those folks need a voting plan. So you're living abroad, yes, you should be checking your registration status. You also need to figure out how to get your absentee ballot so that you can get it in right, so everyone can go again, and folks can go to be packed amocrasytoolkit dot com and follow the steps to get the information that you need or all this is there, yeah, Or you can go to the Secretary of State website in your state right and find out what the rules are in North Carolina, ballots go out September six. We just need to be getting information out to people because if I get my ballot and I haven't thought through everything, right, If I'm in North Carolina, I have the president, I have a serious governor's race, I have a state Supreme court race, right, And I may not know when I get my ballot next week that I need to vote for that black lady for Supreme Court, right, that I need to make sure that black man who's running for governor and is completely insane does not win, right. And I need to make sure that I understand that I am comfortable with my vote for president.

00:11:54
Speaker 2: I'm glad you mentioned a couple of states because I wanted to ask you about that, like what states you really need to be on alert for these.

00:12:00
Speaker 4: When we're thinking about what's really important. If you are in Georgia or you were in North Carolina, these states are critical states. And we got to make texaes too, right.

00:12:09
Speaker 3: I think they're trying to get your boy out.

00:12:12
Speaker 4: Ted Cruz. Yes, yes, yes, yes, Texas right, every all the states are I mean, I just want to be clear. All the states are important for different reasons, and part one of the things that is important for people to remember is that the presidential matters. There's also a bunch of down ballot races, right, we got congressional races, we got house races, we got talking.

00:12:32
Speaker 2: About the down ballot, right, I didn't realize they were all on us.

00:12:37
Speaker 4: Yep. So there is a lot of really important elections happening besides the presidential and we need people to pay attention. Yeah, the voting process is just longer, and so we don't have all of the time in the world. So folks really need to get their plan together now because they have access to in some places, right in some states, they have right now the ability to cast So folks need to get a plan together, regardless of what sort of.

00:13:03
Speaker 3: They are what they're doing. Yeah, thank you so much, Adrian.

00:13:07
Speaker 2: I know that you are heavily encouraging people that if they can early vote, vote and if they can, you know, mailing their votes to do so. However, if some people want to wait until the party day, I'm curious on does BPAK have resources for it just in case they don't feel safe, who they can reach out to before they decide to go out and vote in things of that nature, or just organizations that are supporting.

00:13:28
Speaker 4: So the you know. So one of the things that I would say first is that I understand that. And again, because we as a community see voting as a collective, active power, and so I wanted to show up and be there with everybody right to get your pictures on their mind, right, do all those things, put it up on social media. I did my part. I get that. Plus, the stakes of this election are such that however you decide to vote, you need to vote right. When we think about, you know, what our future looks like as a community, when we think about what is at stake for our children, when we think about what is at stake for generations yet unborn. The fact that we take right now will set in place what is going to be possible for generations down the line. And so this election is so critical that however we decide to cast our ballot, we need to get that ballot cast. What I would say is that for folks that are concerned, you know, we have partners in organizations in states across the country, right, and we are on the ground right in states around the country, So people can certainly reach out to us. But we also know that there is an election hotline and the election hotlines will pop up in states around the country so that if you get to a polling place and stuff's not looking right, you can call right, you can call if you have trouble voting. The election hotline numbers change from year to year, so I'm gonna ask that folks just pay attention. We'll have it on our website for sure. Folks can go there and get the number as they start to pop up. But there are resources, and there is support, and there is help if people are concerned about what's going to be happening at their polling place. I would say that folks, though, should vote early if they can buil your balady, and if you have that option, show up to the pole as a last resort. But if people want to do that, and I get it.

00:15:22
Speaker 2: You're making perfect since you're just changing my voting plan, Adrian, that's all. You're making perfect sense.

00:15:26
Speaker 4: I just you know, we tell people and take take some water, right, take it, take the next because you.

00:15:32
Speaker 3: Don't want some water for somebody else too.

00:15:34
Speaker 4: That's right, because we don't know how I got to be on that line, but just get there. Because this election is and we say it all the time every election is the most important election. Point forward. Every election is the most important election because we're trying to hang on. Yes, we're trying to hang on.

00:15:50
Speaker 3: Well.

00:15:50
Speaker 2: Thank you so much, Adrian Shropshire. I'm happy I pronounce your name correctly the first time around.

00:15:55
Speaker 3: I fl the executive director A B. Pat doing the work.

00:16:00
Speaker 2: I wish you and I wish us the best of luck in this election.

00:16:04
Speaker 4: Thank you so much.

00:16:06
Speaker 3: Hey, thank y'all for listening to Kuslove Supreme.

00:16:09
Speaker 2: This podcast is hosted by an Afro, a mouth, an engineer, and a man with too many jobs aka A mere Quest Love Thompson, Why Yah, Saint Clair, shugar Ce Mandell and Unpaid Bill Sherman. The executive producers who get paid the big bucks. A mere Quest Love Thompson, Sean g and Brian Calhoun ask them for money. Produced by the people who do all the real work Britney Benjamin, Jake.

00:16:33
Speaker 3: Payne and Yes, why you is Saint Clair? Edited by another person who does the real work, Alex Conroy and those who approved the real work. Produced for iHeart by Noel Brown.

00:16:46
Speaker 1: West Love Supreme is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeart Radio, visit the iHeart radio, app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

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Brittany Howard

Brittany 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 vocal...

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Feb. 28, 2024

QLS Gives Frankie Beverly His Flowers

Frankie 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 …

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Feb. 21, 2024

Ed Eckstine

Ed 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 …

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Feb. 14, 2024

Robert Townsend Part 2

Here 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 …

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Feb. 7, 2024

Robert Townsend Part 1

For 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 …

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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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Jan. 22, 2024

A QLS Update From Questlove

Questlove 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.

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Jan. 10, 2024

Paradise Gray Part 2

Paradise 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. …

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Jan. 3, 2024

Paradise Gray Part 1

Questlove 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 …

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Dec. 27, 2023

Team Supreme

This 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 …

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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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Dec. 13, 2023

André 3000

André 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 …

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Dec. 6, 2023

Shanice Wilson & Tracie Spencer

After 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 adoles...

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Nov. 29, 2023

LL Cool J Part 2

Part 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 …

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Nov. 22, 2023

LL Cool J Part 1

Years 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.

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Nov. 15, 2023

Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli

Milli 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 …

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Nov. 8, 2023

Hannibal Buress Part 2

In 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 …

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Nov. 1, 2023

Hannibal Buress Part 1

Hannibal Buress and Questlove Supreme get together in Hollywood for a two-part episode that's honest, hilarious, and historic. In Part 1, Hannibal recalls his early days of comedy, his passion for rapping, and his formative years in Chicago.

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Oct. 25, 2023

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Salli Richardson-Whitfield meets Questlove Supreme in Hollywood for an in-studio interview that covers her pivot from acting to directing to producing. Salli details her Chicago roots, recalls proving herself professionally, and discusses the new season of A Gilded Age.

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Oct. 18, 2023

Sly Stone Tribute with Ben Greenman

In a special one-on-one episode, Ben Greenman sits down with longtime writing collaborator Questlove. Having just published the Sly Stone memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) alongside the music legend, Ben speaks about the process. He and Quest' …

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Oct. 4, 2023

George Brown Of Kool & The Gang Part 2

In Part 2, Funky George Brown of Kool & The Gang explains the group's transition and super success at the turn of the 1980s. He discusses the songwriting process, personnel changes, and the challenges of touring with Van Halen.

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Sept. 27, 2023

George Brown Of Kool & The Gang Part 1

Funky George Brown of Kool & The Gang tells Questlove Supreme about an upbringing in Jersey City that made him fearless and creative at the same time. George recalls the band's early years, and describes what made this group so …

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Sept. 20, 2023

Cedric The Entertainer

Established as a king of comedy and a leader in film, television, and hosting, Cedric The Entertainer has added novelist to his resume. Cedric speaks about his debut novel Flipping Boxcars, his career journey, as well as the origins of …

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Sept. 13, 2023

Chris Robinson Part 2

In Part 2 of his Questlove Supreme interview, Chris Robinson discusses his creative process in making legendary music videos for Alicia Keys, N.O.R.E., and Busta Rhymes. He also speaks candidly about changing business models in music, video, and film—including the …

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Sept. 6, 2023

Chris Robinson Part 1

Chris Robinson describes being a film and Hip Hop-obsessed teen from Baltimore and making his way into the industry. He remembers getting life-changing advice from LL Cool J (instead of a battle), linking with some of Brooklyn's most hardcore MCs, …

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Aug. 30, 2023

Kid Capri Part 2

Part 2 of Kid Capri's Questlove Supreme interview follows the legend's move into mixtapes. Kid Capri explains how he used his voice to keep the Hip Hop DJ in the spotlight, and after working on Grammy and Pulitzer-winning albums, what …

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Aug. 23, 2023

Kid Capri Part 1

Questlove Supreme celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop with a guest who grew up just steps from the culture's birthplace. Kid Capri tells Team Supreme about attending early Hip Hop parties, catching the bug in the mid-1970s, and looking for …

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Aug. 16, 2023

Styles P

Questlove Supreme's celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop continues with Styles P. The LOX co-founder describes transforming his life through physical and mental health. The Yonkers, New Yorker tells how DMX was a trailblazer, his brotherhood with Jadakiss and Sheek …

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Aug. 9, 2023

Slum Village Part 2

Slum Village sits down with Questlove Supreme as part of a month-long celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop. In Part 2, T3 and Young RJ describe their group's evolution through the years—including J Dilla passing the production torch to his …

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Aug. 2, 2023

Slum Village Part 1

Questlove Supreme is celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop with a month of special programming. The celebration begins with Detroit legends Slum Village. In Part 1, T3 and Young RJ discuss the city's unique history and how it shaped the formation …

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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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Oct. 19, 2022

Stacey Abrams

As she campaigns to become the first Black woman governor in United States history, Stacey Abrams linked up with Questlove Supreme in Atlanta, Georgia, for a QLS you do not want to miss.

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Nov. 2, 2022

Millie & Keisha Jackson Pt. 2

In part 2 of Questlove Supreme's Atlanta interview with Millie Jackson and Keisha Jackson, the mother and daughter powerhouse speak about their relationship and careers. Keisha discusses her solo catalog, performing with OutK...

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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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Dec. 14, 2022

Organized Noize Part 2

Part 2 of Questlove Supreme's Organized Noize interview in Atlanta continues with a discussion about OutKast's progression as producers and the dispersing of the Dungeon Family. Rico Wade, Sleepy Brown, and Ray Murray revisit favorites from OutKast, Cool Breeze, and …

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Dec. 21, 2022

Diamond D

Diamond D joins Questlove Supreme in Atlanta to discuss growing up with Hip-Hop pioneers in his literal backyard. The acclaimed producer/MC/DJ triple-threat discusses his career, from Ultimate Force and Stunts Blunts & Hip Ho...

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Dec. 28, 2022

Year End Review with Lil Rel

Questlove Supreme honors tradition with a casual discussion about Team Supreme's personal journeys over 2022. Comedian and actor Lil Rel joins the discussion to reflect on the year and talk about his newest special, I Said It, Y'all Thinkin' It. …

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Jan. 25, 2023

Blondie

Blondie's Deborah Harry and Chris Stein discuss their band's formative years and evolution. They recall the 1970s New York City scene, talk about their hits, and discuss using their platform to bring Hip-Hop culture to the masses. Debbie and Chris …

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Feb. 15, 2023

Dallas Austin Part 2

In part two of Dallas Austin's Atlanta sitdown with Questlove Supreme, the hit-making producer/songwriter revisits his time with Illegal, Highland Place Mobsters, and Michael Jackson. Dallas Austin is a storyteller extraordinaire, and this QLS episode has many memorable tales.

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March 1, 2023

Cathy Hughes Part 1

Cathy Hughes is the first Black woman to head a publicly traded media company and a true radio pioneer. In part one of a two-part interview, Ms. Hughes joins Questlove Supreme for her first-ever podcast. She discusses her journey into …

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March 29, 2023

Ice-T Part 1

In the first of a two-part Questlove Supreme interview, Ice-T looks back at his Hip Hop origins. He and Questlove discuss their recent 50th anniversary Grammy Hip Hop celebration performance. Ice also tells Team Supreme about his earliest records, his …

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April 5, 2023

Ice-T Part 2

In part two of Ice-T's Questlove Supreme interview, he speaks about transitioning to acting. Ice opens up about working on New Jack City and other films while discussing working with Dick Wolf and Law & Order for a quarter-century. The …

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April 19, 2023

Chanté Moore

R&B songstress Chanté Moore talks to Questlove Supreme about her extensive career. Fresh from her Soul Train Awards performance, the singer tells the stories behind some of her most memorable songs, as well as working with Jimmy Jam & Terry …

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April 26, 2023

Jean Carne

To close out Jazz Appreciation Month, the incredible Jean Carne sits down with Questlove Supreme. She recalls her Atlanta upbringing around such figures as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Jean describes creating spiritual Jazz in the early 1970s alongside her …

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May 10, 2023

Charlamagne Tha God Pt. 2

In Part 2 of Charlamagne Tha God's sitdown interview with Questlove Supreme, the media leader remembers his famed Birdman video being an inflection point for The Breakfast Club. Charlamagne discusses expanding into podcasting as both a voice and an entrepreneur …

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May 17, 2023

Sam Jay

Comedian Sam Jay joins QLS in New York City for an elevated discussion about Boston being the white Atlanta, getting onto Saturday Night Live, and her upcoming standup special. This one is a lighthearted hang between friends who love to …

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Feb. 1, 2023

Shaggy

Shaggy gives Team Supreme an incredible music history lesson as he breaks down cultivating an original style and why he feels he has always been deeply misunderstood. The veteran joins QLS to discuss his Grammy-nominated Frank Sinatra-inspired album Com Fly …

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May 31, 2023

Lisa Cortés Part 2

Part 2 of the Questlove Supreme in-studio discussion with award-winning filmmaker and former record executive Lisa Cortés. Lisa recalls her career pivot from being a music executive with dreams of singing to becoming a filmmaker who learned every step of …

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June 7, 2023

The QLS From Pilot: From The Vaults

Travel back to 2016 to experience the never-before-heard pilot episode of Questlove Supreme. Ahmir, Phonte, Boss Bill, and Suga Steve interviewed the award-winning producer, musician, and songwriter Bill Sherman. By the end of this loose and funny discussion, "Unpaid Bill" …

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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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May 3, 2023

Charlamagne Tha God Pt.1

Charlamagne Tha God sits down with Questlove Supreme in New York City for a special two-parter. In Part 1, Charlamagne speaks openly about his vision, career, and plenty of humorous discussions with Team Supreme about everyday life.

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Oct. 12, 2022

DJ Clark Kent

DJ Clark Kent joins Questlove Supreme to discuss performing with Dana Dane, his incredible work with JAY-Z and Biggie Smalls, and signing Das EFX. The esteemed veteran also speaks about his fantastic sneaker collection and turning his passion into meaningful …

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Dec. 7, 2022

Organized Noize Part 1

Questlove Supreme travels to Atlanta to kick it with some of the city's musical architects. Organized Noize appears in a comprehensive two-parter. In Part 1, Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown discuss their approach to s...

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July 5, 2023

Angie Martinez

Angie Martinez links with Questlove Supreme in New York City. "The Voice Of New York" speaks candidly about her upbringing, a fearless passion for Hip-Hop, and career expansion throughout the last 30 years. Along the way, Angie recalls her unique …

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April 12, 2023

Bob James

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and Questlove Supreme sits down with a genre legend. Bob James recalls his incredible journey and working with Sarah Vaughan, Creed Taylor, Idris Muhammad, and others. Bob speaks about becoming a beacon for Hip Hop …

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July 12, 2023

Leroy Burgess Part 1

For years, Questlove Supreme has wanted to speak with Leroy Burgess and now it has happened. The legendary singer, songwriter, and producer revisits his New York City upbringing. In Part 1, he explains his family ties to Thom Bell, Ricky …

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June 28, 2023

President Bill Clinton

Questlove Supreme salutes Black Music Month in style with a special interview with Bill Clinton. The 42nd President of the United States and Founder and Board Chair of the Clinton Foundation brings some vinyl with him to the in-studio interview …

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July 19, 2023

Leroy Burgess Part 2

Questlove Supreme has wanted to speak with Leroy Burgess for years, and now it has happened. The legendary singer, songwriter, and producer revisits his New York City upbringing. For Part 2, Leroy details the music that makes him a post-disco/boogie …

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March 15, 2023

Speech of Arrested Development

Speech from Arrested Development joins Questlove Supreme for a comprehensive interview. The multi-talent discusses his Milwaukee origins and asserts his proper place as an Atlanta Hip Hop pioneer. Speech speaks openly about Arrested Developments' triumphs and tribulations, including sampling Prince, …

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Feb. 22, 2023

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner sits down with Questlove Supreme for a deeply personal conversation about creativity, pivots, and expression. The accomplished actor discusses his latest album, the Grammy-nominated Hiding In Plain View. Malcolm speaks passionately about his love of poetry and playing …

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Feb. 8, 2023

Dallas Austin Part 1

In the first of a two-part interview taped live in Atlanta, producer and songwriter Dallas Austin speaks about his incredible life journey. He recalls growing up around music greats, earning his first credits in the 1980s, and eventually producing hit …

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June 21, 2023

David Porter

Questlove Supreme's celebration of Black Music Month continues with an extraordinary David Porter interview. David is a true architect of the Memphis sound. Isaac Hayes's longtime writing and production partner tells Team Supreme about making hits with Sam & Dave, …

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Nov. 9, 2022

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen joins Questlove Supreme to talk about covering classic Soul and R&B songs for his new album, Only The Strong Survive. The Boss also discusses his approach to creativity, album-making, and putting on one of t...

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Oct. 26, 2022

Millie & Keisha Jackson Pt. 1

Singer Millie Jackson is joined by her daughter and fellow songstress Keisha Jackson for an Atlanta taping of Questlove Supreme.

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March 22, 2023

Taboo

Black Eyed Peas co-founder Taboo sits down with Questlove Supreme to discuss his journey from B-Boy to children's book author. This conversation includes some powerful testimony from Tab as a cancer survivor and his advocacy ...

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Nov. 16, 2022

DJ Drama Pt. 1

DJ Drama meets up with Questlove Supreme in Atlanta to revisit his Philly roots. The Gangsta Grillz creator recalls growing up in Philly, making pivotal Hip-Hop mixtapes as a B-Boy, and taking his talents to Atlanta to pursue a dream …

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QLS: A Conversation with Adrianne Shropshire of BPAC

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