Hip-Hop Episodes

DJ Muggs and Questlove link up in Hollywood, California for a deep dive into the creative vision that made Cypress Hill one of Hip-Hop's most groundbreaking acts. From SP-1200 grit and Psychedelic textures to Rock-infused boom bap, Muggs traces his journey from Queens to Bell Gardens, revisits the making of classics like "How I Could Just Kill a Man," "Hand On The Pump," and House Of Pain's "Jump Around." Along the way, he discusses his latest collaboration, Don't Call Me Lucky, with Los Angeles lyricist TF, mentoring The Alchemist, and why today's drumless, loop-driven renaissance feels like a continuation of ideas he was exploring decades ago. Still driven by curiosity over convention, Muggs explains why chasing dusty, unconventional sounds remains at the heart of everything he creates.

During the recent Thundercat episode of The Questlove Show, the creation of MF DOOM's iconic mask was misattributed. After QLS past guests (shout out to Dante Ross), friends of the show, and our legions of dedicated listeners called out the mistake, The Questlove Show is proud to set the record straight by welcoming the mask's original and sole creator, KEO—a longtime friend, collaborator, and creative partner of DOOM. In this QLS mini, KEO tells the story in his own words, sharing the true o...

Oscar and Emmy winner Riz Ahmed sits down with Questlove for a personal conversation that spans music, art, identity, and purpose. Bonding over a lifelong love of music (especially Hip-Hop), the two reflect on the moments that have defined their careers. Riz also shares the inspiration behind recent projects, including the new series Bait and his bold interpretation of Hamlet. This episode captures an authentic exchange between two boundary-pushing artists whose stories stretch across the Atlantic.

In one of the most requested and long-awaited conversations in this show’s history, Chuck D finally joins Questlove in the studio. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about the art, science, and spirit behind Public Enemy—especially during the group’s formative years.Chuck traces the spark from hearing James Brown's "Blow Your Head" at roller rinks to the Frankenstein tape loops that gave birth to "Public Enemy No. 1," "Rebel Without a Pause," and "Bring the Noise." He recalls writing class...

Questlove sits down with Open Mike Eagle in-studio for a candid mini-conversation about aging in Hip-Hop, grief, and learning to accept flowers without guilt. Ahmir opens up about losing collaborators (and friends), navigating therapy, and trying to define what The Roots should sound like in 2026 without their longtime mentor Richard Nichols. They break down the tension between survival and artistry in Black music, what it means to grow with a group for nearly 40 years, and why so many artists struggle to feel they “deserve” love and acclaim. Open Mike shares his own challenges working in a three-MC crew (Previous Industries) and maintaining friendships intact when the music does not always pay the bills. It’s a rare, vulnerable look at midlife, creativity, and the business of staying human while staying dope.

Hip-Hop visionary Fab 5 Freddy joins Questlove to trace his path from Bed-Stuy Hancock Street to painting whole-car subway masterpieces, exhibiting in Rome, and helping bring Rap to the mainstream through Yo! MTV Raps. While discussing his new memoir, Everybody's Fly, Fred shares vivid memories of Brooklyn riots, preserving Malcolm X’s final speech on reel-to-reel tape, and even cold-calling Thelonious Monk as a kid. Freddy unpacks Brooklyn’s mobile disco scene, the origins of sound system cultu...

Questlove reconnects with Open Mike Eagle, picking up a conversation that began on a 2025 episode of the show. As Mike reflects on his time with Project Blowed, the two artists-turned-podcast hosts dive into The Good Life Cafe and its influence on the West Coast Underground Hip-Hop scene, as well as touring on the left side of the country. This mini-episode is entertaining and insightful—and leaves plenty more of Mike’s story still to be told.

Posdnuos of De La Soul sits down with Questlove for a long-awaited conversation fans have been asking for. Ahmir digs into the group's catalog with fan-driven questions, while Plug 1 shares stories from the studio, reveals which classic tracks were originally intended for other artists, and reflects on the legacy of his brother, Dave aka Trugoy the Dove. The discussion celebrates one of Hip-Hop's most influential groups—and their lasting impact on The Roots. With last year's Cabin In The Sky album still in constant rotation, this is an episode fans won't want to miss.

Georgia Anne Muldrow has been making incredible music for over 20 years. The Grammy-nominated artist is kaleidoscopic in genre and style, telling Questlove that she experiences music through synesthesia. In this expansive two-hour conversation, Georgia reflects on the Jazz legends who shaped her upbringing, the influence of voices like X-Clan and Assata Shakur in guiding her toward a path of liberation, and the joy of life itself. She also shares how a night in Brooklyn nearly 20 years ago ultimately led to her latest album, Electrical Field of Love, created alongside the band Harriet Tubman. The longest conversation Georgia and Quest have ever had unfolds into a beautiful, free-form exploration of life, music, and the true courage behind artistry.

Mannie Fresh joins Questlove to trace his journey from a DJ’s son in New Orleans to one of Hip-Hop’s most influential producers. He reflects on the birth of Bounce music, the creation of Cash Money classics like “Ha,” “Back That Azz Up,” “Bling Bling,” and “Still Fly,” working with Teena Marie, and his hopes for a unified Cash Money and No Limit moment. As Black History Month kicks off, this is Southern Hip-Hop history told straight from one of its chief architects—explaining how a rich tradition of Black music informed his inventive, era-defining style.

In a word, this episode is significant—and you'll hear why. A$AP Rocky joins Questlove for a wide-ranging conversation about his upbringing and his ongoing effort to protect moments of normalcy amid fame and fortune. He breaks down the creative vision behind DON’T BE DUMB, including the autobiographical personas he developed with filmmaker Tim Burton. Rocky also reflects on the influence of classic Hip-Hop, why film serves as his vision board, and how Mos Def officially certified the name Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2. Toast along, as Rocky and Ahmir connect over life, music, and the art of staying true.

Arthur Baker, a pioneer of Dance, Electro, and Hip-Hop, sits down in studio with Questlove for an episode years in the making. The conversation traces key milestones from Arthur’s new memoir, Looking for the Perfect Beat: Remixing and Reshaping Hip-Hop, Rock and Rhythms, as he details his role in “Planet Rock,” the early days of New Edition, and his evolution from a music-obsessed DJ in Boston to one of the most groundbreaking producers and remixers in 1980s New York City. It’s the perfect Questlove Show conversation to close out 2025—and yes, there will be a Part 2 coming soon.

During the pandemic, Questlove joined Open Mike Eagle for a season of his What Had Happened Was podcast to discuss the Roots' earliest days and first four albums. Years later, the two creatives reunite (and learn how alike they really are) to talk about Mike's career and latest album, Neighborhood Gods Unlimited. The discussion takes a turn, kind of morphing into Mike's podcast, and kind of evolving into an organic discussion on life, art, trauma, and a real-time friendship-building between two like minded creatives with a strong love of nostalgia, pop culture, and diversifying talent,

In Part 2 of this incredible 1-on-1 interview between Questlove and Erick Sermon, Ahmir asks for definitive answers about the EPMD breakup. Erick also speaks about a grocery list of hits, album cuts, and remixes from the 1990s and 2000s. This conversation intersects with stories about LL Cool J, Redman, Keith Murray, Too Short, and others. Happy 2025 from QLS.

Erick Sermon and Questlove spoke for more than three hours in the closing days of 2024. In Part 1 of this QLS season finale, E-Double recalls the early days of EPMD, breaks down how Long Island fueled a rivalry with Eric B. & Rakim, and discusses where the melodic Funk in his music comes from. This conversation touches on classic songs by Erick and his group, Redman, Stezo, and so much more.

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 Hop. AdRock also speaks about his distinct voice, a lifelong passion for crate-digging, and how his career has allowed him to experiment with creativity now. This two-hour discussion has been years in the making, and it's worth the wait.

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 the Wu-Tang Clan crew catalog, discussing some under-sung affiliates, and addressing why Bobby Digital is focused on evolution, not chasing his rich legacy.

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 Neck," his sample pioneering work on Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., and how age has reinforced his growth, maturity, and purpose. This is the first half of a follow-up discussion between Quest' and The Abbott.

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 The Source's early years and how the magazine began as support for a Harvard University radio show and expanded to "The Bible of Hip-Hop." This episode is packed with history, passion, and insight into the music that is now considered classic material.

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, emphasizes his bumpy career journey. This trajectory includes dropping out of college, a record deal at a famed Rap label, and purposeful collaborations with Carole King and The O'Jays. Sam peppers humor and self-deprecation into a story that offers hope for any impassioned creative. Hollander's book, 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts, chronicles this experience. This episode took place at Renaissance Recording with engineering by Isaiah Abolin.

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 Eve's steps from West Philadelphia to Hollywood to London and success in music, film, and television. Listen as Eve's passion for rapping and her journey with self-love are apparent in this special conversation.

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, while Pete Rock reveals that even if the address has changed his basement studio remains an epicenter for creation. Questlove, who sequenced the new album, explains why the LP is a high mark for MC/producer collaboration. This conversation unpacks the new album, sheds light on what's to come, and gathers some friends for a fun, lighthearted catch-up.

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 discussion revisits the message board days and reveals why Nicolay and Phontigallo still honor their original formula. The episode also follows Nic's music-minded journey from the Netherlands to North Carolina, his distinct approach to production, and how The Foreign Exchange was unfazed by Grammy recognition.

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 clowing 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 hardcre Hip Hop. True to Da Beatminerz' name and sound, this episode digs deep.