Jive Records Episodes

A real tycoon is in the building. Questlove sits down with Vallejo’s own E-40, the Yay Area legend who was selling records out of his trunk back when getting a major-label deal felt impossible. He built his own label, financed his projects independently, and gave Hip-Hop an entire dictionary of slang and similes. Now, with Turning My Money Over—a historic 40-song quadruple album—Earl Stevens isn’t slowing down. E-40 talks about growing up on Magazine Street in Vallejo’s Hillside neighborhood, the New York and Bay Area rappers who shaped his voice, and the year at Grambling State that taught him how to make it on his own. He explains how The Click navigated distribution through consignment sheets, mom-and-pop stores, and even rim shops—and how VHS duplication helped change the game for independent artists. 40 Water recalls his dealings with Tupac, advocates for members of the Hieroglyphics crew, and shares how being doubted by a room full of DJs decades ago only pushed him to go har…

Raheem DeVaughn joins Questlove to trace his journey from a Washington DC Go-Go kid to internationally known “Love King,” radio host, and independent R&B force. He breaks down the spiritual meaning of love, the art of the perfect slow-jam mixtape, and how Go-Go culture shaped his sound and hustle (including his current band). Raheem also tells stories about his father touring with Stevie Wonder, remaking a full, soon to release Marvin Gaye album with Kenny Dope, and building his career from Black Lily open mics to a Jive Records deal and beyond. He also explains how he inherited The Quiet Storm radio show, why direct-to-consumer is changing the game, and what it really takes to survive as an indie artist in today’s music industry.

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