Journalists Episodes

Legendary music journalist and MTV News icon Kurt Loder joins Questlove in the studio for a deep dive into the evolution of rock criticism, music journalism, and pop culture. Loder traces his journey from his early days covering Janis Joplin and Captain Beefheart to his era-defining work at Rolling Stone and MTV News, sharing firsthand memories of punk at CBGB, Prince, and the rise of Hip-Hop into the mainstream. Kurt opens up about writing Rolling Stone's first major Rap review, chronicling Tina Turner's life and remarkable comeback in book form, and navigating the ethics, responsibility, and influence of the critic's pen. Questlove and Loder also unpack the line between fandom and objectivity, the danger of snap judgments, and how artists like Prince, James Brown, and Joni Mitchell redefined the possibilities of pop music. This episode is a masterclass in music history, criticism, and culture, told by one of the most trusted voices ever to cover it.

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.