Mini Episodes

The LEGENDARY DJ Cash Money joins Questlove live from the 2026 Roots Picnic at Philadelphia’s historic Belmont Plateau for a mini masterclass on the city’s turntablism legacy. A renowned turntable wizard, collector, and beacon of Philly Hip-Hop history, Cash traces the city’s evolution from Grandmaster Nell and Cosmic Kev at Hotel Philadelphia to the birth of the Transformer scratch at Central High—breaking down how Philly quietly rewrote the rules of the DJ. Cash also traces his own evolution from house party selector to technical innovator, inspired by Latin Rascals edits, Gemini mixers, and his own dancer’s sense of rhythm. Along the way, he reveals the wild story behind his “Pump Me Up” routine, which later found its way into Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” and the Def Comedy Jam theme. This mini-episode is merely an appetizer for a much bigger discussion to come. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove is back to answer another batch of listener questions. This mailbag edition with Ahmir and Cousin Jake dives into recent episodes while revisiting classic Roots and Dilla history. Quest' clarifies a detail from the recent DJ Muggs episode, agreeing that Muggs essentially pioneered Hip-Hop's dark, dusty psychedelic sound. He also unpacks the backstory behind Phrenology's "roll call" segment, explaining how a reclaimed Slum Village beat, Ursula Rucker, and an exhaustive Ego Trip's Book o...

In this mini-episode, Questlove and Open Mike Eagle dig into the real economics behind movie soundtracks and sync licensing. Sparked by a listener question about Saturday Night Fever and Rick Dees’ “Disco Duck,” they break down how fees, royalties, and leverage have shifted from the compilation-album era to today’s catalog-buyout climate. Along the way, the two also revisit the quietly stacked High School High Soundtrack, The Roots’ role in it, and a fateful night linking D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, ...

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.

Nick Polowy is the Los Angeles–based artist behind The Questlove Show logo and many of the animations that have appeared throughout QLS episodes since 2022. While taping in Hollywood, Ahmir and Open Mike Eagle sat down with Nick for a special mini episode to talk about his creative process, the deep research that informs his work, and a career that spans everything from major television networks to haunted houses. Tune in to hear the story behind the visuals and the artist who brought them to li...

In this Questlove Show mini-episode, Questlove revisits the making of Michael Jackson's HIStory with a previously unreleased encore segment from the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis interview. Ahmir unpacks the track’s orchestral scale, Boyz II Men vocals, and marathon mix sessions with fellow producers, breaking down why “HIStory” feels like MJ’s “Night of the Living Baseheads” moment. From there, the conversation pivots to mailbag questions from podcast supporters about Jam & Lewis’ creative synergy, Prince deep cuts, and Questlove’s new Rolling Stone feature ranking 100 essential Prince songs.

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.

In this mailbag mini-episode, Questlove answers listener questions on James Brown’s polarizing late-period track “Deep in It” and why he loves the so-called “mustache era” of JB. Quest' gives practical advice to an aspiring collaborator in Spain, talking busking, community-building, and creative ways to find like-minded musicians offline. He weighs in on the rise of listening bars and vinyl-centric spaces. Finally, he goes deep on his favorite snare drums, and discusses some of the kits from his own historic drum collection.

The QLS family lost a great friend, supporter, and one of music's greatest ears in the passing of Bob Power. In a small mini episode, Questlove reflects on Bob, who appeared on the second episode of Questlove Supreme back in 2016. He credits as one of hip hop’s greatest advocates and a defining force in boom-bap. He recalls how Bob’s work with De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest helped inspire and shape the sound of The Roots, comparing Bob’s role to George Martin’s with The Beatles. Questlove shares stories about Bob’s meticulous studio approach—mixing quietly and balancing clarity with gritty texture. Quest' also touches on recent collaboration with Bob, a funny phone call in the past, and more. The Bob Power episode of Questlove Supreme has been posted atop the feed. Bob Power forever.

Questlove answers Questlove Show listener letters in a candid mini-episode that spans grief, legacy, and the weight of influence. Responding to a fan whose “musical Mount Rushmore” includes several late legends in Ahmir's orbit, he reflects on losing collaborators. Quest also revisits the rise and evolution of Okayplayer, teases liner notes and treats for the next Roots projects, and addresses the fate of his lockdown DJ sets and whether they might return online. Please send your questions by the contact us page on QuestloveSupreme.com or DM'ing the show.

This Questlove Show mini “mailbag” episode features Ahmir responding to listener questions about underappreciated (and groundbreaking) Philly Hip-Hop group The Goats, his creative process and wild story behind crafting the music-driven opening montage for the SNL 50 documentary, and a deep-dive on The Jacksons’ This Place Hotel (Heartbreak Hotel), including why he sees Michael Jackson as an early influence on Gangsta Rap themes, and reveals he made his own private mix of The Jacksons' Triumph. You can submit questions by direct messaging on IG and Facebook, or through the contact-us portal at QuestloveSupreme.com.

As Valentine’s weekend arrives, Questlove follows his love-inspired soundtrack with a different kind of selection, one pulled from the side of the crate reserved for heartbreak. He suggests ten songs that sit with loss, loneliness, and love that’s run its course, spanning Jazz and Soul laments from Donald Byrd and Les McCann to more modern reflections by Mayer Hawthorne and Cleo Sol. Along the way, he shares the stories, anecdotes, and personal reflections that make these records ideal compan...

In preparation for Valentine’s Day, Questlove digs into his collection to curate ten song suggesions that set the mood for love. From timeless classics by Minnie Riperton and Donny Hathaway to deeper cuts and modern selections from Cody Chesnutt and Meshell Ndegeocello, he shares the records that define romance in all its forms. If you’re in a season of love, consider this your soundtrack. And stay tuned for a second edition—songs for those on the other end of the spectrum. See omnystudio....

In this mini “musings” episode of the Questlove Show, Questlove answers listener questions and opens up about his love of certain breakfast cereals, his current morning gratitude and breathing rituals, and his ongoing work to become a more succinct communicator. He reflects on waking up to the music of his late friend J Dilla, the work of painter Ernie Barnes, and balancing creative projects including a new song and an Earth, Wind & Fire film. Quest also shares his ideal getaways—from omakase in Japan to luxury train travel—and invites fans to keep sending questions through the QLS channels.

On the latest “minisode” of The Questlove Show, Ahmir answers questions from the audience—ranging from his top five TV theme songs (pulled largely from 1970s and ’80s television, with plenty of context and backstory) to reflections on some of the show’s most challenging interviews. He talks about why asking personal questions matters, especially when guests struggle to elaborate, and how those moments can still unlock something human. Quest also shares anecdotes about the technical challenges of syncing music to film, his love of off-beat rhythms, and the lasting influence of J Dilla.

In this mini episode, Questlove opens the floor to listener (and viewer) questions—digging into James Brown’s recording techniques, his current favorite stand-up comedians, and much more. From there, the conversation drifts into the emotional power of music, spotlighting Afro-futurist and meditative sounds that soothe, ground, and inspire. Listeners also get exclusive updates on what’s brewing next, including the progress of the highly anticipated Roots album and new developments on the Earth, Wind & Fire documentary. And, because it wouldn’t be Questlove without it, there’s a behind-the-scenes look at his one-of-a-kind birthday ritual: an all-day movie marathon with great snacks to match. Remember, submit your questions via QuestloveSupreme.com, or by following on social and messaging.

In this mini episode, Questlove discusses the song that captures his 2025—and it was released this year. He also talks about how he's spending the new year, including shows with The Roots. This brief check-in also updates the public on the status of the long-awaited album from the band, which... just listen. Happy new year from the team at the Questlove Show.  P.S.: Don't forget to send questions to our DM or through our contact forms at QuestloveSupreme.com for answers on upcoming mini episodes.

The Questlove Show is providing mini episodes that offer bonus content, special features, and answers to questions from our podcast audience. On this mini, Questlove revisits the most recent episode with guest Open Mike Eagle. Ahmir speaks about doing the What Had Happened Was pod with Mike years ago, the significance of a glowing album review, and more. Make sure you catch the full episode to appreciate this bonus note. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus mini episode of The Questlove Show, Ahmir takes listeners through over a dozen of his favorite Christmas songs. From personal holiday memories to beloved classics from legendary artists and music innovators—plus a few modern favorites—it’s a festive deep dive into seasonal sounds. Happy holidays from Ahmir and the team at The Questlove Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.