The Roots Episodes

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, ...

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.

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.

Angela Nissel joins Questlove for a deeply funny and moving conversation about growing up in Southwest Philly, breaking into television, and navigating grief after losing her mother—the subject of her new memoir, Good Grief, Pass The Bread, Mom Is Dead. The longtime friends revisit their wild early days together, from telemarketing gigs and busted cars to building Okayplayer and discovering the early internet, while unpacking people-pleasing, therapy, and late-in-life self-discovery. Angela opens up about caregiving, moving her mother to Los Angeles, surviving Hollywood burnout, and rediscovering who she is beyond work—all with the sharp wit that helped shape shows like Scrubs and The Boondocks.

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.

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.

Bilal sits down with Questlove Supreme and shares his story. The Philadelphia native's complex upbringing and schooling explains why he is a true original, from Jazz scatting to his raw Soul vocals. The guest who recent released Adjust Brightness recalls working with Dr. Dre, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar, while discussing his unreleased sophomore album, his second life as an independent artist, and refusal to be contained or predictable. This a long-awaited conversation that happened at just the right time.

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.

One of the greatest guitarists of all time, Johnny Marr, joins Questlove Supreme to talk about his playing style and extensive career. The Roots' Captain Kirk Douglas joins the conversation as a special guest co-host. Marr speaks about growing up in Manchester, England, and co-founding The Smiths. He touches on his time with Modest Mouse and The Pretenders, giving away famous guitars and being embraced by diverse audiences. This conversation is a thoughtful and revealing look at a true master craftsman passionate about all types of music.

In the last year, The Roots' Questlove and Ray Angry made an album with today's guest — Jazz legend David Murray. David is a veteran saxophonist and a longtime leader within the Free Jazz movement. In this episode, taped in-studio, David explains why freedom in music reflects freedom in life. He recalls highlights of a 55-plus-year journey with intersections with a who's who of Jazz, as well as Sly Stone and The Grateful Dead. David discusses the moods, attitudes, tours, and figures that have co...

Part 2 of James Poyer's in-studio conversation with Questlove Supreme celebrates the last 30 years of Black Music. James reflects on experiences working with Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Common, and Lauryn Hill. He details the genesis of great songs from classic albums. This career lookback includes humor and some insider access.

Questlove Supreme's Black Music Month programming continues with a special interview with James Poyser. In Part 1, the incredible musician, producer, and member of The Roots retraces his steps from an English-born child of Jamaican parents to West Philadelphia. He also recalls cutting his teeth in Gospel music before ultimately getting down with DJ Jazzy Jeff's A Touch Of Jazz production team. Along the way, James remembers meeting Ahmir and making a line-skipping series of cameos on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.

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 figure in the Soulquarians sound in the late 1990s. In the 2000s, he toured with The Who, and continues working with the best in music. Pino discusses his playing style on the fretted bass, his move from Wales to the United States, and some stolen guitars. This episode is for lovers of innovative musicians discussing their craft.

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 have separated brotherhood and business. Meanwhile, Team Supreme asks one of the greatest MCs all about beats, rhymes, and life.

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 server and discussing ice cream flavors, Dave sheds some light on his musical approach and why Dave Matthews Band is in a great spot.

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, from the band Khruangbin.

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 a two-parter not to be missed.

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 journey from New Jersey to Philadelphia to some of the world's biggest stages. He discusses Questlove's impact on his career, working this year's Oscars, and his new star-studded album, Legacy.