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Episodes

Feb. 5, 2025

QLS Presents First Musical Memories Part 2

In Part 2 of this special look-back series, Questlove Supreme examines guests' first music memories. Questlove shares another memory from his life and drops some anecdote. The second set includes memorable reflections from DJ Premier, Sananda Maitreya, Steve Ferrone, Adam Levine, Tevin Campbell, Br…

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Jan. 31, 2025

QLS Presents First Musical Memories Part 1

Over the years, many of the Questlove Supreme interviews begin by asking, "What was your first musical memory?" In a special episode, looking back at memorable answers, Questlove offers his own and explains his curiosity. Part 1 of this series includes looking back at answers from Larry Blackmon of…

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Jan. 8, 2025

Erick Sermon Part 2

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, Re…

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Jan. 1, 2025

Erick Sermon Part 1

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…

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Dec. 25, 2024

James "JT" Taylor

James "JT" Taylor joins Questlove and Suga Steve to revisit his upbringing and two decades with Kool & The Gang. JT details arriving with the legendary Funk-Jazz band to help them reach new plateaus with hit songs including "Celebration," "Ladies Night," "Joanna," and more. This conversation also t…

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Dec. 20, 2024

Historical Records: Claudette Colvin (feat. Roxane Gay)

Nimene creates a stirring hip-hop track about the civil rights activist Claudette Colvin, who, as a teenager, refused to give up her seat on an Alabama city bus months before Rosa Parks’ famous protest. Featuring an interview...

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Dec. 18, 2024

Adam "AdRock" Horovitz

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…

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Dec. 11, 2024

Bilal

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 …

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Dec. 4, 2024

Boney James

Boney James joins Questlove Supreme to discuss his journey playing Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Funk. The Grammy Award-winning saxophonist recalls his days playing other instruments as a sideman (and delivering pizzas) to build towards becoming a leader in his space. Boney recalls his upbringing outside of…

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Nov. 27, 2024

RZA Part 2

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 un…

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Nov. 20, 2024

Ben Vereen

Ben Vereen joins Questlove Supreme with his daughter Kabara. What begins as a conversation about a legendary, award-winning career in theater, film, and television organically goes someplace much deeper. Ben Vereen shares discoveries about his identity and traces his knowledge of self while speakin…

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Nov. 13, 2024

RZA Part 1

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 pioneeri…

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Nov. 6, 2024

Kathleen Hanna

New York Times best-selling author, musician, and activist Kathleen Hanna discusses her new memoir, Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk. In a special one-on-one with Questlove, Kathleen also details her passion for records, complicated views on fame and success, and the power of No. In their fir…

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Oct. 30, 2024

Cindy Blackman Santana

Drummer Cindy Blackman Santana joins Questlove Supreme for a career retrospective. She recalls her Ohio childhood, moving to Connecticut, and early days in New York City. Cindy details learning under Jazz legends Tony Williams and Art Blakey and how she was part of an essential movement in the genr…

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Oct. 23, 2024

Jonathan Shecter Part 2

In Part 2 of this special QLS, Jonathan Shecter, aka Shecky Green, looks back at his later years at The Source. The magazine's co-founder and Editor-in-Chief recalls assembling a "mind squad" of legendary writers, editors, an...

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Oct. 16, 2024

Jonathan Shecter Part 1

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 th…

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Oct. 9, 2024

Amerie

Amerie sat down twice with Questlove Supreme for this extended episode. The conversation examines the singer's upbringing and passion for reading and information. The self-proclaimed "military brat" explains how her years in Washington D.C. informed her musical taste and why she created albums with…

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Oct. 2, 2024

Sam Hollander

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 incl…

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Sept. 25, 2024

Nick Lowe

This QLS is a special one-on-one episode between Team Supreme co-host Suga Steve and acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Nick Lowe. During an in-depth conversation, Lowe discusses songs from his sprawling catalog—including the newly released Indoor Safari with Los Straitjackets. He recalls making …

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Sept. 20, 2024

Introducing: Historical Records

Hey QLS Listeners! Questlove, Story Pirates and iHeart are excited to announce a NEW podcast for kids and families that combines history with hip-hop! Starting September 27th, hear host Nimene, her in-house crew of hilarious ...

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Sept. 18, 2024

Eve with Kathy Iandoli

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 Phila…

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Sept. 13, 2024

QLS: A Conversation with Adrianne Shropshire of BPAC

In a special bonus episode of Questlove Supreme, Laiya St. Clair has an important conversation with Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of the Black Progressive Action Coalition (BPAC). BPAC is an independent progressive ...

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Sept. 11, 2024

Billy Porter Part 2

Billy Porter's raw and uncut appearance on Questlove Supreme continues with Part 2. The musician, actor, and performer who just released Black Mona Lisa, Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions, opens up about his strong political views and therapeutic journey. Billy explains why he became one of the first ce…

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Sept. 4, 2024

Billy Porter Part 1

Billy Porter joins Questlove Supreme for a spirited two-part interview. In Part 1, Billy recalls his Pittsburgh upbringing around the stage and some of his earliest musical memories. The Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning artist also explains why he has fought so hard to be respected across mediu…

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