Episodes

Ed Eckstine is a name that has come up during multiple QLS interviews. Now he sits down to talk about not only growing up in a legendary household where icons regularly stopped by, but he shares 50 years of music industry history. Ed recalls working at Quincy Jones Productions before his time with Clive Davis at Arista working with Whitney Houston and Kenny G. Eckstine also talks about his years leading Polygram and Mercury, where he signed acts like Tony! Toni! Toné!, Vanessa Williams, and Brian McKnight. This is a joyful deep dive filled with anecdotes, intersections, laughter, and two hours of insider wisdom.

James Brown: Say it Loud Premieres February 19 and 20 at 8pm ET/PT on A&E Directed by Deborah Riley Draper and Executive Produced by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter and Mick Jagger, “James Brown: Say it Loud” traces the incredible trajectory of Brown’s life and career from a 7th grade drop-out arrested and jailed at the age of 16 for breaking into a car in the Jim Crow-era South, to an entertainment legend whose groundbreaking talent and unique perspective catapulted hi...

Here is part 2 from one of the greatest Questlove Supreme conversations ever. Robert Townsend speaks about the passion and purpose that went into making The Five Heartbeats. He details directing Eddie Murphy Raw and nearly getting an X-rating. Robert also discusses why the world needed Meteor Man and recalls coaching a shy Beyoncé for Carmen: A Hip Hop Opera. This interview runs deep with love, wisdom, and comedy.

For 2024 Black History Month, QLS has some special programming. "This is the greatest episode ever," Questlove says during this two-part discussion with Hollywood revolutionary Robert Townsend. Part 1 includes his Chicago upbringing, gift for impersonations, and pursuit to become a working actor in New York. Robert touches on his ascent from minor roles in Cooley High and The Warriors to nearly becoming an SNL cast member. A focal point of Part 1 is Robert detailing how Townsend financed Hollywood Shuffle with a credit card and his word. This conversation with a true visionary is both funny and impactful.

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.

Questlove Supreme will return on January 31 with a brand new season of amazing guests, incredible conversations, and illuminating rabbit holes. Quest' hints at who will be appearing on the next QLS.

Hey, QLS listeners! iHeartPodcasts has done it again with Native Land Pod - a new, roundtable-style podcast where politics and culture intersect. Hosted by Angela Rye, Andrew Gillum, and Tiffany D. Cross, this show is sure to be a relaible resource as we enter the upcoming election season. We think you'll want to listen to each episode, but check out this trailer to decide for yourself! If you love the trailer, be sure to listen to Native Land Pod weekly on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you g...

Paradise Gray continues some incredible storytelling in part 2 of his QLS interview. He speaks about moments at the Latin Quarter nightclub that shaped Hip Hop history, his years with the X-Clan, and his collection of artifacts surrounding the culture. Listeners will understand why they call Paradise The Architect, as his passion, groundwork, and love of Hip Hop run deep.

Questlove Supreme sits down with a keystone of Hip Hop culture, Paradise Gray. In the first of a two-part interview, Paradise revisits growing up in the Bronx backdrop of Hip Hop. He recalls his time at The Latin Quarter, a legendary New York City club that birthed the careers of Rap legends and more. This is an insightful, informative, and entertaining in-studio interview.

This episode is just a family affair. Questlove, Laiya, Phonte, Unpaid Bill, and Suga Steve discuss what's been going on with them during 2023. This conversation also leads to hilarious musings about Christian Rap, childhood movies, and Uno etiquette. Happy new year from QLS and Team Supreme.

Revisiting Questlove Supreme's incredible two-part conversation with Mariah Carey. Taped in the middle of the night, this is one of the most open, honest, and incredible QLS conversations you will ever hear—and it happens to be with one of music's biggest superstars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revisiting Questlove Supreme's incredible two-part conversation with Mariah Carey. Taped in the middle of the night, this is one of the most open, honest, and incredible QLS conversations you will ever hear—and it happens to be with one of music's biggest superstars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

André 3000 and Questlove meet in Venice, California for a special QLS episode. This discussion veers from the curious — questions about hidden talents, breakfast cereals, and morning routines, to deeper dives into creative callings, conversations with Prince, and those amazing guest verses.

After years of manifesting, Questlove Supreme welcomes Shanice Wilson and Tracie Spencer—together. These two songstresses talk about their overlapping music industry experiences, making songs that define a generation's adolescence and what they have been doing in recent years. This fun in-studio interview checks a bucket list for Team Supreme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of LL COOL J's Questlove Supreme interview is epic. From far-reaching questions about lyrics, acting roles, and chapstick, this is one of the best QLS conversations ever. LL COOL J holds court with charisma, passion, and incredible stories about his past, present, and future.

Years in the making, LL COOL J sits down with Questlove Supreme for a career-spanning comprehensive 2-part interview. Part 1 discusses LL's earliest rapping days, his first three albums, and the life and times behind one of Hip-Hop's first superstars.

In this Classic QLS episode from late 2019, Jimmy Fallon talks with Questlove about the joy of sleep, being raised on Doo-Wop music, making mixtapes, their favorite musical performances from Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show, plus some once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Prince and Stevie Wonder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milli Vanilli co-founder Fab Morvan speaks to Questlove Supreme about his musical journey. Fab opens up about the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the misinformation surrounding his career — currently covered in a evocative new documentary. He also remembers his late creative partner Rob Pilatus. Fab's passion for music burns bright throughout this personal and reflective conversation.

In Part 2 of this in-person QLS episode, Hannibal Buress revisits his time as a writer for SNL and 30 Rock. The multi-threat speaks about his rap career and the music he's released as Eshu Tune. Buress also shares his plans to restore a crucial NYC entertainment venue.

Hannibal Buress and Questlove Supreme get together in Hollywood for a two-part episode that's honest, hilarious, and historic. In Part 1, Hannibal recalls his early days of comedy, his passion for rapping, and his formative years in Chicago.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield meets Questlove Supreme in Hollywood for an in-studio interview that covers her pivot from acting to directing to producing. Salli details her Chicago roots, recalls proving herself professionally, and discusses the new season of A Gilded Age.

In a special one-on-one episode, Ben Greenman sits down with longtime writing collaborator Questlove. Having just published the Sly Stone memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) alongside the music legend, Ben speaks about the process. He and Quest' compare their favorite songs in an episode that features a snippet of a previously unreleased Sly song.

Questlove Supreme is taking a quick breather this week, but stay tuned for a special episode coming next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.