The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey.
Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.
Episodes
Latest Episode
July 3, 2026 · 25m
Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake link for a mini-episode to unpack Questlove's long-awaited conversation with Chuck D. Along the way, they discuss the disappearance of Hip-Hop's "middle class," the vital role independent labels played in sustaining it, and why those ecosystems matter now more than ever. As the two QLS affiliates revisit highlights from the Chuck D interview, Mike shares a surreal story about attending one of Chuck D's lectures while in college. Together, they explore the importance of preserving the stories, spaces, and conversations that keep Hip-Hop's history alive—and why documenting its legends remains as essential as celebrating them. See for privacy information.
More Episodes
Jul 1 · 2h 29m
Closing the Black Music Month run of classics, Howard Hewett joined Questlove Supreme back in 2021 for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about one of the most remarkable voices in R&B. From his formative years in Akron, Ohio, to his breakthrough with Shalamar and his enduring solo career, Hewett reflects on the artistry, discipline, and faith that have sustained him through decades in music. Questlove and Team Supreme explore Hewett's vocal approach, the evolution of Shalamar, the realities of the music business, and the creative partnerships that shaped his career. Along the way, Hewett opens up about his spiritual journey, the lessons he's learned through personal and professional challenges, and the perspective that continues to guide his life and music. Filled with behind-the-scenes stories, musical deep dives, and heartfelt reflections, the episode offers a portrait of a consummate vocalist whose influence extends far beyond his chart success, revealing why Howard remains a true singer's singer and a beloved figure in music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 29 · 1h 23m
In one of the most requested and long-awaited conversations in this show’s history, Chuck D finally joins Questlove in the studio. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about the art, science, and spirit behind Public Enemy—especially during the group’s formative years. Chuck traces the spark from hearing "Blow Your Head" at roller rinks to the Frankenstein tape loops that gave birth to "Public Enemy No. 1," "Rebel Without a Pause," and "Bring the Noise." He recalls writing classic verses on the move, reflects on his early jobs, and breaks down the record-collecting discipline that fueled the Bomb Squad's dense sonic collages. Along the way, Chuck opens up about aging as an MC, meeting James Brown, and Flavor Flav's evolution. This is Hip-Hop history, music nerdery, and deeply human storytelling from one of Rap's most important and enduring voices. Chuck D and past QLS guest John Densmore of The Doors have teamed up for a new collaborative album, do+pe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 28 · 1h 40m
This Questlove Supreme Classic episode with Little Brother aired back in May 2020. Team Supreme's Phonte Coleman is in the guest seat as he and partner Rapper Big Pooh discuss the evolution of their group, and reuniting personally and creatively for May The Lord Watch in 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 27 · 1h 58m
As we celebrate the final week of Black Music Month 2026, revisit this 2021 episode of Questlove Supreme featuring renowned composer, musician, and arranger Terence Blanchard. Blanchard's 30-year creative partnership with Spike Lee has made them, in Quest's words, "the best combo of film director and film scorer." While his work on the majority of Lee's films is remarkable in itself, it represents just one chapter in an extraordinary career spanning film and television. Recorded as Blanchard prepared for his second Academy Award nomination for Da 5 Bloods, this conversation finds him sharing the true story behind his incredible journey with Questlove and Team Supreme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 26 · 34m
In this mini, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpack the new Thundercat episode of The Questlove Show and the wider universe surrounding it—from Los Angeles' borderless music scenes to the mentors and misfits who shaped them. Inspired by Thundercat's custom mask medallion and reflections on MF DOOM, Mike recalls collaborating with the late MC/producer, reflects on processing Daniel Dumile's passing through song ("For Doom"), and shares memories of appearing on television alongside Thundercat and Flying Lotus. Mike and Jake also explore the rewards and risks of artistic reinvention, what it meant to connect with Hip-Hop beyond commercial radio and video shows, and how educator and musician Reggie Andrews quietly influenced generations of artists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25 · 1h 53m
As the celebration of Black Music Month continues, we are revisiting a 2021 Questlove Supreme favorite featuring the incomparable Bernadette Cooper. Founder and bandleader of Klymaxx, acclaimed percussionist, songwriter, producer, and unapologetic trailblazer, Bernadette's influence extends far beyond the hits. Questlove and Team Supreme celebrate a career that reshaped Funk, R&B, and popular music while giving one of its true innovators the flowers she's long deserved. This is a timeless conversation with an artist whose impact continues to resonate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25 · 2h 5m
Five years ago, in mid 2021, Questlove Supreme sat down with three members of The Jacksons, THE American Music Dynasty. In the spirit of Black Music Month, Ahmir's quote: "we would be pressed to find one person on this earth who has not been affected by their legacy" echoes powerfully. Jackie, Marlon, and the since-passed Tito discussed their 50-year musical legacy, the remastering of their classic albums, and their transition from Motown to Epic Records on QLS. The two-hour episode was recorded on Zoom, but the conversation is preserved as an evergreen look into the musical family that continues to shape music and culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 24 · 2h 6m
A pandemic-era classic, this 2020 conversation finds Questlove, Phonte, Laiya, Suga Steve, sitting down with the incomparable Robert Glasper. The Grammy-winning pianist, producer, and cultural force discusses his mission to push Jazz forward, blur genre lines, and build new bridges between Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop, and beyond. Having collaborated with Glasper themselves, Quest' and Phontigallo get the inside story from the artist who redefined "Black Radio" and helped reshape the sound of modern Black music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 22 · 1h 7m
Thundercat joins Questlove for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that traces his journey from Compton and church gigs to global stages with Flying Lotus, Mac Miller, and beyond. He breaks down the spiritual impact of MF DOOM, how mentors like Dazz Band affiliate Reggie Andrews and his musician parents shaped his ear. Thundercat reflects on surviving LA’s realities, finding creative family with Kamasi Washington and crew, and the role comics, anime, and Disneyland played in building his singular universe. He and Questlove compare Jazz upbringings, talk bass gods (Stanley vs. Jaco), grief and growth after losing collaborators, and the daily work of staying present in a chaotic world. Thundercat's newest album, Distracted, is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.