The Questlove Show

In Part 2 of her conversation with Questlove, Samara Joy unpacks why Carmen McRae is such a powerful influence on her singing. The Bronx native talks about recording at Rudy Van Gelder’s famed studio, and why those hallowed jazz halls are a perfect match for her voice. Joy also opens up about her musical family, the months she spent adding lyrics to compositions by Charles Mingus and Sun Ra for her latest Grammy-nominated alb...

In this episode of the Questlove Show, Questlove sits down with rising jazz star and Grammy winner Samara Joy for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation. Samara looks back on her musical roots and the thrill of her first Grammy win, opening up about the influences, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped her path. The two dig into family, creative risk, mentorship, and self-belief, with plenty of warmth, humor, and rapid-...

Questlove and fellow Philadelphia music icon Christian McBride drop in on Norah Jones at her home studio to record an episode of her new podcast. Together they relive hilarious shared high school memories, break down the musical influences that shaped them, and perform inspired covers of D’Angelo, Pops Staples, Kris Kristofferson, and more. (Recorded 5/10/2023/Original airdate 9/11/2023.)

Arthur Baker, a pioneer of Dance, Electro, and Hip-Hop, sits down in studio with Questlove for an episode years in the making. The conversation traces key milestones from Arthur’s new memoir, Looking for the Perfect Beat: Remixing and Reshaping Hip-Hop, Rock and Rhythms, as he details his role in “Planet Rock,” the early days of New Edition, and his evolution from a music-obsessed DJ in Boston to one of the most g...

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. 

The 2020 Questlove Supreme conversation with Boyz II Men was too big and too potent for one part. Here is Part 2 with Shawn, Nate, and Wanyá. This discussion gets the real behind the plaques and success, including the Boyz talking about their foray into the world of wine, how they stay connected through the years, and those memories of Philly. Enjoy this evergreen QLS Classic.

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.

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During the pandemic, Questlove joined Open Mike Eagle for a season of his What Had Happened Was podcast to discuss The Roots’ earliest days and their first four albums. Years later, the two creatives reunite—and discover just how much they have in common—to talk about Mike’s career and latest album, Neighborhood Gods Unlimited. The conversation gradually takes a turn, morphing into something that feels part ...

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.

This Questlove Supreme Classic is a peak pandemic discussion. To recap: Here is what you know about Boyz II Men, they are the record breaking, multiple award winning, best singing group of our time. In this episode we dive into the unknown through the reunion of old high school friends Questlove and Boyz II Men. Listen as Quest and Team Supreme dive into the REAL (uncensored) story behind one of the most successful and consistent g...

Nine-time Grammy-winning producer and DJ Mark Ronson sits down with Questlove to discuss the many elements of his life and love of music, particularly as they intersect with the era explored in his New York Times best-selling book, Night People. Ronson reflects on a formative period in New York City nightlife, his awkward beginnings as a club DJ, and the experiences that sparked his passion for Hip-Hop and playing music for others....

Pivots define Lady Wray's career. As Nicole Wray, the Virginia native struck gold with the hit "Make It Hot" in the late 1990s alongside Missy Elliott and Timbaland. In the 2000s, she patiently waited her turn with the Roc-A-Fella family, only to witness the death of a dynasty. However, in the last decade, Lady Wray has found a new runway and is making the best music of her career alongside Leon Michels and the Big Crown family. In...