The Questlove Show

As Valentine’s weekend arrives, Questlove follows his love-inspired soundtrack with a different kind of selection, one pulled from the side of the crate reserved for heartbreak. He suggests ten songs that sit with loss, loneliness, and love that’s run its course, spanning Jazz and Soul laments from Donald Byrd and Les McCann to more modern reflections by Mayer Hawthorne and Cleo Sol.

In preparation for Valentine’s Day, Questlove digs into his collection to curate ten song suggesions that set the mood for love. From timeless classics by Minnie Riperton and Donny Hathaway to deeper cuts and modern selections from Cody Chesnutt and Meshell Ndegeocello, he shares the records that define romance in all its forms.

If you’re in a season ...

Bar-Kays legend James Alexander joins the Questlove Show for a deeply personal conversation, tracing his journey from a teenage musician playing segregated clubs in Memphis to becoming a cornerstone of Stax Records and a young artist mentored by Otis Redding. James reflects on the spontaneous birth and enduring impact of “Soul Finger,” the hard truths of touring in the 1960s, and the business wisdom Otis shared with him...

In this mini “musings” episode of the Questlove Show, Questlove answers listener questions and opens up about his love of certain breakfast cereals, his current morning gratitude and breathing rituals, and his ongoing work to become a more succinct communicator. He reflects on waking up to the music of his late friend J Dilla, the work of painter Ernie Barnes, and balancing creative pr...

Mannie Fresh joins Questlove to trace his journey from a DJ’s son in New Orleans to one of Hip-Hop’s most influential producers. He reflects on the birth of Bounce music, the creation of Cash Money classics like “Ha,” “Back That Azz Up,” “Bling Bling,” and “Still Fly,” working with Teena Marie, and his hopes for a unified Cash Money and No Limit moment. As Black History Mo...

On the latest “minisode” of The Questlove Show, Ahmir answers questions from the audience—ranging from his top five TV theme songs (pulled largely from 1970s and ’80s television, with plenty of context and backstory) to reflections on some of the show’s most challenging interviews. He talks about why asking personal questions matters, especially when guests struggle to elaborate, and how those mom...

Questlove sits down with Sonic Youth co-founder and avant-garde icon Kim Gordon for a candid, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable conversation about imposter syndrome, the Downtown/No Wave era, and how a visual artist became a profoundly influential bassist, singer, and producer. Kim talks about embracing spontaneity in the studio, discovering dissonance alongside Public Enemy at Greene Street Studios, accidentally launching her sol...

In this mini episode, Questlove opens the floor to listener (and viewer) questions—digging into James Brown’s recording techniques, his current favorite stand-up comedians, and much more. From there, the conversation drifts into the emotional power of music, spotlighting Afro-futurist and meditative sounds that soothe, ground, and inspire. Listeners also get exclusive updates on what’s brewing next, including the ...

In a word, this episode is significant—and you'll hear why. A$AP Rocky joins Questlove for a wide-ranging conversation about his upbringing and his ongoing effort to protect moments of normalcy amid fame and fortune. He breaks down the creative vision behind DON’T BE DUMB, including the autobiographical personas he developed with filmmaker Tim Burton. Rocky also reflects on the influence of classic Hip-Hop, why film ser...

In this special mini episode, Questlove answers questions pulled from the QLS DMs, Facebook inbox, and comments across YouTube and other DSPs. Along the way, he shares the origin story of The Questlove Showtheme—touching on J Dilla, D’Angelo, James Poyser, and Questo. He also revisits  Read more