The Questlove Show

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  Barry Manilow 20.07.2026 39Min.

  Barry Manilow pulls up to The Questlove Show for a rare, career-spanning conversation that begins with humble reflections on Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and ends with Hall of Fame accolades, classic jingles, and a recent victory over cancer. Ahmir and Barry trace his path from CBS mailroom kid to music director, arranger, and reluctant frontman who never saw himself as a singer. Manilow breaks down the craft of writing immortal ad hooks, the no-glam reality of the legendary Continental Baths, and why he'll only write songs as a job now. Barry, who released his first album in 15 years, What A Time last month, also opens up about imposter syndrome and working with Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, and Ron Dante. This episode was taped in April 2026, before the passing of Clive Davis, Barry Manilow's longtime collaborator, who is mentioned throughout the conversation. Manilow is on tour now, performing in arenas across the US and continuing his record-setting Las Vegas residency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Introducing: DISGRACELAND 19.07.2026 1Min.

  Hello, Questlove Listeners! We want to share a new show you might enjoy, it’s DISGRACELAND!!! About the Show: You know the myths. You’ve seen the biopics. But if you’re the kind of music fan who craves the rest of the story—the stuff they buried or cleaned up for streaming and theaters—this is your podcast. DISGRACELAND is the award-winning show that reveals the deeply human, highly dramatic, true crime–fueled chaos behind legendary musicians like Amy Winehouse, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sean “Diddy” Combs, the Grateful Dead, Blondie, and more. While we dig into the dark side, we do so with reverence for the artists—and an understanding of the extreme highs, lows, and personal costs that come with fame and making great art. This is music history like you’ve never heard it—edge-of-your-seat stories exploding with drama and the kind of information that’ll make you dangerous at dinner parties. New, fully scripted and sound-designed episodes drop every Tuesday. On Thursdays, we hand the mic to you—and feature listener voicemails, texts, and emails in our interactive bonus episodes. And on Fridays, we revisit the wildest stories from our 250+ episode archive with “Rewind” drops that’ll transport you back into music history’s most entertaining moments. DISGRACELAND is not a journalistic podcast—it’s an entertainment podcast inspired by true events. Certain dialogue and scenes are occasionally fictionalized for dramatic effect, as is common in scripted entertainment based on real stories. Sources and credits for each episode are available at www.disgracelandpod.com  Listen here and subscribe to DISGRACELAND on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  QLS Classic: DJ Drama Part 1 19.07.2026 1Std. 3Min.

  Back in 2022, Questlove and Team Supreme hit Atlanta, where they checked in with old pal DJ Drama. Fittingly, in Part 1, Drama revisits his Philly roots and shares some overlapping histories with several of the QLS hosts. The Gangsta Grillz creator recalls growing up in the 2-1-5, making pivotal Hip-Hop mixtapes as a B-Boy, and taking his talents to Atlanta to pursue a dream and an education. In Part 1, he reveals how that journey led him to Lil Jon, T.I., and Jeezy. This was taped on location in T.I.'s Super Sound Studios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A Reaction To The Riz Ahmed Episode Of The Questlove Show 18.07.2026 20Min.

  The mini-episode features Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpacking the recently released Questlove Show interview with Riz Ahmed. Beginning with a behind-the-scenes look at how the virtual conversation came together—amid travel, press days, and technical echo issues—they explore Riz's deep roots as a Hip Hop head, dating back to the Rawkus Records and Lyricist Lounge era. The discussion then shifts to Questlove's current Hip Hop worldview, focusing on his appreciation for character-driven artists such as Kool Keith, Edan, MF DOOM, and MC Paul Barman—names he singled out during the interview. Mike also reflects on his personal connection to Ahmir, recalling the Paul Barman track "Echo Chamber," which was discussed on Mike's 2025 guest appearance on the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Riz Ahmed 13.07.2026 51Min.

  Oscar and Emmy winner Riz Ahmed sits down with Questlove for a personal conversation that spans music, art, identity, and purpose. Bonding over a lifelong love of music (especially Hip-Hop), the two reflect on the moments that have defined their careers. Riz also shares the inspiration behind recent projects, including the new series Bait and his bold interpretation of Hamlet. This episode captures an authentic exchange between two boundary-pushing artists whose stories stretch across the Atlantic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  QLS Classic: Terri Lyne Carrington 12.07.2026 1Std. 22Min.

  In honor of Women's History Month, travel back to a 2022 conversation with the legendary prodigy drummer and visionary Terri Lyne Carrington, as she shares her stories of being a confident child amongst the greats. She breaks down earning the respect of the architects of Jazz, working on the Arsenio Hall Show, and appearing in Beat Street. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire 06.07.2026 1Std. 30Min.

  Earth, Wind & Fire's Ralph Johnson sits down with Questlove for a wide-ranging conversation about the music, moments, and mindset that shaped one of the greatest bands of all time. From spinning Benny Goodman records as a kid and witnessing a transformative James Brown concert in 1966 to navigating Los Angeles during The Watts Riots, Ralph reflects on the experiences that set him on the path to becoming Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary drummer. He also shares stories from the band's early hustle—playing legendary clubs, piling into station wagons, and chasing every opportunity—through their breakthrough audition for Clive Davis and the evolution into a groundbreaking live act known for its unforgettable blend of music, magic, choreography, and spectacle. Along the way, Ralph discusses the artists who inspired him, his work producing noteworthy tracks outside of Earth, Wind & Fire, and Maurice White's vision, spirituality, and enduring influence on the band's sound and philosophy. He also opens up about the group's 1983 breakup, the enduring legacy of songs like "September," and what led him to write his memoir, Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire. The conversation, which also celebrates Quest's latest documentary, Earth, Wind & Fire: To Be Celestial vs. That's The Weight of the World, closes with Ralph reflecting on why now felt like the right time to tell his story, as well as the passions—from cooking to art collecting—that continue to fuel his creativity today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  QLS Classic: Top Shelf 1988 05.07.2026 1Std. 17Min.

  Listen back as the masterminds behind Top Shelf 1988 join Team Supreme to discuss the most transformative year in Hip-Hop history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A Reaction To The Chuck D Episode Of The Questlove Show 03.07.2026 25Min.

  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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  QLS Classic: Howard Hewett 01.07.2026 2Std. 29Min.

  Howard Hewett is not only 1/3 of the most popular and influential singing groups of all time, he is also known as a "singer's singer," and in the words of our leader, a "freakin LEGEND"
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  Chuck D 29.06.2026 1Std. 23Min.

  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.
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  QLS Classic: Little Brother 28.06.2026 1Std. 40Min.

  Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh talk about how the reunion of one of Questlove's favorite hip-hop groups came to fruition
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  QLS Classic: Terence Blanchard 27.06.2026 1Std. 58Min.

  Renowned composer, musician and arranger Terence Blanchard prepares for his second Oscar nomination for Spike Lee's Da Five Bloods
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  A Reaction To The Thundercat Episode Of The Questlove Show 26.06.2026 34Min.

  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.
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  QLS Classic: Bernadette Cooper 25.06.2026 1Std. 53Min.

  Bandleader, percussionist and creator of Klymaxx, Bernadette Cooper, is "beyond diva, beyond legend, she just is ..."
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  QLS Classic: The Jacksons 25.06.2026 2Std. 5Min.

  After selling well over 100 million records, recording and performing hit records for the past 50 years, providing a life soundtrack, in the form of their catalog for multiple generations to enjoy, The Jacksons join us!
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  QLS Classic: Robert Glasper 24.06.2026 2Std. 6Min.

  Robert Glasper, multiple award winner, genius pianist and producer maintains his prominent position of changing how we think jazz should sound as well as how it should play in the sandbox with soul and hip hop music.
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  Thundercat 22.06.2026 1Std. 7Min.

  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.
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  QLS Classic: David Porter 22.06.2026 1Std. 42Min.

  Questlove Supreme's celebration of Black Music Month continues with an classic David Porter interview. David is a true architect of the Memphis sound. Isaac Hayes's longtime writing and production partner tells Team Supreme about making hits with Sam & Dave, The Bar-Kays, Carla Thomas, and more. A longtime Stax Records artist, producer, songwriter, and executive, David Porter also recalls the label's glory days and its downfall and talks about his songs which have become sample staples. This interview first broadcast in 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  QLS Classic: The Emotions 21.06.2026 1Std. 39Min.

  Grammy award winning vocal group The Emotions talk about their unusually early musical start, how hip hop reinvigorated their career and the deep influence of their family on everything they do.