QLS Classic: Cedric The Entertainer

Angela Nissel joins Questlove for a deeply funny and moving conversation about growing up in Southwest Philly, breaking into television, and navigating grief after losing her mother—the subject of her new memoir, Good Grief, Pass The Bread, Mom Is Dead. The longtime friends revisit their wild early days together, from telemarketing gigs and busted cars to building Okayplayer and discovering the early internet, while unpacking people-pleasing, therapy, and late-in-life self-discovery. Angela opens up about caregiving, moving her mother to Los Angeles, surviving Hollywood burnout, and rediscovering who she is beyond work—all with the sharp wit that helped shape shows like Scrubs and The Boondocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded back in mid-2023, Cedric the Entertainer—the king of comedy whose career spans film, television, and hosting—added “novelist” to his already expansive résumé. That was a cause for discussion with Questlove and Team Supreme during the virtual interview days. In this funny and thoughtful episode of QLS, Cedric discusses his debut novel Flipping Boxcars, reflects on the journey that shaped his career, and shares the inspiration behind his latest creative pivot. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Questlove Show mini-episode, Questlove revisits the making of Michael Jackson's HIStory with a previously unreleased encore segment from the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis interview. Ahmir unpacks the track’s orchestral scale, Boyz II Men vocals, and marathon mix sessions with fellow producers, breaking down why “HIStory” feels like MJ’s “Night of the Living Baseheads” moment. From there, the conversation pivots to mailbag questions from podcast supporters about Jam & Lewis’ creative synergy, Prince deep cuts, and Questlove’s new Rolling Stone feature ranking 100 essential Prince songs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2022, the Questlove Supreme's Team Supreme began doing 1-on-1 interviews with some of their favorites. Ahmir captured an amazing two-parter with one of his drumming heroes, Steve Ferrone. In part 2, Steve tells a great story about meeting Prince and recalls amazing years with Average White Band, pivotal time with Duran Duran, Chaka Khan, Rick James, and Tom Petty. Make sure you've heard the first part too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this mini episode of The Questlove Show, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake react to the recent two-hour interview between Ahmir and Posdnuos. In a mutual celebration of the Native Tongues movement, they highlight moments from the conversation involving De La Soul’s Turtles lawsuit, newly revealed details about subliminal lyrics, and the emotional weight of songs like “I Am I Be” and “Trying People,” connecting them to themes of vulnerability and longevity in Hip-Hop. Make sure you've heard the original April episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raheem DeVaughn joins Questlove to trace his journey from a Washington DC Go-Go kid to internationally known “Love King,” radio host, and independent R&B force. He breaks down the spiritual meaning of love, the art of the perfect slow-jam mixtape, and how Go-Go culture shaped his sound and hustle (including his current band). Raheem also tells stories about his father touring with Stevie Wonder, remaking a full, soon to release Marvin Gaye album with Kenny Dope, and building his career from Black Lily open mics to a Jive Records deal and beyond. He also explains how he inherited The Quiet Storm radio show, why direct-to-consumer is changing the game, and what it really takes to survive as an indie artist in today’s music industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in early 2022, for a very special Questlove Supreme 1-on-1 episode, Questlove interviewed one of his heroes, Steve Ferrone. In part 1, Steve talks about growing up in England, tap dancing, his major influences on the drums, and going from Bloodstone into Average White Band. This interview is a soulful delight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove welcomes bestselling author Brianna Wiest (The Mountain Is You, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think) for a vulnerable, funny, and wide‑ranging conversation about self‑sabotage, creativity, and learning to “just show up.” Brianna explains how she writes from her center, why nature and long drives unlock her best ideas, and how she separates the heart’s “what” from the mind’s “how.” Questlove shares how her work helped him see himself (and his obstacles) differently. Along the way, Brianna opens up about her childhood, her taste in music, and even making wedding cakes. This episode is a warm, insightful exploration of growth, bravery, and redefining success in the second act of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questlove reconnects with Open Mike Eagle, picking up a conversation that began on a 2025 episode of the show. As Mike reflects on his time with Project Blowed, the two artists-turned-podcast hosts dive into The Good Life Cafe and its influence on the West Coast Underground Hip-Hop scene, as well as touring on the left side of the country. This mini-episode is entertaining and insightful—and leaves plenty more of Mike’s story still to be told.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Posdnuos of De La Soul sits down with Questlove for a long-awaited conversation fans have been asking for. Ahmir digs into the group's catalog with fan-driven questions, while Plug 1 shares stories from the studio, reveals which classic tracks were originally intended for other artists, and reflects on the legacy of his brother, Dave aka Trugoy the Dove. The discussion celebrates one of Hip-Hop's most influential groups—and their lasting impact on The Roots. With last year's Cabin In The Sky album still in constant rotation, this is an episode fans won't want to miss. Catch De La Soul at May's Roots Picnic in Philadelphia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.