QLS Classic: Common

Jonathan Shecter, aka Shecky Green, is the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Source magazine and its co-creator. In part 1 of this special interview, Jonathan recalls his 1980s Philadelphia childhood, Rap dreams, and working at radio staple Power 99. Shecky details The Source's early years and how the magazine began as support for a Harvard University radio show and expanded to "The Bible of Hip-Hop." This episode is packed with history, passion, and insight into the music that is now considered classic material.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer, songwriter and lead vocalist for The Gap Band, Charlie Wilson talks about signing with Snoop, showing Michael Jackson the moonwalk and other ways his work has influenced music and pop culture. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amerie sat down twice with Questlove Supreme for this extended episode. The conversation examines the singer's upbringing and passion for reading and information. The self-proclaimed "military brat" explains how her years in Washington D.C. informed her musical taste and why she created albums with a different sound than many of her R&B contemporaries. Amerie also speaks about her breakthrough songs, label woes, and why she does not believe in charging for features. This episode is for QLS listeners who enjoy our trademark rabbit holes—with twists, turns, and laughs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hip hop icon and R&B hitmaker, Jermaine Dupri, tells 30 years of industry tales from Fresh Fest days to career-reviving remixes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of QLS is a special one-on-one between Team Supreme co-host Unpaid Bill and top songwriter and producer Sam Hollander. Sam, who made hits alongside Metro Station, Fitz and the Tantrums, Panic! At The Disco, and Gym Class Heroes, emphasizes his bumpy career journey. This trajectory includes dropping out of college, a record deal at a famed Rap label, and purposeful collaborations with Carole King and The O'Jays. Sam peppers humor and self-deprecation into a story that offers hope for any impassioned creative. Hollander's book, 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts, chronicles this experience. This episode took place at Renaissance Recording with engineering by Isaiah Abolin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hip hop artist, actor and poet Common talks about how being an NBA ballboy brought him courtside for Michael Jordan's rookie season, his musical influences and personal memories of his time with J Dilla. Recorded in front of a live audience. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This QLS is a special one-on-one episode between Team Supreme co-host Suga Steve and acclaimed singer-songwriter-producer Nick Lowe. During an in-depth conversation, Lowe discusses songs from his sprawling catalog—including the newly released Indoor Safari with Los Straitjackets. He recalls making a song he hoped would get him dropped from his label, and why that plan backfired. Nick talks about his expansion into production, his relationship with vinyl, and the importance of the studio. Nick also tells the story of one of his songs, which he wrote two decades before, catching a monetary tailwind on The Bodyguard Soundtrack. This special QLS episode was recorded live at Reservoir Studios and engineered by James Yost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"That-one-song" writer, Allee Willis talks shop from her days as a songwriter for Earth, Wind & Fire and The Rembrandts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey QLS Listeners! Questlove, Story Pirates and iHeart are excited to announce a NEW podcast for kids and families that combines history with hip-hop!  Starting September 27th, hear host Nimene, her in-house crew of hilarious historians, and a team of beat-making raccoons broadcast from a top-secret underground bunker where they learn about the unsung heroes of the past by turning their history into hip-hop.  You’ll meet one of baseball’s greatest power hitters, a biochemist who laid the groundwork for mRNA vaccines, the first Native American female aerospace engineer, an artist who transformed the streets and subways of NYC, and so many more under-celebrated icons! You’ll even learn about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus, 9 WHOLE MONTHS before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Historical Records proves that in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Check out the trailer today for yourself. Listen to Historical Records starting September 27th on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty-five years after "You Got Me," Eve and Questlove have an in-depth conversation alongside Team Supreme. The Grammy-winning, chart-topping Hip-Hop artist is joined by author and historian Kathy Iandoli to discuss her new memoir Who's That Girl? The discussion traces Eve's steps from West Philadelphia to Hollywood to London and success in music, film, and television. Listen as Eve's passion for rapping and her journey with self-love are apparent in this special conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.