QLS Classic: Lena Waithe

New York Times best-selling author, musician, and activist Kathleen Hanna discusses her new memoir, Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk. In a special one-on-one with Questlove, Kathleen also details her passion for records, complicated views on fame and success, and the power of No. In their first extended chat, Questlove also shares the profound impact Hanna had on The Roots by way of the late Richard Nichols and explains how she helped influence Black Lily. This conversation is spirited as two like-minded souls connect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning singer songwriter Siedah Garrett talks about growing up in Compton, her lifelong relationship with Quincy Jones and what it was like on tour with Michael Jackson. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drummer Cindy Blackman Santana joins Questlove Supreme for a career retrospective. She recalls her Ohio childhood, moving to Connecticut, and early days in New York City. Cindy details learning under Jazz legends Tony Williams and Art Blakey and how she was part of an essential movement in the genre during the 1980s. After working with a who's who of Jazz and cementing her own legacy, Cindy details the conversation and audition that would make her a keystone figure within Lenny Kravitz's band. She also describes staying ageless while balancing music and marriage with past QLS guest Carlos Santana. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team Supreme is joined by Co-founder of Ruffhouse Records, Chris Schwartz. From the streets of Philly, to signing household names like Cypress Hill, Kriss Kross, The Fugees and even giving Quest his first internship, Chris breaks down the highs and lows of running one of the most successful hip hop labels of the 90's.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this special QLS, Jonathan Shecter, aka Shecky Green, looks back at his later years at The Source. The magazine's co-founder and Editor-in-Chief recalls assembling a "mind squad" of legendary writers, editors, and photographers. He details his role in recognizing Nas' incredible talent and Illmatic as a 5-mic classic, as well as experiences with Biggie Smalls, Tupac, and KRS-One. Shecky Green also speaks candidly about his abrupt 1994 exit from the magazine he launched and how he remains in the music curation space today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.