Sports journalist and good troublemaker Jemele Hill joins Questlove Supreme for an entertaining conversation. They discuss the Bad Boys trilogy, Below Deck, Lovecraft Country, and I May Destroy You. They share stories about Alan Iverson's reputation and strip club experiences. They also talk about a wild night at a strip club in Atlanta and explore the intersection of sports and social issues. Additionally, they touch on Kim Kardashian's efforts, childhood passion for sports, and career as a sports journalist.
Jemele Hill believes athletes and journalists have the power and responsibility to address important social issues beyond sports.
Setting boundaries and speaking out when necessary is crucial in any profession, regardless of potential consequences or criticism.
The NBA's competent and cohesive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, led by Adam Silver and LeBron James, exemplifies the effectiveness of strong leadership in crisis management.
Deep dives
Growing up in Detroit
Jemele Hill was born and raised in Detroit, a city known for its rich musical history and thriving black community. She was raised by a single mother who co-parented with her grandmother, and these strong women had a significant influence on her life.
Love for Music and Hip-Hop
Jemele Hill was drawn to music from a young age and came of age during the rise of hip-hop. She remembers the excitement and impact of albums like The Chronic and Doggystyle, and being a music reviewer during the early '90s. Music played a significant role in her formative years and continues to be a major passion of hers.
Becoming a Sports Journalist
Despite not being a natural sports fan, Jemele Hill pursued a career in sports journalism. She joined ESPN as an anchor and became well-respected for her knowledge, insight, and ability to engage in important discussions beyond sports. Her authenticity and willingness to speak out on social issues have earned her a diverse following and allow her to transcend the traditional role of a sports journalist.
Full Blackness and Broadening Conversations
Jemele Hill embraces her identity as a black woman and uses her platform to discuss a wide range of topics, transcending sports. She believes that the idea of 'sticking to sports' is outdated and that athletes and journalists have the power and responsibility to address important social issues. She is grateful to create space for broader conversations and to be a voice for change.
The Importance of Being True to Yourself
The speaker shares personal experiences of facing backlash and controversy in her career. She discusses the importance of knowing who you are and setting boundaries in the workplace, regardless of the profession. She emphasizes the need to stand up for oneself and not be afraid to speak out when necessary, even if it means facing consequences or criticism. She also highlights the conditional nature of employer-employee relationships and the importance of recognizing that your employer may not always have your best interests at heart.
The NBA's Leadership During COVID-19
The speaker praises the National Basketball Association (NBA) for its competent and cohesive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the effective leadership demonstrated by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and prominent player LeBron James. She highlights their proactive measures in creating a safe bubble environment for players and their contribution to improving COVID-19 testing by funding and testing saliva-based tests. The speaker contrasts the NBA's response with other sports leagues like the NFL and MLB, suggesting that strong leadership can make a significant difference in navigating crises.
Travel back to September 2020 for a QLS Classic time capsule: Ladies and gentlemen this long awaited episation (you'll get it after listening to the first 5 minutes) dives into the world of our favorite sports journalist and good troublemaker, Jemele Hill. In the true tradition of Questlove Supreme we not only take you through her life journey, we also fall into some pretty cool rabbit holes (The Bad Boys trilogy and Below Deck !?!?!?).
