Best Of: Questlove's Hip-Hop History / 'Always Sunny' Actor Rob McElhenney
Jun 22, 2024
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Questlove discusses his new book 'Hip-Hop is History' and the impact of 'Rapper's Delight'. Rob McElhenney talks about buying a Welsh soccer team to help a struggling town. They share inspiring stories of community upliftment and cultural exploration.
Questlove's Hip-Hop History book explores the transformative impact of 'Rapper's Delight' on music culture.
Rob McElhenney's acquisition of a Welsh football club aims to bring hope and community revitalization.
Deep dives
Rob McElhenney's Vision for Reviving a Welsh Soccer Team
Rob McElhenney, along with Ryan Reynolds, set out to uplift a struggling Welsh soccer team, showcasing a deeper purpose beyond sports. Inspired by the system of promotion and relegation in British football, McElhenney aimed to bring hope to a town through the revitalization of its football club, akin to the community impact of major sports in the United States.
Exploring the Selection Process for the Welsh Soccer Team
McElhenney embarked on a unique journey by exploring how to purchase a soccer team, guided by specific criteria to choose a club deeply rooted in a working-class town. The rich history and identity tied to the selected Welsh team resonated with McElhenney, reflecting a shared passion akin to American sports culture.
Unveiling the Historical Significance of the Welsh Soccer Club
The Welsh soccer club's legacy, dating back to 1864, showcases its deep-rooted history as the third oldest football club globally. Located in a town with a coal mining heritage, the club symbolizes resilience amidst past tragedies, with profound ties to the community's identity and spirit.
Documentary Showcase of Rexxum's Community Perspective
The Emmy-winning FX documentary series 'Welcome to Rexxum' delves into the town's narrative intertwined with the soccer team's trials and triumphs. By authentically highlighting local voices and stories within the show, the production captures the essence of the town's struggles and unwavering support for the club.
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson still remembers the first time he heard The Sugarhill Gang's 1980 hit "Rapper's Delight." It felt like a paradigm shift: "Suddenly they start talking in rhythmic poetry and we didn't know what to make of it," The Roots bandleader says. Questlove's new book is Hip-Hop is History.
The Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-creator and co-star Rob McElhenney bought a Welsh football club during the pandemic. McElhenney says he and actor Ryan Reynolds bought the team to "bring hope to a town that had fallen on hard times." The FX series Welcome to Wrexham, now in its third season on Hulu, chronicles the team, its owners and fans.