Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson

Questlove, known for his role as the drummer of The Roots and directing music documentaries, shares his journey through creativity and self-sabotage. He discusses the challenges of accepting success, illustrating the anxiety that came with winning an Oscar post-slap. The conversation dives into the relationship artists have with mistakes and the fear of decline versus the risk of success. Questlove also recounts his unique approach to DJing and his efforts to connect with interview subjects for his documentaries, sharing insights into the artistic process.

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, musician, filmmaker, and co-founder of The Roots, discusses his new Hulu documentary about Sly Stone, exploring themes of Black genius and artistic challenges. He dives into Sly's musical legacy, iconic hits, and the impact of his work during the civil rights movement. Actor Sebastian Stan shares his experience portraying Donald Trump, reflecting on identity, social perceptions, and the pressure of embodying controversial figures. Both guests offer profound insights into creativity, authenticity, and personal journeys.

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, a Grammy-winning drummer and filmmaker, shares how he discovered unreleased 1969 Harlem footage for his documentary, revealing insights about Black joy and community healing. Legendary rock musician Bruce Springsteen discusses his E Street Band’s longevity and the power of storytelling during societal turmoil, while emphasizing the challenge of balancing political messages with diverse audiences. The conversation also touches on the relevance of music in today's struggles, bridging past and present through powerful narratives.

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, known for his work on 'Summer of Soul,' and his collaborator Joseph Patel dive into the making of 'Sly Lives!' They discuss the balance between appealing to music fans and new audiences while crafting Sly Stone's powerful narrative. The duo shares insights on their unique creative process, including the spontaneity of Sly's wedding music and the importance of archival footage. They also reflect on the complexities of artistic genius, touching on the vulnerabilities that come with success and the delicate nature of storytelling.

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, co-director of the documentary about SNL's musical legacy and The Roots co-founder, discusses the cultural impact of the show over 50 years. Imani Perry, author and Harvard professor, dives into her book "Black and Blues," revealing the significance of the color blue in Black life and its connection to blues music. David Bianculli adds insights as a TV critic, highlighting the profound emotional resonance of SNL's performances and their influence on music history, identity, and creativity.