questlove

Questlove Has An Amazingly Star-Studded Roster Of Celebrities He Makes Playlists For And Conan O’Brien Wants In

by

The podcast is called Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, but after welcoming Questlove for the September 4 episode, Conan O’Brien needs a playlist.

Questlove is known for making playlists for his friends. His friends, as O’Brien put it, just so happen to be “some of the most famous people in the world.” Questlove said the hobby “started with The Obamas” and admitted to some slight trolling after O’Brien asked, “Do you ever throw something in there — like the theme from Gilligan’s Island — just something that’s gonna freak [former US President Barack Obama] out?”

“I do that all the time,” Questlove said. “He doesn’t question much. There’s a few people who are like, ‘Did you really mean to put this version of that song on there?’ I will lightly troll. I’m not trying to troll more than I’m just trying to expand the palette.”

The Roots legend continued, “Because, I think, oftentimes when it comes to streaming, there are billions of songs out there, but we’re only gonna go to the 32 songs that we know. And I’m willing to do the musical, metaphorical equivalent of the Shawshank sh*t crawl. I go through about 500 songs a week, of which maybe seven are cool.”

Questlove then explained his Blue Ivy-related reasoning behind adding Beyoncé and Jay-Z to the group — even though it seems to me that the only reason he’d need is that they are, ahem, BEYONCÉ AND JAY-Z — and shared that Bill Hader, Spike Lee, Martha Stewart, Kenan Thompson, and Norah Jones are also among recipients of curated Questlove playlists.

“I text 700 times a month to [this] list of people,” Questlove said, handing his phone to a very impressed O’Brien. He asked O’Brien if he’d want to be added to the list, which feels like a rhetorical question.

Watch the clip above.

Questlove Shared When He Realized The Roots Were ‘Not Friends’ Anymore And How Jimmy Fallon Fixed It

by

Conan O’Brien gets the most out of his guests on the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast. He bonded with Japanese Breakfast over her Coachella set. Chris Martin explained why Bruce Springsteen is to blame for his decision to stop eat dinner. Billie Eilish shared “heartbreaking” advice she once received from her idol-turned-friend Justin Bieber. And now, Questlove has spilled some tea about The Roots.

Questlove was O’Brien’s guest for the September 4 episode of the podcast, and their hour-plus conversation included insight into how Jimmy Fallon helped piece The Roots back together again.

Questlove explained that personal and professional responsibilities were stretching The Roots thin around 2009, so they wished “a Celine Dion situation would happen,” meaning a stable residency. Their version of that was joining up with Fallon, first on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and then as the in-house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which he said “is what we needed to actually bond and be friends again.”

The Grammy and Oscar winner then shared a story involving the Red Hot Chili Peppers around 2006 that had previously made him realize that he was no longer friends with his longtime bandmates

“We’re on tour with the Chili Peppers, and it’s a European tour. And they’re playing, like, soccer — I’m sorry, post-[Ted] Lasso, football stadiums,” he said. “You know, it’s like 80,000 to 120,000 [people] a night. Every three to four songs, those guys get into sort of a football magic circle huddle. By the fourth time they do this, I’m thinking like, ‘Oh, they’re gonna call an audible and change up the setlist.’ And then, I had the setlist in my hand, I’m like, Wait, they didn’t change anything. … Why do they keep having these little meetings every five songs, and nothin’ changes from what I know the show to be?”

He continued, “I see Flea in catering, and I’m like, ‘Dude, what are you guys talking about when you go into that huddle?’ And Flea is like, ‘Yo, man, it’s like, I don’t know, man. We’re just so full of gratitude.’”

While Questlove was initially “dismissive” of Flea’s reasoning, his manager put it into perspective: The Red Hot Chili Peppers “actually” liked each other, and The Roots has unknowingly transitioned from being friends to “just business partners” around 2006 or ’07.

“I realized, Ah, sh*t. We’re really not friends. We’re just nine strangers that just play the same songs every night, and that’s it,” Questlove said. “What wound up happening at Fallon is Jimmy has a way of disarming you. At least for the first six years, we were 13-year-olds in adults’ bodies, we could do silly things and not feel like we’re gonna lose our street cred because we’re doing silly sh*t.”

At one point, Questlove said, Fallon “talked The Roots into an eight-man human pyramid,” which perfectly illustrated how crucial Fallon would be to reconnecting them with each other and their individual humanity.

Watch the full clip above.

Questlove’s Next Book, ‘Hip-Hop Is History’ Will Drop Early Next Year To Commemorate 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

by
Questlove Reading Partners' Dream Dinner Party 2023
Getty Image

Back in 2021, Questlove wrote Music Is History, an encyclopedia of sorts of significant moments in music for every year since his birth. Now, with 50th anniversary celebrations for hip-hop going on, he is set to follow it up early next year with Hip-Hop Is History, which will use a similar format. In an interview with Variety about the new book, he said he’s writing and releasing the book (via his own AUWA Books publishing imprint) because “No one is else is writing it.”

His co-writer on the project will once again be Ben Greenman and will be the second book from AUWA following a memoir by Sly Stone due in October. (Quest is also directing a documentary about Stone and his legal fight to secure royalties for his work with The Family Stone.) “There was no nostalgia culture before the 1970s, so, my dad was the first generation of the oldies, doo-wop crowd,” Quest said. “I know everything about curating these types of events, working with everyone from Bowser from Sha Na Ha to Dick Clark.”

“I was 8 years old when ‘Rapper’s Delight came out,” he explained of his experience with the genre. “To be a living witness for every first in hip-hop and have an exact memory of it…” That near-photographic memory is what makes him the perfect person to write this 50-year retrospective. “No one asked me to, but I’m carrying that burden,” he said. “And for all those who are present and accounted for, there is something to celebrate with hip hop’s 50th.There may be a lot of water under that bridge. Our disdain for looking in the rearview mirror is entrenched in pain and trauma. But as a child of legacy and nostalgia culture, I want to be the GPS for people to celebrate that thing called hip-hop.”

Angus Cloud Tributes Poured In From Across The Hip-Hop World, With Drake, Questlove, And More Offering Thoughts

by
Angus Cloud Euphoria
Getty Image

In the wake of Angus Cloud’s death earlier this week, tributes to the late actor have poured in from across the hip-hop world. The actor, who was 25 and best-known for his role as Fez on Euphoria, was apparently beloved in the hip-hop community and counted a number of rappers among both his fans and friends. While luminaries like Drake and Questlove likely loved Cloud from afar as fans of his work, others, like 03 Greedo and Guapdad 4000, apparently shared closer connections.

Quest, for instance, shared his thoughts on Instagram, writing, “Fez was the spiritual center of Euphoria and definitely my fav character on the show. Love to his entire family and to those who knew him.” Drake simply shared a photo of the actor captioned “good soul.”

However, Bay Area natives like Guapdad 4000 and Mistah F.A.B. had more personal observations, sharing memories of their encounters with Angus. “It’s weird posting when my friends from oakland die..it happens so much i cant keep up,” wrote Guap. “its weirder posting when my ‘famous’ friends die . So this one is double weird . It’s hard to find someone from the same place doing what you do and being where u at. Bay Area Icon.”

F.A.B., meanwhile, remembered Cloud’s visits to his store Dope Era in Oakland, recalling that the actor would “come in and drop bands.” “I’m saddened to see the news of him passing because he was such a humble human,” he reflected. Another California rapper, 03 Greedo, remembered how Cloud would DM him to keep his spirits up while he was incarcerated in Texas on drug charges.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Questlove Net Worth 2023: What Is The Hip Hop Icon Worth?

by

Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known globally as Questlove, is an icon in the music industry, celebrated for his versatility. So, what is the net worth of this hip-hop star in 2023?

Questlove’s Net Worth in 2023

Celebrity Net Worth estimates Questlove’s net worth in 2023 to be around $14 million. This figure embodies his success in various aspects of the music and entertainment industry.

The Musical Journey

questlove net worth
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 26: Recording artist Questlove of music group The Roots performs onstage during the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Questlove is most recognized as the drummer and co-frontman of the Grammy-winning band The Roots. Their innovative blend of hip-hop and live instrumentation has led to numerous successful albums and tours, contributing significantly to Questlove’s wealth. Beyond his music, Questlove has found success in television. As the bandleader for The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he has gained significant exposure and income.

Author, Director, & Entrepreneur

questlove net worth
NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 08: Questlove of The Roots performs at Mass MoCA on July 08, 2022 in North Adams, Massachusetts. (Photo by Douglas Mason/WireImage)

Questlove’s talents extend to writing and directing. He has authored several books and made his directorial debut with the documentary Summer of Soul, adding another source of income and further enhancing his reputation. At the 2022 Academy Awards, Summer of Soul took the trophy for Best Documentary Feature.

Questlove is also an entrepreneur with successful ventures in the food industry. His Questlove’s Cheesesteak and Questlove’s Vegetarian Cheesesteak have been popular additions to several sports stadiums, contributing to his net worth.

The Influence Of Questlove

questlove net worth
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson winner of Documentary (Feature) award for ‘Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)’ award poses in the press room during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

While his net worth is noteworthy, Questlove’s influence in music and culture extends beyond his earnings. His innovative style and commitment to music education have inspired countless artists and fans. The famed musician’s net worth in 2023 is a testament to his diversified talents, entrepreneurial spirit, and influential career in music and entertainment. With a net worth of $14 million, Questlove has carved a unique path to success, proving that a passion for art and a savvy business mind can lead to financial prosperity. His story serves as a blueprint for aspiring artists, showing that creativity and versatility can result in cultural impact and financial success.

The post Questlove Net Worth 2023: What Is The Hip Hop Icon Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Cardi B Had A Truly Wild Comparison For The Smoky Air Conditions In New York City This Week

by
cardi b
Getty Image

For the past week, social media users have been marveling — and fretting — over photos of the New York City skyline as a haze of smoke from Canadian wildfires has rendered the air quality a murky shade of orange (and not very safe to breathe). The tableau has been compared to the aesthetic of films like Blade Runner and Dune, with one post I saw today drawing an unhinged parallel to the Wes Anderson memes that have been going around online lately.

Not to be outdone, Twitter’s reigning queen of audacious statements, Cardi B, made a truly wild comparison for the eerie scene in the NY sky. “I kid you not the sky is literally yellow today,” the “Tomorrow 2” rapper wrote. “It’s giving smoking on opps.”

Meanwhile, other New York artists have also commented on the situation in their own ways. 50 Cent, internet troll extraordinaire, cracked “I’m headed to the store, if anybody need anything just call me,” on Instagram next to a still from Blade Runner 2049 from the scene where Ryan Gosling’s K enters the irradiated ruins of Las Vegas.

Questlove of The Roots, however, found humor in the world right outside his window. He posted a photo of a Diabo IV billboard reading “welcome to hell” and noted the “divine timing,” calling it “genius marketing.” In a separate post, though, he begged his followers to start taking climate change seriously.

So far, the poor conditions haven’t prompted New York-based events to shut down yet; Governor’s Ball is set to proceed as scheduled this weekend. However, some performers on Broadway reported difficulty breathing, halting shows due to the smoke, so it’s possible that performances could be affected at the festival as well.

Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tina Turner Mourned By Questlove, Erykah Badu, And More

by

Born as Anne Mae Bullock in Tennessee in 1939, Tina Turner made her entry into the music industry in the late 1950s as a member of Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm. After marrying Ike in 1962, they formed a formidable musical duo. However, their partnership ended in 1976. This was followed by their divorce in 1978. Despite these challenges, Turner experienced a remarkable comeback in the 1980s. Her 1984 album, Private Dancer, reached a peak position of #3 on the charts and achieved five-times platinum certification in the United States. The album’s single, “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” spent three weeks at #1 in September of that same year.

Turner’s influence extended beyond music as she became involved in pop culture. In addition to starring in the 1985 film Mad Max: Thunderdome, she recorded the film’s main original song, “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome).” The single reached #2 on the charts. Another song from the film, “One of the Living,” reached #15. A decade later, Turner was approached to perform the theme song for the 1995 James Bond film, Goldeneye. Initially intended to be a song by Depeche Mode, the band’s touring schedule prevented their participation. This led Bono and U2 to write a song specifically for Turner when she was offered the prestigious role. In 1986, Turner was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was a true legend, and many have taken to social media to mourn her passing.

Tina Turner’s Influence Lives On

Popular American soul pop singer Tina Turner singing live at the Budapest Sports Hall, Hungary, 1982. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Earlier today, it was announced that the legendary performer had passed away. Turner’s team made a statement via her social media confirming the news. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” the statement said. “With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

Tina Turner inspired a generation of performers, many of which have expressed their sadness at her passing. “Survivor. The King & Queen. She was everything,” Questlove said. “This is one of the figures I just knew would live in her 3 digits. I was not prepared to say goodbye to Tina Turner.” Erykah Badu also took to social media to make her thoughts known. “Cultural Icon down. Safe Journey Anna Mae Bullock. You were HERE,” she wrote alongside a picture of the iconic singer. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates.

Questlove Reflects On Harry Belafonte, A ‘Shining Example Of How To Use Your Platform To Make Change In The World’

by
Harry Belafonte 1955
Getty Image

Yesterday (April 25) saw a major loss for the worlds of music, acting, and activism: Harry Belafonte died at 96 years old. His passing sparked many fond remembrances, including an Instagram post from Questlove.

The Roots drummer’s message begins, “Shining example of how to use your platform to make change in the world. Hi$ activi$m was crucial for the civil rights movement. His activism was key in the anti apartheid movement.” It later concludes, “If there is one lesson we can learn from him it is ‘what can I do to help mankind?’ Thank You Harry Belafonte!”

Find Questlove’s full post below.

“Shining example of how to use your platform to make change in the world.

Hi$ activi$m was crucial for the civil rights movement. His activism was key in the anti apartheid movement.

I once read a touching story of @theweeknd explaining how learning how #WeAreTheWorld (organized by, you guessed it Belafonte) was not only key to his jacksonesque vocal delivery but his family being the key family that benefited from the funds that record raised to relocate his family to safety in Canada.

Before the pandemic the storyline to @summerofsoulmovie was Belafontecentric once @selema explained to us how his father personally uprooted his legendary father #HughMasekela from the 60s South African apartheid & brought him to live in New York City & planted the seeds of activism in him.

He represented many things to us: fun calypso music, iconic acting (I came to know him as #GeechieDan in the iconic #UptownSaturdayNight as a child)—but most importantly he taught me to think in terms of ‘WE’ not ‘I’.

That stuck with me.

If there is one lesson we can learn from him it is ‘what can I do to help mankind?’

Thank You Harry Belafonte!”

Questlove Hopes ‘Black Nerds’ See Themselves In His ‘The Rhythm Of Time’ Book

by

Questlove released The Rhythm Of Time on Tuesday, April 18, shortly after he launched Auwa Books, his imprint with MCD Books. The book is aimed toward preteen readers, but Questlove wrote it with one very specific kid in mind. He dedicated the book to his nine-year-old self, as he explained on The View this week.

“When I would travel with my parents, my father and mother, we were like basically the Black Partridge Family,” he said on the talk show. “My father was an oldies doo-wop legend back in the ’50s. I’d often read to them. Well, they would trick me into reading to them, and oftentimes, I’d pick books in which I didn’t see myself.”

He continued, “There’s a term, ‘alt-Black kids,’ where you might not talk the right language or you just look weird. I had weird hair, and I dressed weird. I wanted Black nerds to see themselves as well, so that’s kind of why I wrote the book.”

The Rhythm Of Time‘s official listing on Penguin Random House lays out the intricate plot:

“Seventh grader Rahim Reynolds loves testing out the gadgets invented by his brilliant friend Kasia Collins. First there were the X-ray glasses and all the trouble they caused. Now there’s the new cell phone she built for his birthday, even though his parents won’t let him have one. But Rahim is excited to use the phone to search for videos of his favorite old-school rap group. What he doesn’t know is the phone has a special battery that interfaces with a secret government satellite, which spells trouble when the phone transports him back to 1997. Almost immediately, he learns what every time traveler before him has: Actions in the past jeopardize the future. With Kasia as his only lifeline to the present, Rahim works with her to get home unscathed, all the while dodging bullies (on his end) and suspicious government agents (on hers).

Philadelphia in the late nineties is a new world for Rahim and Kasia, but it is a familiar place for Questlove, who, alongside S. A. Cosby, delivers a high-velocity tale where two best friends discover that sometimes the best beat is the one that brings you back home.”

Questlove further explained why The Rhythm Of Time is “the book I been dying to make for a decade” in an Instagram post:

Watch Questlove’s appearance on The View above.

The Rhythm Of Time is out now via Penguin Random House. Find more information here.