Questlove
Questlove is an American musician, producer, author, and one of the founding members of the critically acclaimed Grammy-Award winning hip hop group The Roots. Growing up in West Philadelphia, Questlove was inspired by the rich musical history of his city and began learning to play the drums and to read music at a young age. He went on to study jazz, world music, and classical music, and by the age of 18, he was working with some of the top names in hip-hop, funk, and jazz, including D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common, and ?uestlove.
Questlove has had a prolific career in the music industry over the years. He has served as a musical director for a variety of world-renowned artists, including Jay-Z, Maroon 5, Lil Wayne, and John Legend. He is the founder, producer, and creative director of the Webby-award winning live music network, Okayplayer. He has also created his own record label called Alrightplayer Records and produced a variety of albums. He has even penned several books, including Mo' Meta Blues and Soul Train: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation.
Questlove is also a prolific author, with a library of works that document his passion for Afro-centric art, music, and culture. His two memoirs, Mo' Meta Blues and Creative Quest, focus on the evolution of his approach to music and the culture of hip-hop. In Mo' Meta Blues, Questlove reflects on his life and the unique music he has contributed to the world. He looks back at the early days with The Roots and how their music made an impact on popular culture. In Creative Quest, Questlove takes readers on an exploration into the creative process and how it works for him. Drawing from his vast experience in producing work, life, and entertainment over the past decades, he offers essential advice and wisdom to those seeking to become more creative people.
In recent years, Questlove has been a frequent contributor to publications around the world. He wrote a column for Vibe magazine and contributed interviews to a variety of publications, including The New York Times and GQ. He also frequently appears on television shows to discuss his various projects, and also serves as a judge on the NBC show, Songland. In 2019, he released a new book, somethingtofoodabout: Exploring Creativity with Innovative Chefs, which explores his creative partnership with nine of the world’s most renowned chefs through interviews, critical conversations, and original recipes.
Questlove has had an impressive career in the music industry, from his work with The Roots to his production and guest appearance credits. His passion for music has driven him to create and share his talents with the world, and he has been recognized for his contributions by the Grammy Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Awards, and Webby Awards. As an author, Questlove has proven to be a thoughtful and reflective writer, offering insight on the creative process, his career, and his personal journey in music.