Creative Quest by Questlove is a captivating book about the artistic career of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the drummer of The Roots and leader of the bands on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Exploring the creative process of this renowned musician, Creative Quest serves as an inspiration for readers to tap into their own creativity.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, is an African-American superproducer, author and music critic, born and raised in Philadelphia. His career formally began as the drummer of The Roots in 1987. After working with music producers such as ?uestlove and J. Period, The Roots rose to fame. They have performed with numerous legendary musicians, were a key part of the hip-hop and spoken-word scenes and are the only hip-hop band to win a Grammy Award and be featured on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. One of The Roots’ come ups was their residency on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as the house band.
In his book, Creative Quest, Questlove delves into the creative process that he and other artists follow, hoping to share what he has learnt and inspire others to follow their own creative journey. Even though the drums are his first instrument, in his book, Questlove shares his multiple creative interests. He starts by emphasizing the importance of meeting people and connecting with them. Through meeting people, Questlove shares the depth of knowledge about hip-hop and rap, invoking readers to discover their creative passions.
Questlove goes in depth into the discussions of hustling, which involves using skills to make ends meet and engage in a personally fulfilling lifestyle. He talks about how he got his start, how he manoeuvred his career, and how he persisted and flourished in the music industry. Throughout the book, he speaks to the importance of connecting with people of various backgrounds and how important collaboration is.
Throughout Creative Quest, Questlove speaks on the importance of expanding one’s mind and thinking outside of the box. He speaks to the importance of curiosity and the power of ideas. He details how he got his start and how he handled it, sharing the lessons and anecdotes he learned. He imparts the importance of being proactive in helping your creative dreams become a reality.
The book has also been praised for highlighting the positive influence of African-American culture and its impact on modern society. Questlove also urges readers to listen carefully to the talented minds of hip-hop and jazz musicians, discussing the fundamental principles underlying their creative processes.
If you’re looking for a book that will inspire your growth and development as a creative artist, Creative Quest is the book for you. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson offers an inside look into his creative journey and the intricate processes of hustling as a musician. With engaging stories and thoughtful dialogue, Creative Quest by Questlove will help readers strategize and make their own creative dreams a reality.
