Talib Kweli & Questlove Talk Roots, Soulquarians, Scott Storch, Jimmy Fallon | People's Party Full 

I’m 19 and just discovering the soulquarians now (being from a rural community it’s hard to discover such gems) and wow they released some of the richest and deepest music of their time ❤️

RIP Malik B. Underrated lyricist.

"Tariq is actually a better chef than he is an emcee" Sir, NOBODY cooks that damn good! I cannot accept that as true!

Unreal episode. Questlove is incredible. I saw the roots multiple times, inculding paid dues. Black thought is the best live performing MC of all time. Talib puts on a hell of live show too.

Questlove’s knowledge and range of music is unmatched. This is who I want in the crew on those long days going through bricks of records.

Malik B and Black Thought had such a lyrical connection. They just complimented each other like peanut butter and Jelly. Illadelph Half-life and Things Fall Apart are such classic albums that display their amazing artistic abilities. RIP Malik B. One of the greatest to ever do it in my book.

If there’s one person that I appreciate in the industry, its Questlove..I love how he studies every single little thing about music and I’m inspired to do so even though I’m not involved in music

I LOVED THIS INTERVIEW. THAT'S IT. I can't say anything else to describe how much I enjoyed those two hours with Questlove. Keep making history brother.

Double Trouble is one of my all time favorite songs! Damn, I support Kweli 100% but Tariq and Mos with the duo flow took me back to another classic record in my life “ Grand Puba, Positive, and L.G”.

Black Thought has been my favorite emcee since Distortion to Static. It’s wild that people are finally understanding his brilliance

I feel what Quest is saying about MCs not wanting to get eaten by their features, and there's clearly something to that, but think about the irony of what happened after that Flex freestyle. Thought is everywhere, on every project now. People were afraid of getting sonned by him for so long, and yet an undeniable demonstration of his supremacy made him one of the most sought-after features. I guess there's just a line of notoriety where below it, people can't afford to be upstaged by someone who isn't widely acclaimed as THE top of the craft, but above that line it's just so obvious the artist is on another level it's basically just an honor to be outshined by them. The confusing thing is how did it take that long for Thought to be perceived as over that line. I thought his verse on Sections sealed that deal, personally. But that's just me. And that was 25 years ago.

I can't believe I missed this last March! SW Philly boy transplant to the Desert SouthWest, the Roots was my link to back home, "What They Do" Illadelph Halflife was the beginning of a journey in support and appreciation - and got to hang out with them back stage and tour bus, standing right next to Aamir and looking Tariq in the face, on the "Things Fall Apart" tour. My people. I miss Leonard Hubbard and Malik B., Rest in Power to the Kings! Thanks Kweli, I needed this!

TIME STAMPS: 4:00 -- Quest reflects on his and the Roots' special relationship with their long-time manager Richard Nichols. He explains how Richard was such a key-component to their success story as well as a father figure to the band. Quest goes on to illustrate the "do or die moment" for the Roots in 1992 when he and Tariq were thinking about splitting up the band. He tells how a Levi's commercial sparked their idea to start South Street jam sessions, leading to gigs being offered, which ended in several labels engaging in bidding wars over the group, and then the crew spending a year in London before the release of 'Do You Want More?!!!??!'. 14:02 -- Quest goes into early days spent in New York hanging out with Jeru The Damaja and Natural Resource. Being remorsefully reminded by his new friends about how much things have changed in their city. Quest also goes into The Roots bringing in Bob Power after hearing his genius on the Native Tongues records. Quest then reflects on being on tour with his father starting at age 3, eventually working all kinds of jobs for his father's group while on the road, until age 12 when he was asked to fill in for the band's drummer that had been in a motorcycle accident. Quest stating "and that's how I was conned into the family business". 22:14 -- Quest is asked about a quote regarding his musical forefathers. Stating, "the Father is Don Cornelius, the Son is Prince and the Holy Ghost is Michael Jackson''. He breaks down his childhood growing up in a family of three very distinct record collectors with three very different tastes in music, culminating over 5000 records collectively. He talks about Soul Train being the television program he watched for the majority of his early youth, explains how the Reagan-era changed his family's values "turning them into the black Flanders from the Simpsons" and how that sparked the rebellious stage in his life. 29:20 -- Quest tells how mega-producer Scott Storch joined The Roots early-on. He tells the story of being brought together following their performance at a seedy bar/strip club, leading to an introduction to Scott who he said back then was a walking juke box and great musician even though he hadn't made any records at that point. Scott eventually finding himself in the crew and recording with them for their first two albums until he decided he wasn't interested in touring anymore, but rather just sticking to the studio and creating. 39:25 -- Talib reminds Quest of recording on The Roots' song 'Double Trouble' but not being included on the released version. Quest follows up by stating he needs to dig up the master reel and regretting later on that they didn't release the full version after '2000 Seasons' became one of his favorite joints. Quest and Talib also discuss Mos Def declining to tour with the Roots because of alcohol being served at the venues but then later changing his mind after jumping on stage and feeling the energy after a feature at one of their shows. 44:56 -- Quest is asked to speak on the Soulquarians crew. He talks about the moment that sparked the naming of the collective after J Dilla noted so many of the same people in the recording session were Aquarius sign. He then goes into the whole story of how the Soulquarians were formed beginning with a B-Side from 'Illadelph Halflife' and ending with Erykah Badu and D'Angelo coming together to record 'Your Precious Love'. Quest also tells about dismissing D'Angelo at first because of his raggedy Timbs. Then later hearing his demo tape, realizing he made a huge mistake, and tells what he did to get back into his good graces. 56:02 -- Quest goes on to tell his never-before-told story of being with George Clinton at an Electric Lady Studio session. Which includes George hotboxing in a backroom for three-plus hours and Quest's panicked reaction after he opened the door. The convo then moves to the excellence of Malik B. as an emcee and an essential part of the Roots' story. Quest also gets into how the 'Tipping Point' album was made under the pressure of losing their record deal. Quest noting his belief that there's no real way to be creative with that type of energy around and in hind-sight wishing he could have a redo of that record. 1:12:29 -- Quest tells about how the beat for Lil' Kim's song 'Lighters Up' produced by Scott Storch with Quest on drums was originally intended for The Roots' 'Don't Say Nothing'. Quest explains his concept for the break, being salty that the track was given to Lil' Kim, and tells how Scott made up for it with a peace offering. Talib goes on to ask Quest if he thinks it's hard to be pro-black and subversive while also living in the pop/mainstream space. Quest expands on the time that the Roots decided to take a more socially conscious approach and noting how instrumental Dice Raw's contributions were. 1:21:31 -- Jasmin asks if the Roots crew ever discusses how long they want their run with Jimmy Falon to last. Quest tells why they made the decision to do the show in the first place. Explaining there were just too many from the group who were tired of missing their kids. Wanting a way to stay in one place and avoid touring for months at a time. Quest gives his account of coming to terms with the idea that the Roots were breaking up right before the Late Night spot opened up, as well as how the opportunity unfolded with them originally being asked to recommend a group for the show's band then Jimmy deciding to offer the gig to the Roots themselves. 1:30:28 -- Quest's cookbook and his show on the Food Network is brought up, and he's asked to talk about how he knew food was going to be a part of his creative output. Quest refers back to how his friend and manager Richard Nichols spent the last months of his life planning the futures of Quest and Tariq. He recounts the last conversation he had with him as well as receiving a manifesto that had a mapping out of the next 5 years of endeavors that he believed Quest should partake in. Quest gets into why chefs and comedians are his favorite people to hang out with and his interest in focusing his efforts on food advocacy for cleaner eating after having a huge scare when he felt his heart might give out. 1:42:05 -- Talib explains why he shed a tear when he first heard Tariq's verse on the song 'Act Too (The Love Of My Life)' which then leads into a discussion about why Tariq aka Black Thought isn't typically included in the conversation of GOAT even though his abilities as a wordsmith are unmatched. Quest gives his take on that stemming from the idea that sometimes Tariq is too good for his own good while reflecting on things Jay-Z said to them about Tariq's rhyme schemes sometimes being too much for a casual listener to comprehend and not getting features due to rappers knowing he'll outshine them on their own tracks. Quest then recalls how happy he was for Tariq when he finally received his own flowers following his legendary freestyle on Hot 97.

As a hiphop culture fan, this interview got my head nodding! New info, laughs and seriousness. The Roots sound was the One for me, starting when I was 13-15 years old.

I love Questlove so much. National treasure! One of those people who are on the list of "if you could have dinner with anyone...."

The Rising Down is underrated af.

Questlove is so important 🤲🏾

Quest Love's memory and knowledge is impeccable. Lol ✌🏼 He said Dec.2nd 1983 so vividly. Legend

This interview should be shown to all school age kids. Middle school and high school. totally encouraging. Find your family.

I’ve been on mushrooms a bunch of times and I’d be willing to wager that spending a few hours in Questlove’s brain would be far more of a trip. I love this man and am so happy I grew up in my late teens listening to the Roots.

Questlove is an American Gem..not only in music but as a human being..he has a great knowledge of jazz rock etc...and hear those influences when you hear the ROOTS...much luv and respect

This was a great interview. Kweli did the very same thing that makes Questlove Supreme podcast episodes so good: allow a great conversation to bloom from a place of respect so the listener gets jewels. EXCELLENT, informative and funny! Good work!

Quest &Kwe my favs

I so truly appreciate the desire to impart knowledge that exudes from Questlove. In addition to his supreme musical talent & furthering the arts with his group & so many others, the educational aspect that he brings to every platform is so, so welcomed!!

Love listening to my KINGs talk that talk frfr

I'm glad Talib and Jasmine had questlove on the podcast. A avid historian of music a very intelligent man who's music has been influential for over the last 20 plus years and it has earned respect and helped him transitioned him to be on TV. He was very key in the Roots success. Much respect to Questlove the Roots and also Jasmine and Talib. Another homerun you guys have hit can't wait to see who you have the next up at the podcast.

I can’t wait do dive I into this one. You both are some of my top favorite in Hip Hop, culture, and life! pointblank

I have had the pleasure of seeing both of these artist perform live. Blessings.

QuestLove you will CAN / NEVER be invisible! Enjoy your flowers while you’re living! You are well loved!

I love listening to Quest... He’s an artists artist. He goes into the detail of the moment and doesn’t try to live according to what others think Hip-Hop life should be. I stopped, picked up on this interview like 5 times because of life and I don’t get tired of listening. Dope interview, Talib.

TK! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS INTERVIEW! QL WE LOVE YOU! PRINCE WE MISS U & RIP MR. MALIK B!

The Roots as a group... GOAT

Shoutiut To Jamaladeen Tacuna a Monster Bassist. I'm 61 yrs. De Bkrn and raised in the Bronx. Growing up in the 60s and 70s. The Bronx, ( south Bx) was burned, forty deuce was Overy Soddom and Gammorah. In that Poetic, grime , crime , chaos, 3rd or continuing Heroin epidemic, Art flourished. Hip Hop was conceived and born. Punk, And Funk and disco, Jazz, Salsa Poetry. You know the Half. Quest's acquisition of skills bis his Father's band was incredible but so an old scale method of teaching by observing and doing. I understand it's also an African way of learning and it's never beenost on our People. Excellent Informative Content Brother, as usual.

Nah "step into the realm" is my favorite roots song

Been waiting for this! Coolest man in hip hop and his musical knowledge holds no bounds! My hero and best hip hop group ever

Distortion to Static is my fav tune from The Roots, glad to hear Quest touch on it and on the enigmatic Malik B. Really interesting interview.

Questlove talking about gamification of the roots in the 90s. 👍🚀🧬

Phenomenal interview.

Dope interview. Mom and dad, music background, strong foundation, strong work ethic...no oppression. Excellent.

A bio pic of the Roots needs to be done

Questlove your musical genius as obvious as your glorious hair ty peace and love ❤ party people

I'm brazilian and I learn so much about life and myself with Hip Hop artists. Thanks for your incredible dedication towards the culture. I hope onde day I can watch two of my favorites artists in a conversation on this show: Talib Kweli and Mach-Hommy.

Absolutely one of my fav episodes. Watching legends share their stories is so incredibly dope. Thank you Quest, Kweli, and Jasmine for another amazing show!

Dang, now I need that Gil Scott story. Amazing interview, loved it.

This interview is heaven.

I needed this today, thank you.

I’m just here to say RIP MALIK B

The roots tipping point is sooo underated just like talib kweli and dj hi tek train of thought is

Quest good with dates🙌🏾

I could listen to you 3 all day. Another classic! Thank you for sharing

This was one of the legends I was hoping you’d do. This went above and beyond as always! It amazes me how he’s so cool and unbelievably humble he is about his excellence in hip hop. Love the story telling and how visual he made it. Much appreciated

This was amazing thank you

Watching their growth sonically, always wondered when Thought would blow up. It's amazing to see their loyalty and feeling exactly the same about the Flex freestyle Thought did... That "Finally" from Ahmir was the exact reaction of everybody that appreciate Thought as a genius he his... Like a long breath after years underwater. You can ear a feeling in Thought's voice that it clearly signatures his change of mindset. In Mo Metta Blues we can get a glimpse of Richard's vision and the power it has on the band individually. Very inspiring to witness their long run believing, and executing with hard-work! That's what Legendary means for me!!! Thank you for this interview Talib!

Great interview, Quest is so insightful

Stupendous interview 🙌🏾 Love Quest👑

WE LOVE YOU(R) QUEST!

This was a Great Great conversation! I remember being at a jam session with them way back inside a house in South Philly on St Albans St. before I really knew who they were. Fast forward some years later I met Quest in Tower Records on South St. at a time when I was trying to get into photography, I ask him for advice and my man really took the time to give me some solid advice. Made me appreciate the roots even more. Not to mention thought ALWAYS been #1 in my book after Rakim.

Great interview! Many thanks

I loved this interview! So inspiring and informative. Thanks for sharing ❤

RIP DON C FROM SOUL TRAIN! MAY YOUR LEGACY LIVE ON 4EVER!

thank u for this Qoolquest! & PPwTK

Excellent Interview!

More!!!!!! This should've have been 6hrs!!!! Loved it!!!

great camera and audio quality for all parties 👍🏾

Oh my god ! been waiting for this.QL is my biggest hero in the world (his podcast is also amazing) so to hear him interviewed by his friend/peer and on such an amazing show as this....Christmas came early , god bless all involved.

I remember when biggie said Silent Treatment. Was his favorite song

I wasn't feeling The Roots when I first heard their singles. When I saw them live on the Phrenology Tour, however, I was instantly converted. I've since bought several of their albums and seen them in concert multiple more times. They are truly one of the great bands!

Always interesting and insightful. Thank you for that interview!

Super dope interview ..one of the best thus far #215salute

Black Thought needs to be here like tomorrow.

dont say nothin is a TUNE ! i love the tipping point !!!!!

❤ I'm going to eventually watch all these. I'm soaking in so much. So much knowledge and respect and love. Great art reflections power and confessions.

Stole "Do You Want More" from Boscovs when I was like 13, later bought it for real... I Love everything The Roots do!

This was great!

JL! CONGRATS ON THE BABY!

Had the pleasure of meeting him in the Galleria back in Philly a long time ago...real cool person, good interview!

I am sending love from Asia

I would like to see ?uestlove's live footage from the sprite tour at merriweather. NERD was playing and someone in the crowd was insubordinate, and Pharrell hopped off the stage and went into the crowd. Questlove was following him with his camera and walked right past me. I said to myself that he's a big dude because at the point I haven't seen him up close and I'm used to seeing him sitting down. Kweli was at that show too if memory serves me correctly. Just wanted to share that.

I’d love to hear from some of the Bay Area rapper/producers at some point. Luckyiam, sunspot, Zion I, etc…Slug and Murs would be amazing to hear from as well. Love these interviews. Not only are the stories incredible, but the education I’m receiving on the history of hip hop is incredible.

UPROXX RoXX!. Questlive is PURE LOVE. Nice stories this drum GOAT have. Love from Denmark.

I love him for his contribution to Voodoo. He is very inspiring to me.

fascinating. fav podcast.

One thing that really stands out that I wish would happen more is how ?uestlove takes time to gather his thoughts and Kweli just... Gives him the time he needs. We could have less misunderstandings and much deeper conversations if we could just shut up and listen.

Great interview a big fan of The Roots. Questlove has a vast knowledge concerning music. I wish I could converse with that brother. Can you guys do a interview, with GZA of Wutang Clan? One of my favorite mcs or Jay Electronica another incredible mc please.

The Tipping Point was such a moment for me; I hate that they don't love that album as much as their other works. That was the first time I saw them perform, actually met them, purchased the vinyl, got their signatures, and asked them what the hell they were saying on the hook of Don't Say Nothin. I still bump that album randomly today...

Shout out to Malik B

Good interview.

My favorite People's Party episode by a long shot! One of my favorite podcast episodes in general!

Talib Kweli & Questlove....*click*

Hell yeah!

Questlove had to be in the running for coolest man alive. Also, y'all should make a playlist for all the songs mentioned in the podcasts.

Great interview of a great artist by and with another great artist

Great interview Talib. This is a true gem. The Roots are HOF status. The best Questlove interview I've seen. 42:00 Talib explains why things didn't always work with Mos Def. Dope story. Great insight into their relationship.

This is life

I mean, it's Questlove, great talk, everybody...

i need that kweli double trouble version!

Awesome

I nerd out so much when i listen to ?uest's stories. Bought Mo Meta Blues...need his other works. I remember his babies Makin Babies album took my musical knowledge to another level...

Anytime I see a Questlove interview i’m clicking.

Dope shit right here