![Questlove Isn't Manif*cking Around [VIDEO]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/1a/05/aa/1a05aa71-2ebe-c665-23f4-90f8c3f7a0af/mza_15765865993761728643.jpg/400x400bb.jpg "Questlove Isn't Manif*cking Around [VIDEO]")
Questlove Isn't Manif*cking Around [VIDEO]
Questlove Isn't Manif*cking Around [VIDEO]
1Digest
Questlove, the renowned drummer and music aficionado, recounts the whirlwind experience of curating the 2023 Grammys' 50th anniversary hip-hop celebration. He describes the initial excitement of accepting the challenge, followed by the daunting realization of the task's magnitude. He highlights the logistical hurdles, including coordinating a massive performance with numerous artists from different generations, navigating conflicting personalities, and dealing with last-minute changes. Questlove reveals the unexpected challenges of security protocols, a performer leaving the show due to a security issue, and the pressure of delivering a flawless performance under tight time constraints. He also shares his personal approach to dealing with stress, emphasizing the importance of meditation and finding moments of silence amidst the chaos. The conversation delves into Questlove's unique perspective on hip-hop's evolution, linking its musical shifts to the prevalent drugs of each era. He also discusses his own journey with weight and how he came to recognize his own food addiction. The episode concludes with a discussion about Questlove's legendary game nights, highlighting their wholesome nature and the importance of prioritizing joy and fun in life.
Outlines
Introduction and Guest Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast "What Now" with Trevinoa and welcomes the guest, Amir Questlove Thompson, known for his contributions to music and good times. The host expresses his excitement for the conversation and mentions topics like Questlove's new book "Hip-hop is History," his life journey with music, and behind-the-scenes stories from the Grammys.
The Grammys' 50th Anniversary Hip-Hop Celebration
This Chapter dives into the heart of the episode, focusing on Questlove's experience curating the 2023 Grammys' 50th anniversary hip-hop celebration. He describes the initial excitement of accepting the challenge, followed by the daunting realization of the task's magnitude. He highlights the logistical hurdles, including coordinating a massive performance with numerous artists from different generations, navigating conflicting personalities, and dealing with last-minute changes.
Hip-Hop's Evolution and Questlove's Journey
This Chapter explores Questlove's unique perspective on hip-hop's evolution, linking its musical shifts to the prevalent drugs of each era. He also discusses his own journey with weight and how he came to recognize his own food addiction.
Questlove's Legendary Game Nights
This Chapter delves into the lore surrounding Questlove's legendary game nights, highlighting their wholesome nature and the importance of prioritizing joy and fun in life.
The Importance of Rules and Game Night Dynamics
This Chapter explores Questlove's perspective on the importance of rules and how they contribute to a fun and fair game night experience. He shares a humorous anecdote about a game night where he was tasked with explaining the rules of a new game, highlighting the importance of clarity and understanding in any group activity.
Keywords
Grammys
The Grammy Awards, also known as the "Grammy Awards," are an annual award ceremony honoring achievements in the music industry. They are presented by the Recording Academy, an organization of music professionals. The Grammys are considered one of the most prestigious awards in the music world, recognizing excellence in a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, country, jazz, classical, and urban music.
Hip-Hop
Hip-hop is a cultural movement that originated in the Bronx borough of New York City in the 1970s. It encompasses various artistic expressions, including music, dance, graffiti art, and spoken word. Hip-hop music is characterized by rhythmic and rhyming speech, often accompanied by turntablism, sampling, and electronic instruments. It has evolved into a global phenomenon, influencing music, fashion, and youth culture worldwide.
Questlove
Amir "Questlove" Thompson is an American musician, DJ, record producer, and author. He is best known as the drummer and co-founder of the Roots, a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band. Questlove is also a respected music historian, DJ, and cultural commentator. He has written several books, including "Mo' Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove" and "Hip-hop is History." He is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of music and his ability to connect different genres and eras.
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. It has been practiced for centuries in various cultures and religions, and is now widely recognized for its potential benefits for mental and physical well-being.
Code Switching
Code switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects in conversation. It is often used to adapt to different social situations or to communicate more effectively with people who speak different languages or dialects. Code switching can be a conscious or unconscious process, and it can be used to express identity, solidarity, or to achieve a particular communicative goal.
Food Addiction
Food addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by an inability to control food intake despite negative consequences. It is similar to other addictions, such as drug addiction, in that it involves compulsive behaviors, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Food addiction can lead to weight gain, health problems, and social and emotional difficulties.
Game Night
Game night is a social gathering where people play games together. It can be a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and family, and it can also be a great way to learn new games and develop new skills. Game nights can be tailored to different interests and ages, and they can be held at home, in a public space, or online.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter who has achieved global fame for her pop and country music. She is known for her songwriting abilities, her ability to connect with her fans, and her philanthropic work. Swift has won numerous awards, including 11 Grammy Awards, and she is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Michael Che
Michael Che is an American comedian, writer, and actor. He is best known for his work as a co-host on "Saturday Night Live" and for his stand-up comedy. Che is known for his sharp wit, his observational humor, and his willingness to tackle controversial topics.
Uno
Uno is a popular card game that is played with a deck of 108 cards. The goal of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all of their cards. Players take turns matching cards by color, number, or symbol. The game is known for its simple rules and its ability to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Q&A
What were some of the biggest challenges Questlove faced while curating the 2023 Grammys' 50th anniversary hip-hop celebration?
Questlove faced numerous challenges, including coordinating a massive performance with numerous artists from different generations, navigating conflicting personalities, dealing with last-minute changes, and managing security protocols. He also had to deal with a performer leaving the show due to a security issue and the pressure of delivering a flawless performance under tight time constraints.
How does Questlove link hip-hop's evolution to the prevalent drugs of each era?
Questlove believes that hip-hop's musical shifts are closely tied to the prevalent drugs of each era. He argues that the music's tempo, sound, and overall vibe reflect the drug culture of the time. For example, he connects the crack era with the aggressive and fast-paced sound of Public Enemy, while the chronic era is associated with the slower and more laid-back sound of Dr. Dre.
What is the significance of Questlove's legendary game nights?
Questlove's game nights are legendary for their wholesome nature and the importance of prioritizing joy and fun in life. They provide a space for friends and colleagues to connect, relax, and enjoy each other's company. The nights are known for their unpretentious atmosphere and the unexpected mix of people from different backgrounds and industries.
What is Questlove's perspective on the importance of rules in game nights?
Questlove believes that clear and agreed-upon rules are essential for a fun and fair game night experience. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a common understanding of the rules before starting a game, to avoid confusion and disagreements. He also highlights the importance of respecting the rules, even if they are not always conventional.
How does Questlove's approach to game nights reflect his overall philosophy on life?
Questlove's approach to game nights reflects his overall philosophy on life, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing joy and fun. He believes that it is essential to create spaces for relaxation and connection, even amidst a busy and demanding schedule. He also believes that it is important to be present and engaged in the moment, rather than constantly striving for perfection or worrying about the future.
Show Notes
DJ, drummer, author, and Roots frontman Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Trevor discuss “50 Years of Hip Hop” at the Grammys and his book Hip Hop is History. Questlove also divulges to Trevor the names of all 432 people who get his weekly playlist (no he doesn’t) and reveals all the celebrities who come to his legendary game nights (he doesn’t reveal that either but it’s still a fantastic conversation).
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Table of contents
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