Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is many things: virtuoso drummer, producer, arranger, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon bandleader, New York University professor, DJ, composer and now, author.
In his first book Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove (Grand Central Publishing), a memoir of punch-drunk tales co-written by Ben Greenman, Questlove tells his own story of coming up in the industry among greats, fakes and the true originals of the music world. The book centers around black music and pop culture but also questions the nature of memory and today’s idea of a post-modern blues.
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Questlove reveals his own formative experiences, from growing up in Philadelphia during the 1970s as the son of a 1950s doo-wop singer, to finding his own way through the music business and ultimately co-founding and finding success with The Roots. Questlove also comments about the state of hip-hop, music criticism and the state of statements.
NYU students gets to experience the drummer’s deep knowledge of music and pop culture via the college course “Topics in Recorded Music: Classic Albums.” Questlove lectures for three hours a week on topics ranging topics from Michael Jackson‘s lyrics to business aspects of the industry such as promotion and marketing. It’s no wonder his jack-of-all-trades reputation has led him to collaborate with some of the world’s biggest rappers, among them Jay-Z and Eminem.
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As if there’s not enough to keep this multi-hyphenate occupied — including 2.4 million Twitter followers — Questlove recently made his way into the culinary world with a catering venture. “Love’s Drumstick” features Creole- and Korean-inspired soul food “on-a-stick” using locally sourced ingredients.
It all begs the question: Is there anything Questo can’t do?
Twitter: @THRMusic
