DeepSummary
Questlove, the drummer and bandleader of the seminal hip-hop group The Roots, has written a new book titled 'Hip Hop is History,' reflecting on the genre through his personal lens. In the interview, he discusses his role as an elder statesman of hip-hop and his perspective on the current state of rap music.
Questlove acknowledges that as he grows older, he feels a responsibility to be the 'adult in the room' and call out concerning trends in the culture. He expresses his discomfort with the recent highly publicized rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which he sees as a continuation of the negative aspects of hip-hop that led to the deaths of Tupac and Biggie.
Despite his criticisms, Questlove maintains that hip-hop is not dead but rather evolving and redefining itself. He hopes to positively impact the genre and leave the world better than he found it, even if his influence is limited.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Questlove, as an elder statesman of hip-hop, feels a responsibility to provide guidance and critique concerning trends in the genre.
- He has reservations about certain aspects of modern rap music, particularly the negativity and violence that he sees as reminiscent of the era surrounding the deaths of Tupac and Biggie.
- Despite his criticisms, Questlove acknowledges that hip-hop is constantly evolving and redefining itself.
- He hopes to have a positive impact on the genre and leave the world better than he found it, even if his influence is limited.
- Questlove's new book 'Hip Hop is History' offers his personal perspective on the history and cultural significance of hip-hop.
- He remains committed to creating new music with The Roots while navigating his role as an elder statesman of the genre.
- Questlove's nuanced position as both an insider and outsider in the hip-hop community allows him to offer unique critiques and insights.
- He strikes a balance between respecting the contributions of other artists and voicing his concerns about concerning trends in the culture.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I realized maybe ten years ago when my forties were creeping up on me, that one day, like, I'm gonna be the adult in the room, and there's really nothing glamorous about taking that path.“ by Questlove
- “Do I truly feel like hip hop is dead? No, I don't. However, I do believe that the landscape and the rules have changed. Oftentimes when I just don't feel comfort. Usually that means it's going in the right direction.“ by Questlove
- “My mission in this life, or at least what I think my purpose is on earth. And I know it sounds, like, lofty, and some could say it's a naive outlook, but I generally would like to leave the world better than when I came in it.“ by Questlove
- “I believe in this thing where it's like if I can really affect 500 people, maybe 5000 people, even 50,000 people, I mean, compared to what the world is, then, you know, at least I planted a seed.“ by Questlove
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Episode Information
NPR's Book of the Day
NPR
6/17/24
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