Questlove & Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter on Songs That Shook America (Extended Interview)

Questlove chats about his party-throwing guide, Mixtape Potluck, and calls out Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter's secret cooking skills, plus Jimmy embarrasses them both with throwback images from their high school days as they discuss their series Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America.
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Questlove & Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter on Songs That Shook America (Extended Interview)
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[@Christopher-md7tf]

I don't think it's humanly possible to be cooler than Tariq

[@rexsexson5349]

Essence of cool

[@pauldenino2560]

It's easy when you know you're one of the greatest emcees of all time.

[@totalpartykill999]

its the teeth

[@MrRasheedgow]

Tru dat

[@123froozen]

Watch him on The Wiskey Ginger podcast with Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee, never seen him look more awkward then in that live podcast

[@MikePhoenix007]

Many casual fans may know The Roots only as the band from Jimmy's show, but true music/hip-hop fans would tell you they are one of the OG greatest hip-hop bands. Especially Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter is one of those MCs that even the more famous rappers pay mad respect to. He's probably the favourite rapper of your favourite rapper.

[@elsobreviviente777]

That's a fact!

[@snowdjagha]

Well real fans only knew him as Black Thought and not Tariq lol

[@DonPasquale_]

Is this like a copy pasta? I see a comment almost identical to this on every Roots + Jimmy video lol

[@jackyoh971]

I subscribe because they're on the show I didn't knew Jimmy Fallon I'm French btw

[@serendipity5838]

Wow!!!.. i had no idea

[@NewMessage]

This is one thing that The Tonight Show does right. The band is part of the show.. like, integrally, and not just a 'throw to commercial' camera target.

[@rexsexson5349]

But you have no choice. It's questlive, and the roots. Legends from my generation. Early 90s.

[@violeta585]

That's how Jimmy sold the gig to the guys, besides his personality & how he interacted w/ them when they first met - he went after them on the road and he was nice and wasn't weird around them, trying to act all cool b/c they were black & hip hop, he was actually kinda dorky & silly and got the whole band doing a bit w/ him - Jimmy promised them that they would be integrated into the show like no other TV show band was ever before (comedy bits, musical bits, inviting friends to sit in w/ them, playing w/ musical guests, being the musical guests themselves, Quest is musical director now etc) and that they will be able to continue making their music as well (they have a mini recording studio there). The fact that Jimmy is musically inclined himself and has a big interest in & knowledge about music and having done musical bits on SNL were all signs that Jimmy was going to be able to keep his promise...even so, Jimmy had to fight & convince Lorne to get them b/c he didn't think they were the right fit for the show's genre and then when they had a controversy over a musical intro they did for a politician, Jimmy fought for them again b/c Lorne was all ''I told you smth. was going to happen'' and was considering replacing them. It's kinda sad that they decided they can't do on The Tonight Show as many sketches, parodies and shorts as they used to do on Late Night...most of their best work was on Late Night. On the Tonight Show they are striving to be more mainstream to not lose the older demo and in the bits for the younger demo, sometimes it shows they are trying a bit too hard to include a lot of the ''the new hip thing kids are doing/saying these days''.

[@MsBoocy]

@@violeta585 thank you for explaining this. I wish more would read this and stop saying Jimmy is not worthy of the Roots orthat he's a talentless hack.. .

[@violeta585]

@@MsBoocy Yeah, both Jimmy and The Roots got some badmouthing b/c of this deal they made, but they don't know how it happened and that probably The Roots wouldn't even be here anymore if it weren't for Jimmy's proposal (i'll copy/paste the long story of how they got together in a separate comment in this thread). And a lot of ppl don't know that their initial show, where they had more freedom, Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon was much better...imo anyway, they had more fun & were looser in general, they had lots more spoofs, parodies, shorts and original sketches that were sooo good, lots more highbrow writing and superbly realised...they were actually known for this b/c no other show had done it like them (Jimmy could & would do lots of stuff), besides that & the band, Jimmy was also trailblazing b/c he recognized the need to use tech/social media/games and he went and got himself a producer from a tech TV show he liked (Attack of the Show) and together they planned the huge splash they made at that time w/ the use of social media & KZbin (they were the first show) and the big part games played in the show and inviting tech & game companies to feature their newest & coolest toys and they used to do cool stuff for the fans, like they even had an interactive behind the scene tour w/ all their rooms & offices & writers and a day in the life of Jimmy and whatnot...at some point they were planning to do it w/ VR O.O Once they moved to the TS they had to tone all that down (and much to my dismay they also dumbed it down -.- the good balance they had between highbrow & artistic and lowbrow & silly was disturbed) b/c now they had a much broader audience and as much old ppl as they did young and they couldn't lose them...it's ironic that they got the TS b/c of how inovative they were & how good they did & the chops they showed on LN, but they had to change w/ the move -.-

[@MsBoocy]

@@violeta585 I've heard some of the stuffs you said in interviews or writing and some from the comments you posted in the past too. Haters gonna be haters but it makes me mad that they don't appreciate years of entertainment given. I haven't got the chance to watch all the late night show but that's what I heard too. They had more freedom to do stuffs. Kinda sad it stopped.

[@kingconscience.1597]

The Roots represent real hip-hop. They're organic and authentically hip-hop to the core. One of the very few in the game that are besides Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Nas, etc. Black Thought is severely underrated as an MC. Real ones know!!!

[@atlkidz1]

King Conscience. His Funk Flex freestyle was the best

[@OddOneOut665]

That reminds me, how come Quest and The Roots haven't been on Hot Ones yet???

[@malcolm3099]

Too many wings to provide lol

[@X3000Chan]

Maybe they don't like spicy food? Quest was vegan/vegetarian for awhile at least, too.

[@qusaibasha7299]

@@X3000Chan yeah but they’ve had vegan guests, Margot Robbie ate vegan wings with Sean Evans

[@edub9930]

That needs 2 happen

[@acopernic]

One of the rare moment when Jimmy is so respectful and quiet.

[@eastsidedrifto24]

Jimmy just has respect for real hip hop.

[@QueenofWheels]

You do know nobody is making you watch.

[@danielstudart2062]

He's always respectful and he's a late night host, he's not supposed to be quiet, he should always be driving the conversation when he can to keep it entertaining.

[@juliaszdias]

because he's extremely comfortable around them and it shows how calm he is, normally while he's interviewing someone who he doesn't really have a deep relation he gets extremely anxious- then boom: self-defence moves.

[@papasnowsmurf425]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Questloves laugh heals my soul. I love that they’ve been tight since high school.

[@NdubuisiNwade]

Anybody catch that they were playing "Shook ones"?!

[@MM-jc7uv]

Oh yeah the saxophone. Couldn’t tell cuz of all the other noise but you right

[@Robbo-mx8nn]

Dude ur right!!

[@edub9930]

Good ear

[@jonathanamalidosan5476]

I know!! I was about to comment that

[@NdubuisiNwade]

@@kalmansandor5930 that's hilarious!

[@rasulsilva2985]

Love that Shook ones part 2 intro

[@davidsinghaus6793]

I like Jimmy’s over the top behavior because he’s being himself, and I think this shows that Jimmy is 100% capable of giving a nice interview. Granted he also has tremendous love and respect for those two, because The Roots are a huge part of the success for Jimmy, and Jimmy gave them a national spotlight even after they were one of the hottest acts around. Really nice interview.

[@thehydronator3021]

had to do their own intro music lol

[@StefaniaOlla]

Love them and love the way Jimmy cares about them.💕

[@akki015]

I absolutely love that Jimmy understands how awesome The Roots are and values the band like a true fan.

[@georgesimson9807]

Anyone else notice that the sax guy was playing Shook Ones pt.II?

[@Angld003]

I was just about to type that until I saw your comment lol!

[@elsobreviviente777]

"To all the killas and the hundred dolla billas"...

[@snowdjagha]

They're all playing Shook Ones. Listen to the bass

[@NdubuisiNwade]

They're all playing shook ones

[@melissaalexandra9593]

Jimmy is extremely lucky to have them as the shows band

[@artepjan]

Extended Interview is always the good stuff.

[@andieb731]

Love that they came out like a Second Line!

[@jonpoon3896]

I like Black Thought’s answer at the end. When they joined Jimmy at first, there was some suspicion that they had sold out for television. But they kept making music the only way they know how and not just rested on being a tv band

[@X3000Chan]

Questlove expands on what you're talking about in this other Fallon interview and has said that they were tired of touring after 15yrs and wanted to be more settled 'cause some of the guys wanted to stay in one place and raise families and such, so they were looking at this as kind of a chill "retirement gig", but as soon as they took it, it just made them even more popular and known and they started getting calls for all kinds of projects, so now they're busier than ever. Lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKKWqXelp8almZo

[@reedkellner6447]

That 30 for 30 analogy piques my interest. I'm definitely going to give that a watch.

[@LauraRizzotto]

I love how chill they are and how much Jimmy appreciates and recognizes the awesomeness of The Roots. Killer musicians getting the respect they deserve! 💛

[@Pitashreee]

The interview we've been waiting for !

[@susanlee9775]

This is such a great interview. These guys are so great. They can cook for me anytime they want!! Love that they are from Philly.

[@MKMK-bj2sk]

*These guys look like they could perform music/play musical instruments they should start a band or something*

[@rexsexson5349]

Yeah I wonder why they don't? 🤨🤔😉

[@brandisanders5793]

Lol..i am assuming your joking but just incase... (Grammy Award-winning band The Roots)

[@rexsexson5349]

@@brandisanders5793 yes i know

[@dianaw.5643]

meh

[@BrandonSunn]

That’s a good idea honestly

[@TheGameLecturer]

Tariq's beard is always the most impecable of all !

[@edub9930]

Black Thought doesn't get mentioned in top 5 enough. Hes been one of the most consistent, important voices in hip hop period.

[@VocallyYours3]

That’s so awesome & congratulations y’all!!

[@fleory1]

Wonderful ! Thank you from France ! 🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵

[@abcamacho6187]

Interviews with these guys are amazing. Do this more often Jimmy!! Lol these guys are always a few ft away😂😂so why not

[@curlyqs100]

"It's a real Boujee Dinner!" 🤣🤣🤣

[@loriasmith8655]

My friend had a cooking class party last Sunday night based on this cookbook. It was awesome and the food was FIRE!! It's a great book.

[@ronnituppurainen639]

Questlove and Tariiq mad respect!!

[@vitormartins5742]

My man Tariq (aka freestyle G.O.A.T) got a grandma cardigan, sprinkled some glitter on it, and it looks dope af. Of course I couldn't pull that off, but he sure can.

[@poohbairhoneyville1865]

I love it!!!! Musical, intelligence and strength in solid foundations 👏👏👏👏👏

[@jomontanee]

I apologize in advance if this offenses other late night's fans, I don't mean any harm. I love the way (James-Jimmy) Fallon and (James) Corden really cared about their house bands. Their affectionate bond makes variety shows more intimate and sentimental. Last few weeks Rami Malek highly complimented Colbert's house band to Stephen but he just skipped over it so Rami must emphasize again his compliments on the band that it felt awkward.

[@Grnvolpe]

Shook Ones sounds so dope on Sax!

[@georgewehmeyer4694]

Love the shoutout to Shea Serrano! He really is one of those people with a finger on the pulse of pop culture. Great follow on twitter.

[@rexsexson5349]

I remember the day the roots came out. I bought their first CD. I thought that's it. That's real. That's music. Not catering to a broad audience but music that speaks to a broad audience. Music is emotion, something you feel. It is a time, place, smell, event or commentary. It can make you think. Get up and dance. Cry. Understand a deeper meaning. Like Public Enemy, Gil Scott Heron, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, George Michael Rush, And others It is music to invoke to thinking, to be better. To see the world in a way where we all must understand we are one race, the Human Race. Questlove, The Roots, or any version there of does this. Thank God for them not making music for money's sake. But making music for the sake of the human race.

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Took us a second to realize that they were playing Shook Ones. They need to do that in marching band version LoL

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Need The Roots do the entire Shook Ones instrumental or do a cover with live instrumentation.

[@jaredbstevens]

I love these guys!

[@beanzzthakkid]

Tariq looked like Bobby Shmurda back in high school lol 😂

[@farmihaakther3967]

Hey nice vid

[@C3studios]

I WANT TO HEAR THE ROOTS PLAY THE ENTIRE SONG THEY WALKED OUT PLAYING!

[@C3studios]

@Eli Gillespie Thanks. I know the song, but I want THE ROOTS to perform the whole song live using the same acoustic instruments and percussion, just as they did on the show. It was a cool sound.

[@IHav3No3n3mies]

@C3 Studios Eli Gillespie dipped after you told him off good job

[@C3studios]

@@IHav3No3n3mies Forgot what he said. Appears he deleted his comment!

[@IHav3No3n3mies]

@@C3studios yes that's what I mean you showed him

[@flowerpower895]

WE HAVING FUN WE HAVING GOOD ! ur killing me guys im in tears thank u for making me die and wake up again

[@biancanobrega4121]

i love themmm!

[@NatedaGREAT21]

Now that’s an entrance!!

[@howHumam]

That opening had a good Mardi Gras vibe😂

[@norahbuksbaum5226]

i love the roots!!

[@Trapper64]

I really hope Mix-Tape Pot-Luck features Steve Higgins' recipe for BBQ ribs featured in his own cookbook, A Good Ribbing.

[@carlrosenzweig1867]

I'm older than and just as "shockingly Caucasian" as Bill Burr. I'm very ignorant when it comes to rap and hip hop. It's not really my jam for the most part. But I just love The Roots and can't get enough of them.

[@trackman411]

You're the man

[@poeticjustice8420]

Best entrance

[@THEsunnyinpa]

Yo, Questlove is in the house

[@MrTraveller.]

Legends

[@wrightterence680]

Its a real bougie dinner!!😂😂

[@rexsexson5349]

Questlove is the best.

[@GoodxJ]

What is that necklace that Questlove is wearing I see Russ always rocking that thing too! ?

[@davidduval29]

I better not see any comments bullying Quest love

[@muhizicalvin6865]

Hassan Whiteside Headband why

[@violeta585]

Nice!...you just opened the door for it -.-

[@korvmalin]

Hassan Whiteside Headband for what? What’s wrong with him in your opinion?

[@snowdjagha]

Wait what? Why would people do that?

[@davisdowell1986]

Thats actually exactly what I'm here for

[@luzheladiaramirez9449]

Love the roots

[@huneymoney9408]

came here after Quest's 50yo celebration video

[@5olodkyi]

Was that Speed Law instrumental at the beginning?

[@jamesmarie]

BT beard game is on point.

[@JuveriyaRockzz]

I hope everyone is having an amazing day

[@Iamkellydesiree]

❤️ Questlove ❤️

[@kinggriffin4279]

big ups

[@thacrypt223]

My favourite two groups; Wu-Tang clan and the Roots.

[@ashleymoore484]

Jimmy didn’t understand the 3am roast joke 😂🤦🏽‍♀️

[@soomi.]

They're so intelligent

[@charlesledlow1170]

do a hip hop cooking show

[@PatfromMania]

Is that an instrumental cover of shook ones by Mobb Deep??

[@thamomentum]

Finally. Kanye West may be a goof now but Jesus walks was a masterpiece

[@youssefheisenberg6410]

That intro tho

[@viksaggu9085]

Omg who’s playing the music LOL

[@a.i.4343]

I bet Jimmy didn't know what The Roots were playing as their entrance song.

[@blue9multimediagroup]

You'd be surprised. Jimmy is a big hip hop head.

[@QueenofWheels]

The Roots need a cooking show.

[@jomontanee]

BRILLIANT IDEA!

[@krisdickson6332]

Yo!!! Quest has a dope t shirt... I jus wanna kno where to top one... Anyone?

[@luna.aj227]

Im EARLY FOR ONCE

[@theodorebookeriv6917]

Did The Roots play "Shook Ones" when they were introduced?

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Yes

[@zvbrfecit]

This is the most natural I've seen Jimmy. It's refreshing. Unlike the fake performative facade that he puts on with other celebrities sometimes.

[@QueenofWheels]

If you don't like him don't watch the show but it's annoying when y'all in the comments whining.

[@zvbrfecit]

@@QueenofWheels quit whining about whining comments

[@ilugan886]

intro for me

[@shihadsaif]

Tariq is the coolest

[@nabihamahmed]

Questlove is wearing a tasbih around his neck ☪️📿

[@Buyis]

Quest can get it

[@missevelynr]

7:23 😂

[@MKMK-bj2sk]

*I am SHOOKETH*

[@RockStar-ls9vv]

Hello I love you

[@villanessa]

Tariq is so adorable 💓

[@beatsbykana]

he likes cooking more than mcing??? he must be a crazy good cook lol

[@LLPSY809]

0:07 shook ones pt2

[@nazsimons]

Air fryers are great!!!

[@eastsidedrifto24]

Black Thought = The Goat

[@Nayops23]

Quest got some thick legs.

[@stevefitzherbert]

what tariq is wearing its amazing. is that cardigan?

[@anthonyroe7983]

One of these days my beard will be on tariks level

[@anthonyroe7983]

Tariq*

[@MUNCheeTz420]

Most epic, entrance??? Lol

[@shortie9103]

Best chefs ever?

[@ibrahim-uc6mz]

hi

[@Loczex23]

Nice Questlove, you used to be wider, or it's some television trick?

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

7:42 Take heed James Hetfield. You never let Kirk Hammett make his blues album. I'm sure there are a ton more examples of micromanaged bands.

[@adamross2256]

I wonder if Quest plays some D&D. He looks like a dude I'd see at a table, pulling out some dice. I guess I should say "I wanna play some D&D with Quest"... Tariq can DM

[@j_ndgo]

if that entrance wasn't a john batiste and stay human diss i don't know what is lol

[@foolishsamurai]

Tariq, this cat is cool AF, what's he not good at?