- Questlove views the Drake-Kendrick feud as a departure from the essence of hip-hop, focusing on personal attacks and mudslinging rather than musical competition.
- He believes that the feud has contributed to a decline in the value and integrity of hip-hop, reflecting a broader issue within the music industry.
- Questlove criticizes the audience for their role in perpetuating the feud, suggesting that their enjoyment of the drama contributes to the genre’s downfall.
Newsypeople- Ahmir Khalib Thompson is a multi-talented American musician, music journalist, actor, producer, and culinary entrepreneur, best known as the drummer and joint frontman for the influential rap group The Roots. The Roots are celebrated for their dynamic live performances and their pioneering contributions to hip-hop.
Beyond his role in The Roots, Questlove is a prolific DJ, a music producer, and a designer. He is also an accomplished author, having reached The New York Times bestseller list. Questlove’s contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and an Academy Award.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Questlove serves as the musical director on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where The Roots perform as the house band. He also shares his knowledge and passion for music as an adjunct professor at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Questlove’s broad range of talents and interests have made him a prominent and respected figure in the music and entertainment industries.
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Questlove On Drake-Kendrick Feud: ‘Hip Hop Truly Is Dead’
Questlove, the drummer for The Roots and a renowned figure in the hip-hop community, expressed his disappointment with the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, stating that “hip hop truly is dead.” This sentiment came in response to the escalating war of words between the two prominent rappers, which has seen a series of volatile diss tracks and personal attacks.
Questlove criticized the feud for not being about skill but rather a “wrestling match level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary,” disregarding the impact on women, children, and actual facts.
The feud began with each artist attacking the other’s skills, careers, and alleged ghostwriters, typical of rap battles. However, it took a personal turn when Kendrick Lamar, in his track “Euphoria,” criticized Drake’s parenting skills and accused him of cultural appropriation. Drake responded with “Family Matters,” accusing Lamar of being a domestic abuser and questioning the paternity of one of his children. Lamar retaliated with “Meet the Grahams,” dragging Drake’s family into the controversy and making serious allegations, including claims of running a sex trafficking ring.
Despite the drama, Questlove expressed concern over the collateral damage to the rappers’ innocent bystanders, including their families and fans. He warned that the audience, eager for more conflict, might soon turn against the artists involved, further contributing to the perceived death of hip-hop.
This feud, according to Questlove, has taken a toll on the genre, with many fans and pundits alike dismayed by the personal and vicious nature of the exchanges. The situation has led to a quieting of both camps, with most rap pundits siding with Lamar as the winner, though at a significant cost to the genre’s reputation and the well-being of those involved.
Questlove Career And Achievement In Details
Ahmir K. Thompson, known professionally as Questlove, is a multifaceted artist and cultural influencer who has made significant contributions to music, film, and literature. Born on January 20, 1971, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Questlove’s journey into the world of entertainment began at a young age, influenced by his father’s doo-wop band, the Hearts, and his mother’s modeling and singing career. His early fascination with music was nurtured through his involvement in his father’s performances, starting with preparing outfits and stage lighting at the age of seven.
By age 12, he had his first public performance at Radio City Music Hall, alongside his father. Questlove’s education at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts further honed his skills, where he met future collaborators like Tariq Trotter, who would later become the frontman of the Roots.
In 1987, Questlove co-founded the jazz/hip-hop group the Roots, which quickly gained critical and commercial acclaim. The Roots have been serving as the in-house band for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” since 2014, following their role on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”.
Questlove’s contributions extend beyond music, as he is also a record producer, DJ, music journalist, actor, and film director. He has produced recordings for a wide range of artists, including Elvis Costello, Common, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Bilal, Jay-Z, Nikka Costa, Booker T. Jones, Al Green, Amy Winehouse, and John Legend. His production work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, six Grammy Awards, and a BAFTA Award.
Questlove’s literary endeavors have also garnered attention. He has authored four books, including “Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove” (2013), “Soul Train: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation” (2013), “Something To Food About: Exploring Creativity with Innovative Chefs” (2016), and “Music Is History” (2021). These works explore various aspects of music, creativity, and American history, reflecting Questlove’s broad interests and deep engagement with cultural phenomena.
In addition to his musical and literary pursuits, Questlove has ventured into filmmaking. He directed the 2021 documentary “Summer of Soul,” which won an Academy Award. This film, like his other projects, showcases his commitment to storytelling and his ability to blend different artistic mediums to convey complex narratives and themes.
Questlove’s career is a testament to his versatility and his ability to blend his passion for music, creativity, and storytelling across various platforms. His contributions to the entertainment industry have not only defined his own career but have also influenced and inspired countless artists and creators around the world.
