Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson Books In Order

Publication Order of The Rhythm of Time Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Questlove Picture Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Questlove / Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson

Ahmir Thompson, who goes by the stage name Questlove, is a multitalented American artist known for his work in music, film, and media. He plays drums and shares lead vocal duties with Black Thought in the hip-hop group The Roots. The band gained wider recognition as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a role they’ve held since 2014. Beyond performing, Questlove helped produce the Grammy-winning Hamilton cast album, showcasing his versatility.

Questlove’s creativity extends beyond music into writing, teaching, and digital media. He co-founded the popular music and culture websites Okayplayer, along with OkayAfrica, connecting artists with audiences. In 2016, he began teaching at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, sharing his industry knowledge with students. He also hosts Questlove Supreme, a podcast where he discusses music and interviews influential figures.

Known for his engaging style, Questlove has a talent for making his projects lively and appealing. Whether drumming, producing, or hosting, he brings energy and depth to his work. His ability to blend humor, insight, and skill keeps audiences interested. With so many roles, he continues to leave a mark on entertainment in fresh and exciting ways.

Questlove keeps audiences engaged with his dynamic performances, sharp humor, and deep musical knowledge. Whether drumming with The Roots on The Tonight Show or DJing at major events, he brings energy and spontaneity to every show. His ability to mix genres and eras makes his sets unpredictable and fun. Fans appreciate how he connects with them, whether live or through his podcast, Questlove Supreme, where conversations flow naturally.

Beyond music, Questlove has expanded into writing, sharing his insights in books that entertain and educate. His works, like Mo’ Meta Blues and Creative Quest, blend memoir, advice, and cultural commentary. The books reflect his conversational style, making complex ideas easy to grasp. Readers enjoy his mix of personal stories and practical wisdom, delivered with his signature wit.

From stage to page, Questlove’s creativity reaches people in different ways. His live shows thrill crowds, while his books invite deeper reflection on music and life. He effortlessly shifts between performer and storyteller, keeping his audience hooked. No matter the medium, his passion and authenticity shine through, making everything he does compelling.

Questlove’s career shows no signs of slowing down, with new projects always on the horizon. Whether it’s music, film, writing, or teaching, he continues to explore fresh ways to share his creativity. Fans can expect more surprises, collaborations, and insightful work from him in the years ahead. His passion for art and storytelling ensures there’s always something exciting to look forward to.

Early and Personal Life

Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson was born in 1971 on the 20th of January, Philadelphia, to parents deeply immersed in music. His father, Lee Andrews, was a doo-wop singer, and his mother performed in a soul group, exposing him to live music from infancy. Growing up backstage at shows, he soaked up the energy of performance, helping with outfits and stage lights before eventually drumming for his father’s band by age 12.

He honed his craft at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, where he formed The Roots with classmate Tariq Trotter (Black Thought). Surrounded by future stars like Boyz II Men and jazz greats, Questlove developed a unique style, blending street percussion with traditional drumming. His early performances on South Street with improvised beats and call-and-response rhythms shaped his dynamic, low-set drumming approach.

Later in life, DNA testing revealed his West African heritage, tracing his roots to the Mende people. Through Finding Your Roots, he learned about his ancestors’ journey from Benin to Alabama on the last known slave ship to the U.S. This deep connection to history fuels his artistry, as he continues to inspire audiences with music, storytelling, and cultural exploration.

Writing Career

Questlove began his writing career by contributing the foreword to Check the Technique in 2007 before releasing his memoir, Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove, in 2013. That same year, he authored Soul Train: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation, celebrating the iconic TV show’s cultural impact. His writing expanded in 2016 with Something to Food About, a creative exploration with chefs, followed by Creative Quest in 2018, a guide to nurturing originality.

In 2019, he released the cookbook Mixtape Potluck, blending food and music culture, and in 2021, Music Is History examined decades of songs through a historical lens. He also wrote an essay for The Beatles’ Revolver reissue in 2022. Launching his own imprint, Auwa Books, in 2023, he published Hip-Hop Is History, further cementing his role as a thoughtful chronicler of music and culture. With more projects ahead, his writing career continues to evolve.

Mo’ Meta Blues

The memoir Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove was co-authored by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson and Ben Greenman. Published on June 18, 2013, the book was released by Grand Central Publishing. This marked Questlove’s first full-length literary work, blending personal reflection with insights on music and culture.

The book itself presents Questlove’s lively memoir, blending personal stories with sharp commentary on music legends and cultural movements. The book explores his journey from 1970s Philadelphia as a doo-wop singer’s son to co-founding the Roots. As a drummer, producer, and cultural influencer, Questlove shares pivotal moments in hip-hop and pop history. Written with humor and insight, it offers a unique look at his life and the evolution of black artistry.

Music is History

Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson authored Music is History, a collection of essays analyzing music through historical and cultural lenses. The book was published on October 19, 2021, by Harry N. Abrams. This work continues Questlove’s literary exploration of music’s impact on society and personal experience.

The memoir became a New York Times bestseller whereby Questlove merged his musical knowledge with historical analysis of America from 1971 onward. The book explores cultural connections, from blaxploitation’s impact on Black identity to disco’s influence on music production. Questlove pairs these observations with personal reflections on how pop culture shaped his understanding of America. Combining scholarly insight with firsthand experience, this work offers a unique perspective on modern history through music.