Drop Knowledge...Not Bombs

And we could kill a whole show"

?uestlove, also known as Questlove, (born Ahmir Khalib Thompson) is most well-known for being the Afro'd drummer of hip-hop band The Roots. He has also produced music for artists such as Common, D'Angelo and the legendary Al Green.

Growing up in Philadelphia, he was surrounded by music from a young age, as his father was Lee Andrews of the 1950's doo-wop group Lee Andrews & the Hearts. He began drumming at the age of 2, and used to tour with his parents at various shows across the country.

However, he was not a member of a group until he met one Tariq Trotter (aka Black Thought). After he graduated from the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, he and Trotter formed a band that was first called The Square Roots, then The Roots. With the addition of Scott Storch on keyboards, Malik B on vocals, and Josh Abrams on bass, the group released their debut "Organix" in 1993, recorded at a live show in Germany.

After the release of "Do You Want More ?!!!??!" in 1995 and "Illadelph Halflife" in 1996, The Roots received recognition for their efforts winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for 2000, with the song "You Got Me" (ft. Erykah Badu). ?uestlove's skill was demonstrated in the final moments of this track, with a huge solo. The song and award helped showcase the talents of the group, and made the album "Things Fall Apart" go platinum. With the release of "Phrenology" in 2002, "The Tipping Point" in 2004, and "Game Theory" in 2006, The Roots have become more successful, and bridge the gap between hip hop and rock, giving a unique sound, helped by production by ?uestlove.

?uestlove has featured on songs/albums by Joss Stone, Christin Aguilera, Blackalicious, Erykah Badu, Dilated Peoples, N.E.R.D and Common.

?uestlove contributes hugely to the trademark sound of The Roots. As producer and drummer, he is influential in making them who they are as a group. I first began listening to them after the release of "The Tipping Point", and can say that they fill a niche in hip hop-they are not reliant on synthesized beats, and create their own instrumentals, giving a warm sound that can be appreciated by any hip hop or even rock fan. Any of their albums a worth a try, and Black Thoughts flow is breathtaking, matching with the jazzy, live instrumentals of the influential group. They are also fantastic live, and are considered one of the best live groups in the genre.

From the album "Game Theory", the song Don't Feel Right ft Maimouna Youssef demonstrates ?uestlove's skills: