?uestlove

about

?uestlove (pronounced "Questlove") is the stage name of Ahmir Khalib Thompson, born January 20, 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an African-American musician, DJ, and record producer, best known as the drummer for hip-hop band The Roots. ?uestlove's work with The Roots is regarded as being sonically innovative; he has also produced for artists such as Common and D'Angelo and member of the production teams Grand Negaz and The Grand Wizzards. Biography Early years ?uestlove's father was Lee Andrews of Lee Andrews & the Hearts, a 50s doo-wop group. His parents did not want to leave him with babysitters, and took ?uestlove on tour with them. He grew up in backstages of doo-wop shows, and began drumming at the age of two. By the age of seven, ?uestlove began drumming on stage at shows, and by 13, had become a musical director. As a teenager, ?uestlove's parents enrolled him at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. By the time he graduated, he had founded a band called The Square Roots (later dropping the word "square") with his friend Tariq Trotter (Black Thought). ?uestlove's classmates at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts included Boyz II Men, jazz bassist Christian McBride, and jazz organist Joey Defrancesco. ?uestlove began performing on South Street (akin to Greenwich Village and Haight Ashbury) in Philadelphia using drums, while Tariq rhymed over his beats and rhythms. Professional music career The Roots'