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  • CAREER EXPLORATION
    • Ahmir Questlove Thompson

    Ahmir Questlove Thompson

    Drummer

    The Roots

    Philadelphia, PA USA

    “I don't know if anyone who's truly successful feels a sense of completion. I think it's just a constant mission to stay ahead.”

    Videos

    Videos

    By Roadtrip Nation

    Ahmir Questlove Thompson

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    Ahmir Questlove Thompson HighlightInterview Highlight
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    InterviewThe Interview
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    Art and BusinessWeb Exclusive
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    Cool with the TruthWeb Exclusive
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    Personal MotivationWeb Exclusive
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    Hard WorkWeb Exclusive
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    ChessInterview Excerpt
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    Russian RouletteInterview Excerpt
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    Milestones

    Milestones

    My road in life has been direct.
    Started drumming at the age of two, got his first drum set when he was eight.
    Would practice three to five hours every day as a kid.
    Heard Grammy-winner Wynton Marsalis say he practiced eight hours a day and knew he had to step it up.
    The Roots started out busking on the streets of Philadelphia, felt lucky if they made twenty dollars in a day.
    After signing their first contract, band moved to Europe to tour, spent nights in two-star hotels.
    Says he works an average of 18-20 hours a day-like a hamster, he's always spinning his wheel.
    Treats each new year like a game of Russian Roulette: take a risk, see if you make it through, take another.
    Stresses the importance of "proper planning"-like a chess player, always be thinking 12 steps ahead.
    Keep following my journey
    Career

    Career

    Drummer

    I'm the drummer for "The Roots," appearing on "The Tonight Show" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."

    Career Roadmap

    Roadmap
    My work combines:
    My work combines:
    Art
    Art
    Music
    Music
    Being Creative
    Being Creative

    Hurdles

    Hurdles

    Challenges I Overcame

    Financial
    Financial

    I got accepted to Julliard in New York, but because of my financial situation I couldn't afford to live in New York City.