Questlove is VIBE’s January 2025 digital cover star.
A shoot that began as an exploration of Quest’s forthcoming documentary, SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), quickly transformed into a celebration of, well, a Black genius.
The 54-year-old director, né Ahmir Thompson, detailed bits of his forthcoming Hulu project with VIBE throughout the day, sharing, “If you were to ask me, ‘What is the Sly and the Family story about?’ This is literally every artist I’ve ever been associated with— and myself. When you have everything you ever wanted, what makes you just want to ruin it in a snap?”
This exclusive BTS clip invites readers into the shoot on that oddly warm December day, a day teeming with joy, laughter, and history. Soundtracked by a stellar Earth Wind Fire playlist, curated by Thompson himself, the footage is an observation of an icon in his element—and the vibe of the village that made it all possible.
SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) premieres Thursday, Feb. 13, on Hulu. Until then, check out the behind-the-scenes footage above and read the full Questlove January 2025 digital cover story here.
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