Questlove: The Roots Drummer Releasing Memoir (Including Story of The Time He Roller Skated with Prince)

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, the drummer and figurehead for hip-hop band The Roots, will release a memoir co-written with author Ben Greenman. Even the title, "Mo' Meta Blues," resonates with a mixture of soul and academia, much like the real-life Questlove.

The drummer (sometimes spelled "?uestlove") said that when he wrote "Mo' Meta Blues," he didn't want it to linger too much on biography, nor be a tell-all. The book will also feature revealing footnotes from The Roots co-manager Richard Nichols.

Part of the mainstream appeal in "Mo' Meta" will be its descriptions of encounters with fellow celebrities. One particular anecdote that the drummer shared with SPIN magazine was his time roller skating with R&B star Prince in 2006. Questlove said that he was full of those "Forrest Gump I-was-there" moments.

The book has darker moments as well. Questlove suggested that most of the stories involving celebrities only came into the book because they were part of a more serious backstory. The drummer was relating his experiences with death of rapper J Dilla. He has just happened to meet Prince that same week, and Greenman insisted that it make the memoir. If Questlove's interview with SPIN is any indication, he often reads deeply into everyday occurrences. He described going to a dinner that went from two to 12 people at the table. He admitted to the interviewer, after realizing how much he enjoyed himself: "Whoa. I need friends."

Questlove has been drumming with The Roots since the band's inception in 1993. He became one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop thanks to his signature afro, complete with pick. The Roots is currently the house band for NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."