On this episode of Queue Points On The Radar, DJ Sir Daniel sits down with Big Trouble, Fait and Essence of the R&B girl group ENV. The Jackson, Mississippi-based group is getting a lot of buzz and have been inspired by the likes of Blaque, Destiny's Child and TLC. They are bringing their own flavor, and ready to show the world the fullness and fierceness of Black women! Their latest single is called “Desire.” Stream it here: https://qpnt.net/desire-env Watch this interview on our website: h...
Feb 21, 2023•35 min
Thirty years ago, on February 16, 1993, Flavor Unit, Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere’s musical crew dropped their inaugural compilation CD - “Roll Wit Tha Flava.” After years of making appearances on each other’s work, this was the first time out for the crew as a whole. This episode will chart Queen Latifah’s artistic pivot, the record that marked the shift and the unlikely rise of an R&B powerhouse - Zhané. #HipHop50 Read show notes: https://qpnt.net/show-88-notes Watch this episode on ou...
Feb 18, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 88
In the 1980s, Spike Lee showed young Black folks like DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray what was possible for us. Spike showed Black love and Black experience unapologetically on screen, and became an inspiration for many. Spike was also very connected to hip hop culture, and infused hip hop, Jazz and soul into every part of his films. On this episode we’re discussing the brilliant, Black, film history of Spike Lee through a music lens. About the #1988Series: 1988 was a banner year for Black music. Hip ...
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 87
YEAAAAHHHHHHH BOYEEEEEEEEE! Public Enemy’s sophomore record It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back was a line in the sand for where rap music was heading in 1988. An album that defined an era for Def Jam and thrust conscious rap into the mainstream, Millions is the gold standard for golden era hip hop. For the start of Black History Month 2023, we’re revisiting the impact of this landmark album. About the #1988Series: 1988 was a banner year for Black music. Hip Hop solidified itself as a ...
Feb 04, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 86
Thanks to Carnegie Hall for sponsoring this episode. Carnegie Hall presents Samora Pinderhughes and Friends: The Healing Project on February 10, 2023 at 9PM. To purchase tickets visit: https://qpnt.net/healingproject . #ad #sponsored Samora Pinderhughes is using his music to talk to us about our current moment, and calling back to a long, and important history of social justice in music. On this special episode of Queue Points, Pinderhughes sits down with Jay Ray to discuss his inspirations, his...
Feb 01, 2023•35 min
During our last episode we discussed the introduction of MC Skat Kat during Paula Abdul’s “Opposite’s Attract.” The inclusion of an animated, rapping cat was one of the signals of hip hop’s growing cultural influence. In fact, hip hop was showing up in cartoons throughout the 1980s. During the 1990s rappers moved easily into cartoon stardom. From Kid ‘n Play to MC Hammer we’re revisiting the era of the rapping cartoon. Watch this episode on our website: https://to.qpnt.net/watch-show-85 We recor...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 85
On our first episode in our year-long #1988Series, we are discussing the legacy of Paula Abdul’s music debut Forever Your Girl. The album landed with a bang launching Abdul’s career into the stratosphere with six Hot 100 hits including four number ones. With game-changing videos and tight choreography from Abdul herself, Forever Your Girl, earned its respect among Black music fans. Tune in as we dive into the groove-filled moment in Pop history. During the first segment of the show the hosts che...
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 84
One hallmark of the 1990s was the, still flourishing and profitable, girl group. On episode #5, back in 2021, we discussed why there aren't any girl groups anymore. For this episode we are remembering those groups that were right there on the cusp of superstardom. Jade, Nuttin Nyce, Terri & Monica, Changing Faces, The Good Girls, Brownstone and BlackGirl. These groups had hits, and were so close, but it didn’t quite happen. On this episode we have a conversation about it, reminisce about som...
Jan 14, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 83
We are back for 2023! Kicking off our first show of the year is us remembering the enormous impact and jam-filled legacy of Schoolhouse Rock. The legendary platform premiered on January 6, 1973, and we’re celebrating its 50th birthday. In addition to that, during the first segment of the show, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray recap the Dionne Warwick documentary “Don’t Make Me Over.” Watch Show #40 - Dionne Warwick: #RockHall2022 Series: https://qpnt.net/show-41 Enjoy Queue Points? Leave us a tip on Pa...
Jan 07, 2023•48 min•Ep. 82
It’s the holiday season, and Queue Points is excited to discuss the season, and some of the fun music related memories from our past. We’ll also be unveiling our 2022 Holiday Gift Giving Guide, so that you can shop for the music lover in your life this holiday season. View Merry Errythang! our 2022 Holiday Gift Giving Guide: https://qpnt.net/2022guide Download show notes: https://qpnt.net/show-81-notes Enjoy Queue Points? Leave us a tip on Patreon: https://qpnt.net/tipjar Become a Queue Points I...
Dec 10, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 81
This World AIDS Day , DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray are dedicating the show to the music that helped educate and inform during the height of the HIV epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s. There is no justice movement that emerges without art, and many musicians turned HIV activists during the most difficult years. Black artists were absolutely on the frontlines demanding money for research and treatment and educating the community. Joining us for this conversation is stephen hicks. Download show notes: ht...
Dec 02, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 80
Well folks, it’s Thanksgiving, and a time when many folks are reflecting on their life over the last year, and preparing to spend time with friends and family. Well, we’ve invited our family to join us to celebrate. Ashli J. Washington and Mashaun D. Simon from B4Nine Podcast are stopping through! B4Nine Podcast is getting set for their next season, and we want to talk to them about what happened during their break, what they’re thankful for and what folks can expect during the upcoming season o...
Nov 27, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 79
If you checked out our last show, you heard an intense conversation on the current state of hip hop. This conversation brings into view one of the bright lights in the new school of MCs. Philly’s CSW joins us for a conversation to introduce himself and his philosophy to the Queue Points community. DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray also check in on the Afros & Audio Podcast Conference . This show was recorded in person at Rec Philly . Watch this episode on our website: https://to.qpnt.net/watch-show-...
Nov 20, 2022•55 min•Ep. 78
The murder of Takeoff has shaken the world as a whole, and like many times on Queue Points, we’re asking the question “what can we do?” Well, for this episode we ask the question with all the accolades, the money and the fame, for hip-hop, “is it still all good?” Joining us in segment 2 is Mr. Al Pete. Al Pete is the 2022 Black Podcasting Awards Best Music Podcast winner for his podcast The Tables Might Wobble . He not only joins us for our core topic, but tells us a bit about how The Tables Mig...
Nov 12, 2022•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 77
Queue Points is back, and we’re live, and it’s time for you to vote! Because it’s voting season in the United States, we’ve decided to dedicate this show to the importance of getting out to vote! Malika Redmond, CEO and Co-Founder of Women Engaged, joins us to discuss her history of civic engagement, overcoming sexism and challenging misogynoir and why folks should be getting out to vote no matter what. Queue Up The Vote, Y’all!! Shop the Queue Points Store: https://store.queuepoints.com Watch t...
Nov 06, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 76
Thanks to Carnegie Hall for sponsoring a portion of this episode. Carnegie Hall presents Rhiannon Giddens: Songs of Our Native Daughters on November 4, 2022 at 8PM. To purchase tickets visit: https://qpnt.net/giddens . #Ad #Sponsored Queue Points is proud to present part 4 of our Country music series featuring Mike “Big Mike” Bryant. We had so much more ground that we wanted to cover so Big Mike is back to help us unpack the impact of Black musicians on Country music. There’s so much to cover, a...
Oct 28, 2022•43 min•Ep. 75
Thanks to Carnegie Hall for sponsoring a portion of this episode. Carnegie Hall presents Rhiannon Giddens: Songs of Our Native Daughters on November 4, 2022 at 8PM. To purchase tickets visit: https://qpnt.net/giddens . #Ad #Sponsored Queue Points is proud to present part 3 of our Country music series featuring Mike “Big Mike” Bryant. We had so much more ground that we wanted to cover so Big Mike is back to help us unpack the impact of Black musicians on Country music. There’s so much to cover, a...
Oct 20, 2022•52 min•Ep. 74
Thanks to Carnegie Hall for sponsoring a portion of this episode. Carnegie Hall presents Rhiannon Giddens: Songs of Our Native Daughters on November 4, 2022 at 8PM. To purchase tickets visit: https://qpnt.net/giddens . #Ad #Sponsored Queue Points is proud to present part 2 of our Country music series featuring Mike “Big Mike” Bryant. For this episode we pick up where we left off with honoring the tremendous career of Charley Pride. Big Mike takes us deep into Mr. Pride’s career, and we learn so ...
Oct 14, 2022•45 min•Ep. 73
Thanks to Carnegie Hall for sponsoring a portion of this episode. Carnegie Hall presents Rhiannon Giddens: Songs of Our Native Daughters on November 4, 2022 at 8PM. To purchase tickets visit: https://qpnt.net/giddens . #Ad #Sponsored Queue Points is proud to present part 1 of our Country music series featuring Mike “Big Mike” Bryant. We had so much more ground that we wanted to cover so Big Mike is back to help us unpack the impact of Black musicians on Country music. There’s so much to cover, a...
Oct 06, 2022•41 min•Ep. 72
The news about FN Meka shocked many of us, but if we pull back the layers of it, the music industry has been test driving the idea of Blackness as an avatar for decades. What could this mean for our future, and how can we push back on it. On this episode we’re discussing artificial intelligence, holograms and Blackness in the music industry. Enjoy Queue Points? Leave us a tip on Patreon: https://qpnt.net/tipjar Become a Queue Points Insider to watch video replays of archived episodes, exclusives...
Sep 30, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 71
Beef is as synonymous with hip-hop culture as the five elements themselves. From the earliest days rappers have had to prove who’s the best MC. Over the years raps on records have often turned into violence. Adding in the aspect of money, it can be a recipe for disaster. Join us for that discussion. DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray will also reveal their top 3 dis records and discuss the nomination of Queue Points for Best Black Music Podcast. Tune in for an informative and entertaining show. Watch thi...
Sep 24, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 70
It’s interesting times that we’re living in. Hip-hop legend Cakes Da Killa made a tweet that we felt like we needed to explore a bit more - “Imagine doing something that wasn’t considered cool for years to then have it become cool years later and people tell you NOW you have to play by the rules set by people who didn’t even pioneer the s**t in the first place.” For this show we are exploring history and asking the question “can Black folks be culture vultures too?” Joining us to thread this del...
Sep 17, 2022•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 69
Well it’s official, the kids are back to school, Labor Day is over, and that means Summer 2022 is behind us. But … what was this summer’s “summer jam?” What was that one song that united the world under a groove? Did we even have one? DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray chat about what happened. Moetown Lee and Dr. Ed Garnes from the Reclamation Point podcast joined us for an interview earlier in the week to discuss Black men and mental health. We play a portion of that interview on this show, as well. Wa...
Sep 09, 2022•58 min•Ep. 68
We’ve said this many times on the show, but Rob Milton is one of the hardest working men in music. From a string of consistently top-notch releases as a solo artist and as part of Cousin , Milton has been a source of joy and inspiration for the work we do here at Queue Points. It’s been a long time coming, but this show is all about the journey of Rob Milton, so far. During our special segment, Jackson, MS, resident Marq McPerson is with us at the top of the show. As you know, Jackson residents ...
Sep 02, 2022•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 67
The music industry isn’t known for its fairness when it comes to artist’s rights. Bad contracts, and flat out lies have been told to get artists into deals that rob them of their livelihoods and in many cases their futures. J Nolan will be joining us for this interesting conversation about the long winding road of predatory hip-hop contracts. Watch this full episode on our website: https://to.qpnt.net/watch-show-66 J Nolan Bio: J Nolan is an independent Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, and music entr...
Aug 26, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 66
Traveling the independent artist road in music can be challenging, but also rewarding. There are artists on the scene who’ve found ways to explore their talents in many ways, and one of them is DJ Saint Smith. An accomplished singer/songwriter, Smith is creating his own sound, “Church&B.” We are going to explore his career, inspirations, his upcoming Gospel day party “Water to Wine” and his debut album “Yours, Saintly.” Watch this full episode on our website: https://to.qpnt.net/show-65 Sain...
Aug 19, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 65
Since the release of Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” there’s been an echo of conversation from men who don’t see themselves able to enjoy the work. This isn’t the first time music from women has generated this kind of attention. On this show we are excited to have DJ R-Tistic with us to discuss how he reads the dancefloor to make decisions about what to play. Also, we want to dive into a discussion on ways to influence party goers to enjoy all music. Watch the episode on our website: https://to.qpnt.net...
Aug 12, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 64
Letting Kelis tell her own story is always the best idea. Just like her musical persona suggests, she tells it like it is. The Harlem-native captivated us when her bright, curly hair and loud screaming appeared on BET in her debut video “Caught Out There,” and our adulation never stopped. Truthfully, we’d discussed doing an official Kelis show many times, and it sounds like now is the time. Join DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray as they recount the career of the maverick culture shifter. Enjoy Queue Poi...
Aug 07, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 63
With the recent arrest of YSL crew, the conversation about rappers’ lyrics being used in criminal prosecution has come into more prominent light. It’s a complicated issue, further complicated by the long history of the policing of hip-hop. On this show, we’re revisiting the long history of hip-hop and the criminal justice system. Enjoy this episode? Leave us a tip on Patreon: https://qpnt.net/tipjar Become a Queue Points Insider to watch video replays of archived episodes, exclusives and more: h...
Jul 29, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 62
As hip-hop stars have attained more fame and notoriety, many have made humanitarianism part of their brand. In a feel-good story this week, The Weeknd flew a 6 year old fan to his Philadelphia show after a Toronto cancellation. A gracious act that the child’s father remarked “I wouldn’t be able to put this last week into words if I tried.” On this show we’re going to explore the fun history of hip-hop philanthropists. Content Mentioned In This Episode Topic: Queue Points Updates Follow Queue Poi...
Jul 17, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 61
