On this hot topic episode, we discuss the recent announcement by the head of the Grammy Committee about AI in music. We explore the evolving rules surrounding AI songs and ponder who will be eligible for nominations in the future. We take a trip down memory lane to the empowering era of the 1980s, where music and visuals reflected themes of Black women's empowerment. We discuss the challenges faced by Black women of size in the music industry during that time and propose alternative approaches t...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 115
Navigating critical judgment and personal trials to releasing a soul-stirring album, Foxy Brown's journey is full of highs and lows, from health issues to career-defining moments we are asking the question “why is Foxy Brown not being celebrated during #HipHop50?” Purchase Tickets To Afros & Audio: https://qpnt.net/afrosandaudio23 Listen to Queue Points #25 The Anniversaries of Hard Core and Ill Na Na: https://qpnt.net/listen-show-25 Join our newsletter for behind the scenes content: https:/...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 114
There was a rumble coming out of the UK in the early-1990s. With the heavy influence of hip-hop came new styles that changed the way many experienced the music they loved. From the early days of Jungle that birthed Drum and Bass to to Trip Hops genre bending sounds, the crew continues our musical journey to the UK with, guest, Jason Randall Smith of Radio BSOTS. Purchase Tickets To Afros & Audio: https://qpnt.net/afrosandaudio23 Jason Randall Smith Bio Jason Randall Smith’s longtime personal...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 113
The US and the UK have always talked to each other through our music - inspiring one another to create something new and innovative. On this episode we explore UK R&B and Hip-Hop. We reminisce on some of our favorite artists, and how they impacted the United States music scene. From Loose Ends to Neneh Cherry to Sade, and much more. Join us along with our special guest Jason Randall Smith for a lively conversation. Content Mentioned in This Episode “A Fitting Musical Introduction | The World...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 112
There isn’t a time when the resilience of Black women hasn’t been a source of inspiration. The resonance in the singing voices of some of these women gave way to some of the biggest hits in House music history. Black women are the unsung heroines of the genre. ABC recently aired a segment on Good Morning America called “Queens of 90s House Music,” and on this episode DJ Sir Dance and Jay Ray break the episode down. We discuss the impact and legacy of these divas, celebrate their contributions, a...
Aug 08, 2023•49 min•Ep. 111
In the lexicon of great rap voices - Snoop Dogg absolutely stands as one of a kind. From his beginning as a young, talented rapper on Death Row’s roster to becoming a staple on “Madison Ave.,” selling us everything from beer and wine to food, Snoop is the definition of a survivor. His journey and evolution is inspiring. For #HipHop50 let's celebrate the icon, the legend, and the true embodiment of coolness, Snoop Dogg. Get ready to vibe with us on Queue Points! Watch this episode on our website:...
Aug 01, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 110
Black bodies have always been used to sell products. Fast food has embedded ourselves into our memories - the smells, the childhood nostalgia, the music. On this episode, our hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray delve into the strategic ways in which the food industry has used marketing and music to insert itself into our lives. Watch this episode on our website: https://qpnt.net/show-109 Content Mentioned in This Episode: A Brief History of Racist Soft Drinks: https://qpnt.net/F4a4 Targeted Food Mar...
Jul 25, 2023•51 min•Ep. 109
On this episode of Queue points, in our ongoing #HipHop50 series, we spotlight the influential Idol Makers crew and the 1988 release, "Hurby's Machine." Our focus is Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, a prodigious and prolific producer and writer whose career seemingly froze in the late '90s, and who has remained largely silent in recent decades. Join DJ Sir Daniel as he navigates us through this often overlooked chapter of hip hop history, shedding light on Azor's career, the rise of Salt-N-Pepa and Azor’s ...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 108
In this bonus clip, guest Donovan X. Ramsey, reads from his book "When Crack Was King: A People’s History of a Misunderstood Era” highlighting the move from the use of crack to chronic. Ramsey reads from his chapter “Intervention” which explores how popular hip hop albums and songs of the late 80s and 90s played a significant role in shifting attitudes about crack, ultimately promoting an anti-drug theme. Films like "New Jack City," "Boyz n the Hood," and "Jungle Fever" also contributed to shapi...
Jul 13, 2023•11 min
On this episode of Queue Points, we delve into the book, "When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era” with author Donovan X. Ramsey. Donovan discusses the tragic legacy of the crack epidemic through the eyes of four individuals, illuminating the vulnerability and resilience of the Black community. We discuss topics like harm reduction, the vital role of community, and the significance of having authentic representations of the people impacted by the crack epidemic. Sharing de...
Jul 11, 2023•56 min•Ep. 107
As part of our year-long #HipHop50 celebration, and to close out #BlackMusicMonth, Queue Points is going down memory lane to discuss the impact of the timeless Black youth coming-of-age film House Party. They are joined by special guest Jordan Clark, a comic book writer and co-host of the podcast White People Won’t Save You . The fellas discuss the impact of House Party on hip hop culture, highlighting its representation of teenage life and high school expectations. They analyze how the film bro...
Jul 04, 2023•55 min•Ep. 106
We’re back after a week off! In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into a significant issue: the scarcity of songs about Black fathers. As the United States recently celebrated Father's Day, we couldn't help but notice the absence of such musical tributes. Dr. Ed Garnes joins us as we unravel this phenomenon, analyze its underlying causes, and discuss actionable steps towards rectifying this disparity. Tune in to gain insights and be part of the movement for change. Podcast Shoutou...
Jun 24, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 105
“She was Cinderella for Christ’s sake!” - DJ Sir Daniel Join us on a journey as we delve into the remarkable and multifaceted career of “the vocal bible” Brandy Norwood, the renowned singer, songwriter, and actress who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. During this show, we unravel the layers of Brandy's legendary early career, from her breakthrough as a teenage sensation to her evolution into a versatile and influential artist during the “Full Moon” era. Watch this episod...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 104
Venture into the heart of music history as we explore 'Love to Love You, Donna Summer', the poignant documentary co-directed by Summer’s daughter Brooklyn Sudano. Summer’s accomplishments include an incredible 16 #1 Billboard Dance hits. DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray discuss the documentary, Summer’s career and lasting impact of her legacy. Before that, the two discuss a range of hip-hop topics from Kali’s new single “Area Codes,” “Billboard’s Top 50 Hip Hop Groups,” and three rap songs with Disco o...
Jun 03, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 103
Tina Turner is a legend of the highest order. That term is thrown around a lot, but Ms. Turner has put in the work and the sweat to BE it. With a career that spanned more than 60 years, Ms. Turner did it all from dance to TV to Rock to Soul to Disco. She is forever the Queen of Rock & Roll, and on this Queue Points, we’re honoring the legacy of the one and only Tina Turner. Watch this episode on our website: https://qpnt.net/show-102 Enjoy Queue Points? Leave us a tip on Patreon: https://qpn...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 102
Black queer women are leading the way in 2023 by both releasing new and compelling music and visuals, and also being part of the pop culture conversation. From Janelle Monae’s “Lipstick Lover” to Da Brat’s pregnancy, we’ve been inspired watching the moves these ladies are making. Join us as we discuss some history of Black queer women in music and the foundation they laid for today’s artists. Ambie Award-winning podcast producer and host Anna DeShawn will be joining us to discuss her work, the a...
May 20, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 101
Can you all believe it? We certainly can’t! It’s been two years since we started Queue Points and 100 official episodes of the show! On this episode we are going to reflect on this milestone, play some shoutouts from some of our listeners and discuss the documentary Marley. Join us, reminisce, and share your memories with us. Watch Marley: https://youtu.be/uDJ5l28C_v8 Listen to IDK “Pinot Noir” (feat. Saucy Santana & Jucee Froot): https://youtu.be/B2p2mhxTMs8 Follow DJ R-Tistic: https://link...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 100
It’s been a while since we’ve done a weekly round up show, and here’s one for you! A lot has been happening in the world of music including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2023 announcement. We discuss that along with the importance of honoring our artists while they are here. We catch up on The Met Gala and we discuss Queue Points’ top episodes of all time, so far! Enjoy Queue Points? Leave us a tip on Patreon: https://qpnt.net/tipjar Become a Queue Points Insider to watch video repla...
May 05, 2023•57 min•Ep. 99
We hear it all the time - “is (insert artist here) the next Michael Jackson?,” “I wish we had another Whitney Houston.” The question we’re asking all of us is “is it possible to have another artist who are one of one?” Why do we keep searching? Join us for this discussion about artists who can’t be replicated. In addition, the hosts have seen the documentary of, one of one artist, Little Richard and will discuss it as part of this conversation. Enjoy Queue Points? Leave us a tip on Patreon: http...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 98
On June 13, 1988, Guy’s eponymous debut album was released, and solidified a shift in the sound of contemporary R&B of the time. Following that release, we entered the golden era of New Jack Swing, and the king was superproducer and artist Teddy Riley. Riley’s emergence as a producer of note in the mid-1980s continued the lineage of Black innovation in recording and songwriting. This show is all about T.R. During the opening segment, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray catch up on hot topics of the we...
Apr 23, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 97
The term blue-eyed Soul was coined in the mid-1960s, and referenced white artists that performed Soul and R&B music. The music industry has a long history of repackaging Black music (originally referred to as “race music”) for white consumption - oftentimes with the Black artists making less than their white counterparts for songs they originated. By the 1970s, white artists such as Teena Marie, Bobby Caldwell, Average White Band and others were making the rounds on Black radio, and Black fo...
Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 96
April 5, 2023 marked the 50th birthday of musical phenom Pharrell Williams. Whether producing on his own or as part of The Neptunes or performing as a solo act, Pharrell has been part of some of the most interesting and influential music of the last 30 years. An icon of fashion, Williams’ latest role as the Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director isn’t as much surprising as it is “... of course.” For our main topic this week we’ll be discussing Virgina’s-own Pharrell Williams. During our opening...
Apr 08, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 95
If you’ve been around Queue Points for a while, you know that we’ve often had discussions about Rock & Roll, Black folks and our place in the culture. We’ve also mentioned the importance of Cree Summer in those conversations. Check out The Rock & Roll Show to catch up. It’s the last couple of days of #WomensHistoryMonth, and during this conversation we discuss 1999’s “Street Faërie,” Summer’s excellent debut, and to date, only album. We’ll reminisce a bit about the time of its release, a...
Apr 01, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 94
The musical essence of Jimi Hendrix inspired the music for the play "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky." The play is being produced by the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA from April 1st - 15th. The legacy of Jimi Hendrix is one of the most iconic in all of music history. Music composers Divinity Roxx and Eugene H. Russell IV sat down with Queue Points to discuss the inspiration behind the music in the play, the Black origins of Rock & Roll, Black rock musicians and why "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky" ...
Mar 28, 2023•28 min
On this episode of Queue Points, the hosts discuss the hit show "Swarm" and extreme fan culture. They reflect on how social media has given fans a personal connection to their favorite artists and the possible downsides of this phenomena. The discussion then shifts to mental health challenges, challenges within the foster care system and the issue of suicide among Black women. For the show's opening topics, the hosts show love to Karega and Felicia Bailey of Sol Affirmations, they also touch on ...
Mar 24, 2023•56 min•Ep. 93
Queue Points, like so many in our audience, grew up on radio. Black women on the air has been part of our history, and, on tonight’s show, we’re discussing Black women on the mic and in the business of radio - Cathy Hughes, Lady B and Wendy Williams. We also play a portion of DJ Sir Daniel’s interview with radio legend Joyce Littel as well as reflections on radio from award-winning podcast producer and Director of Podcasts for Black Love Inc., Krystal Hill. Also DJ Sir Daniel gives us a history ...
Mar 17, 2023•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 92
Did you know that DJ Sir Daniel has a history in radio? Well, he absolutely does, as he spent many years working with Joyce Littel. With over 39 years in radio, Littel is showing no signs of slowing down, even lending her voice to a segment in Usher’s Las Vegas residency. Sir Daniel gives Joyce her flowers, as they discuss her history. Joyce drops some gems about what’s been most important during her career and what’s next for her. Watch this interview: https://qpnt.net/littelinterview Follow Jo...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Planes, trains (maybe not trains) and automobiles, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray hit the road to be present for The Ambies. Queue Points was nominated for the 2023 Best Entertainment Podcast, and this show is all about their experience in Las Vegas - memorable moments, reflections and feelings about the future. Watch this episode on our website: https://qpnt.net/show-91 Watch The Ambies: https://qpnt.net/2023ambies Enjoy Queue Points? Leave us a tip on Patreon: https://qpnt.net/tipjar Become a Queue...
Mar 11, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 91
It’s #WomensHistoryMonth, and we’re kicking off the month with a discussion about producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer Patrice Rushen. At a time when few Black women controlled their musical creativity and output, Rushen was in a class all her own. 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of her move to Elektra Records. With hits including "Haven't You Heard?" and Forget Me Nots, the era marked Rushen’s shift to a more R&B/Pop style, and would give us some of her most recognizable son...
Mar 04, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 90
So hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray have never asked one another questions about music on this show, and this time they do just that. There are no agendas, no specific topics, just the two hosts asking things they’ve never asked before. Join in for this special episode of Queue Points. Watch this episode on our website: https://qpnt.net/show-89 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, exclusiv...
Feb 25, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 89
