Queue Points

From Stax Records to 'Shaft', dive into the music & influence of soul icon Isaac Hayes. As the needle drops on the conversation about Isaac Hayes, we are reminded of his profound contributions to music; he was a craftsman of the soul sound. His songwriting prowess birthed anthems like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin" that still resonate today. His album "Hot Buttered Soul" broke molds with...

Dive into the soulful world of Teddy Pendergrass with DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray in this episode of Queue Points. Exploring his profound impact on R&B and soul, we discuss Teddy's journey from Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes to his iconic solo career. Delve into his unique voice, influence on the disco era, and his emotional depth that transcends music. Join us as we celebrate Teddy's legacy and hav...

On #InternationalPodcastDay (September 30th), Queue Points hosted our first live event at Fit360, 700 Miami Circle, NE in the Buckhead-area of Atlanta. Guests got to join Queue Points for a live podcast taping, and a free work out session! DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray hosted our host for the live, and the owner of Fit360 Fitzroy Smith. Fitz gave us a glimpse into his fitness vision and how he's revol...

Join hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray as they welcome special guest Jason Randall Smith, host of the Radio BSOTS podcast. Discover the importance of having a balanced perspective on music, the rise of DIY musicians and Creative Commons licenses, and the influence of trusted music selectors.  Watch Jason Randall Smith On Other Queue Points Episodes The Transatlantic Connection: UK R&B and Hip-Hop: h...

In this episode, DJ Sir Daniel is joined by multi-hyphenate artist Ke Turner. Ke takes us on a journey through her experiences and observations while living abroad in the UK. The two delve into the impact of hip hop across the pond and the celebration of rap music during the 50th anniversary. Ke was present during the much-discussed UK 50th anniversary of hip hop show where Big Daddy Kane’s set wa...

On this episode of Queue Points, we dive into the Foreign Exchange's album Leave It All Behind as it celebrates 15. From the gestation and creation of their debut rap album via the Okayplayer message boards to the complete 180 of releasing an R&B album, Leave It All Behind emerges as an important and enduring musical artifact. Join our newsletter for behind the scenes content: https://magazine.que...

We have often discussed the importance of hip hop as a dominant cultural force worldwide. Today, we're tackling the question: Is hip hop dead? Join DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray as they explore the complex issues of homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny within hip hop culture. Despite these challenges, our hosts advocate for unity as a means to address these issues and create a better future for the c...

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 face...

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 N...

DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray reunite with Jason Randall Smith to unpack how trip hop and drum and bass grew out of Bristol clubs and London raves, with Black DJs blending hip hop breaks, reggae samples, and dub into new sounds. They share crate-digging stories from HMV shops, warehouse parties, and first spins of records like Massive Attack's "Daydreaming" and Goldie's "Inner City Life." The talk con...

DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray sit down with Jason Randall Smith, host of Radio BSOTS, to trace UK soul and hip hop's ties to Black music history. They share personal stories of discovering artists through radio, Video Music Box, and early MTV rotations. The conversation connects Caribbean migrations to club tracks that still spin today. Topics Discussed Windrush Generation's role in UK soul roots : Ho...

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...

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...

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 Menti...

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 overloo...

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-dru...

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 signi...

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, highli...

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 rectify...

“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...

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 K...

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 o...

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. Ambi...

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” (f...

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...