Queue Points

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...

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 a...

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 a...

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, B...

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.”...

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 exce...

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 p...

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 open...

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 produce...

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...

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....