Queue Points

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...

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...

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 i...

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 i...

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...

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 i...

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://q...

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 Qu...

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 his...

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 ear...

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,...

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...

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...

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 way...

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 D...

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/tipj...

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...

You knew we’d get to this show, and now we’re here. With 19 #1 singles, countless remixes and a pen game that’s unmatched by many of her peers, the career of Mariah Carey has seen it’s share of ups and downs. On this episode of Queue Points, we’re diving into the landmark career of an icon. Enjoy this episode? Leave us a tip on Patreon:  https://qpnt.net/tipjar Become a  Queue Points Insider to wa...

For this week’s show DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray are recapping the week in music. Lighthearted and fun, come hang out and talk with us as we recap. 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:  https://qpnt.net/join Subscribe & Review Us on Apple Podcasts: https://qpnt.net/appl...

There’s always something new when it comes to hip-hop fashion. Causing a cause for uproar, and extended discussion recently, has been the popularization of shorts that come down to mid-thigh - colloquially named “hoochie daddy shorts.” Join us for a fun conversation about hip-hop men’s fashion through the years and the time in which those looks arose. Watch this episode on our website: https://qpn...

Drake’s newest release, “Honestly, Nevermind,” has sparked many reactions, but none as interesting as the question of the origins of House music which are rooted in Black gay clubs and with Black gay DJs. Continuing our #Pride2022 discussions, we’re going to briefly explore the history of House, and how we may have lost touch with this history. Special guests, Christina and Miguel, from the They R...

There are Black Country music fans. Joining us is one of them, and he's on a quest to uplift Black Country musicians. When we discuss Country music the first visions that come into our heads are typically cowboy hats, horses, a guitar and someone white. That narrative is common, but not a full or true narrative. Mike “Big Mike” Bryant is a podcast producer who spent some time on air at a Country r...

Is it inspiration, or is it imitation that’s created your newest favorite song? The growth of TikTok began in 2017, and became the latest juggernaut used by the music industry to determine what is a hit, or even create them. Artists are having to choose between being original or being viral, and it’s impacting how they create and how we listen. We’re going to talk about Black music in the Tiktok e...

In 1992, about Yo-Yo’s sophomore record, Joan Morgan wrote in Spin Magazine “One year later, her outrage continues to provide a voice for those who lack a means of expression, especially when life explodes in their faces and outside their doors.” Because of how much hip-hop has changed, and how quickly, the album “Black Pearl” has been largely lost to history. That’s where Queue Points comes in. W...

Like Jill Scott said, “everything ain’t for everybody,” and that’s absolutely true for songs. Black music history is full of songs that were crafted for individuals who ended up turning them down. On this show we’re revisiting some of our favorite songs that were almost performed by someone else. Watch the show on our website: https://qpnt.net/show-53 Watch shows featuring Kipper Jones: https://qp...