Queue Points

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...

Oftentimes, covers of songs don’t get the same respect as the original. Sometimes the performing artist phones it in, or the style of the cover just doesn’t work. When it does work, though, a cover version can rival that of the original, and, in some cases, improve on it. Join us for this show as we cover … covers. Become a Queue Points Insider: https://qpnt.net/qpinsider Subscribe & Review Us on...

There’s so much to be said about Mary J. Blige. In so many ways, she’s an artist who beat the odds. Underestimated early in her career, her ability to triumph despite that is the stuff of legend. On the eve of her 2022 Billboard Icon Award, we’re discussing her career in the way that only we can. Joining us on our journey is our special guest, Adrian of Adrian’s Playlist of Conversations podcast....

Music news has been packed this week, from the explosive interview from Ray J to Roe v Wade to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, there's plenty to weigh in on. Join us for our 50th show where to discuss these topics and more. Purchase "Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop:" https://qpnt.net/zkQRzg Moods Music: https://www.moodsmusic.net/ Watch Queue Points Show #41 "...

One summertime rite of passage for folks of a certain age has been attending a music festival. The idea of sharing your favorite music with 100,000 of your closest friends has been a way for folks to connect and enjoy themselves during the summer months. COVID-19 had a devastating effect on the industry, but it looks like for 2022, festivals are back like they never left. On this episode we’re dis...

Kipper Jones is the missing link. An important connector between Black musical generations, Kipper likely inspired your favorite songwriter to be a songwriter. From “I Wanna Be Down” to “The Comfort Zone,” Kipper’s pen game has given us timeless classics, but it’s his life that inspires the most. This Queue Points conversation is a special brotherhood discussion, where Kipper catches us up on wher...

The slow jam is one of the most enduring staples in R&B and Pop music. This song can often define an artists career, and signal an important shift in how that artist chooses to be perceived. For many it’s the slow jam that becomes the favorite, and for a time, didn’t have to be a single to become a radio hit. On this show, we’re diving into “quiet storm” staples - slow jams. Watch this show on our...

When folks are asked to name their favorite women MCs, there are some names who appear often on lists. One of those names is MC Lyte. Lyte has long been considered the gold standard for women MCs. An iconic, recognizable voice, a versatile flow and hit songs to boot, it’s amazing to think that Lyte has now fully transitioned to a Hollywood mainstay with continued cultural relevance. Let’s discuss...

The 2022 Oscars, surprisingly, had a lot of Black music connections. The Beyoncé open, the Megan Thee Stallion surprise, Will Smith's win and the Summer of Soul win for Questlove. We are going to dive into it all, and no we won't be ignoring the "incident." Join us for a fun conversation about Blackness in traditionally white spaces. Watch this show on our website: https://qpnt.net/show-45 Watch S...

What would you say if we said that Shaquille O'Neal had a fairly successful rap career? Or, wait, that Michael Jackson appeared in an Eddie Murphy music video? Sounds crazy, but there are several artists who were stars in their day jobs and began to moonlight as musicians to different degrees of success. We're discussing some unlikely music careers on the next Queue Points. Disclaimer: Jay Ray is...

“Queens is in the house represent…” A Tribe Called Quest is hard to sum up. A four-man crew, that, for the majority of their commercial career, operated as a three-man team, their catalog helped push the boundaries of what hip-hop could be during the golden era and beyond. Phife's Manager, Rasta Root, has a sit down with DJ Sir Daniel to talk about the upcoming Phife Dawg album "Forever." This is...