From the groundbreaking impact of his “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” video to the rich, spiritual depths of Voodoo and Black Messiah, D’Angelo continually reminded listeners that true artistry flourishes through vulnerability and reverence for one’s craft.

As we honor D’Angelo’s legacy and impact, we also mark this week with a deep sense of loss. Our brother, D’Angelo, left behind a powerful catalog and an indelible imprint on Black culture and music.

Share your favorite D’Angelo memories in the comments.

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Timbaland’s AI Artist TaTa Taktumi Is Finally Here and Our Verdict Is …

… is this it?

For several months, Timbaland has been under fire for his alignment with AI company Suno. The legendary producer has been accused of using his celebrity to encourage up-and-coming producers to send him beats to review under the guise of mentorship, only to possibly allow Suno to use that music as part of their AI training model. While that accusation may or may not be true, he was very clear that he had signed an AI artist who had new music on the way. Well, it’s here.

What do you think of “Glitch x Pulse?”

Check Out Some Other Articles About TaTa Taktumi

RapTonic

AI Just Stepped Into the Booth — But Is Hip Hop Ready for It?

Timbaland just set the internet on fire again — but not for a beat he made for Jay-Z or Missy this time. The legendary producer dropped a new video featuring his AI artist, TaTa Taktumi, built through his partnership with the AI music company Suno. And the reactions? Let’s just say the culture is split right down the middle…

Read more

7 months ago · RapTonic

The Seed That Bloomed

Timbaland, Tata Taktumi, and Avatars.

The war between Art and AI is just broke new ground. Both creatives and the appreciators of creative contribution are outspoken in the communal conversation about this crossroad. Timbaland and his new company, Stage Zero, have taken the first steps to attempt to merge AI into the creative space but the pushback has been loud. As an artist, the way he…

Read more

7 months ago · Jon Fields

Listen To This Week’s Episode of Queue Points

Purchase "Hip Hop Can Save America"

Don’t forget to follow Hip Hop Can Save America! right here on Substack.

Hip Hop Can Save America!

A newsletter for mature Hip Hop enthusiasts, lovers of the *whole* culture, and intellectually curious folks to learn about ways that Hip Hop can help uplift humanity.

By Manny Faces

Rap beefs have moved from the stage, to the record, to the streets, and finally to the fans. During this episode we are reminiscing on the song, the period, and what we can learn from it.

This conversation was originally taped on January 31, 2024.

Check Out Our Latest Episode

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Outtake With Jeremy Avalon

In a vulnerable moment after we taped with Jeremy, he wanted to share with us, and the larger community about the importance of growth as a DJ, and taking care of our audiences.

He shares a story with us about refusing to play songs from artists or featuring lyrics that cause harm.

Jay Ray Appears On “Sweet Tea Ethics” Podcast

Queue Points family and former guest, Dr. Ed Garnes has launched his podcast called Sweet Tea Ethics. On the episode Jay Ray interviews Dr. Garnes about the “why” of Sweet Tea Ethics. Subscribe below, and listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Sweet Tea Ethics

Sweet Tea Ethics by Dr. Ed Garnes transforms Grandma’s folk tales, personal experiences, and sobering life lessons into practical strategies for personal development and real-world application, utilizing the principles of Black psychology.

By Dr. Ed Garnes

That’s right! We are headed to Chicago for The Podcast Salon this week, and we can’t wait to see you there! On Friday, June 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM, we will be joining The Qube, Black Gay Table Talk and The Table for an intimate evening of listening.

The Podcast Salon is a monthly event series is designed to help you discover, listen to, and support the best podcasts you can’t find.

Not in Chicago? That’s ok, do us a solid, and let your folks know about the event!

Get Your Tickets

MUSIC NEWS

Little Simz’s Lotus Blossoms

In the hip-hop equivalent of an “about face,” rap star Little Simz shakes everything up and delivers one of the best albums of her career and arguably the best rap album of the year, so far. With production by Miles Clinton James, Lotus has been in heavy rotation in the Queue Points office.

Travis Hall Debuts With “A Day”

Classically trained opera singer, Travis Hall, debuts an R&B romp with “A Day.” Reminiscent of classic uplifting songs we love, the song’s production features strings and a live band. We stan!

QUEUE POINTS: BEHIND THE SCENES

DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray Discuss the Dandy-ness of Hammer

In an outtake from their conversation about the most dandy artists, Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel discuss Hammer as a dandy icon.

DJ Sir Daniel Drops the “UK Black Mix”

Listen Here For Free

ABOUT OUR LATEST EPISODE

Peggy Scott Adams' “Bill” shook up the blues world in the late ’90s, tackling themes of queerness, infidelity, and Black family life rarely spotlighted. On our latest episode, we dig into the song’s legacy—the ways it reflected (and sometimes mishandled) the subject matter and the harmful stereotypes about Black masculinity and queerness. We also reframe the often-problematic language of the time, spotlighting how “Bill” opened a conversation about truth, fear, and the power of Black storytelling.

Key Takeaways From Our Latest

Episode

• The narrative approach of “Bill”—blending blues tradition with contemporary themes—reminds us how Black music continually adapts to address current issues, even when dealing with complex or controversial subjects.

• The video’s casting choices and the song’s narrative expose both the progress and challenges in accurately representing LGBTQIA+ stories in media. Today’s artists have opportunities to approach these stories with greater nuance and authenticity.

Quotes

"Infidelity is just one of those subjects that is. Is a human experience across the board. It's one of those things that everybody can relate to." - DJ Sir Daniel

“And this is also the era the homo thug is emerging in this time frame. So there's a lot of things socially that are happening where sexuality is a lot more visible in a lot of respects." - Jay Ray

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OTHER PODCASTS & NEWSLETTERS TO FOLLOW

Follow “Donwill’s Substack”

Donwill's Substack

New Music Tuesday #80

This weekend I figured out how to make a zine out of a single piece of paper and spent the better half of the weekend coloring them. I also turned [REDACTED] years old and while these two things feel like they are in direct contrast to each other they are probably why I don’t look like I am almost a half [REDACTED] years old…

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a year ago · 3 likes · 4 comments · Donwill

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Music News / Behind the Scenes / About Our Latest Episode / Podcasts To Follow

Welcome new subscribers, Patreon folks and everybody else! We have centralized all of our Queue Points content on Substack, so grab everything you need here.

We have been reflecting on another year of Queue Points, and we are incredibly thankful for all of the support you’ve given us this year. This has been our biggest growth year, so far!

Thanks for your continued support, and sharing the show with your friends. Here are our metrics this year.

There’s still time to support us! Check out one of our shows, and tell others to do the same. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else you listen to podcasts.

MUSIC NEWS

Kendrick Lamar Drops GNX

Like everyone, we were surprised at the drop of K-Dot’s latest effort GNX. Like all Kendrick releases the album is chock full of moments that can be individually analyzed and broken down. Full of stellar production and excellent sequencing, Kendrick has proven, once again, that hip-hop can still have moments of brilliance in today’s climate.

One stand out track, that we love, is “luther” featuring a sample of the quiet storm classic “If This World Were Mine” by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. The cover of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell song was featured on Lynn’s 1982 effort Instant Love.

RAHBI Prepares For “CHANGE”

Friend of Queue Points, RAHBI, is preparing to release his new single “CHANGE.” The song, co-written by trailblazer Donnie, is just what we need in this time of challenge - something to inspire and uplift us. Pre-save “CHANGE” by clicking here. Learn more about the song by checking out the press release below.

Submit Your Press Release Here

QUEUE POINTS: BEHIND THE SCENES

DJ Sir Daniel Hosts RAHBI “CHANGE” Listening Party Q&A In Atlanta

Shout out to our very own DJ Sir Daniel for hosting the “CHANGE” listening party Q&A for RAHBI at The Goat Farm. The event featured a who’s who of Atlanta’s creative community and a performance of the new single by RAHBI. Here are a couple of other flicks from the night.

The Guys Have A Moment Before A Taping

Often times before a taping of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray will catch up on the news of the week. This particular week a couple (other) Black men podcasters got caught up in a scandal with a white comedian, and Sir Daniel introduced Jay Ray to “I Never Thought the Leopards Would Eat My Face.”

@franchesca_leighCarl never thought the leopards would eat his face #trumpsupporters

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ABOUT OUR LATEST EPISODE

"Luther: Never Too Much" Reveals the Man Behind the Iconic Voice

Speaking of Luther Vandross. The guys went to see Luther: Never Too Much, and like everyone else, left inspired, in tears and so grateful for all that Luther has given us. There are two ways to check it out. You can watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Key Takeaways From Our Latest Episode

1. The documentary provided a nuanced view of Vandross as both a musical icon and a man, urging viewers to consider the complexities of fame, love, and personal struggles.

2. The episode explored how Luther's appearance, performance of masculinity, and the music industry’s visual biases limited his cross-over appeal, despite his immense talent.

3. The hosts emphasized the importance of experiencing Vandross' artistry in a communal setting, highlighting his timeless influence on Black music and culture.

Quotes

"I hope this documentary makes people more empathetic...what you're seeing is not always the reality." - DJ Sir Daniel

"Luther had a baseline desire for love. He wrote about it ad nauseam. He helped other people discover it, gave them language to experience it, but that thing eluded him." - Jay Ray

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OTHER PODCASTS & NEWSLETTERS TO FOLLOW

Follow ’s “God Music Is My Life” Newsletter

God's Music Is My Life

The Staple Singers, the Black Music Archive & more

The Staple Singers…

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2 years ago · 5 likes · 4 comments · Tim Dillinger

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Queue Points has always made celebrating the contributions of women both on the mic and behind the scenes part of the work that we lift up. We’ve discussed topics on Black women in radio, musicians like Patrice Rushen, MCs like Foxy Brown, and the work of women to get out the vote among many other topics.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re going live in Atlanta on Thursday, March 28, 2028 at JB’s Record Lounge!

RSVP to join radio legend Tosha Love and DJ and creative Empress Rah in a discussion about hip hop’s cultural impact, representation and the future of Black music.

Sneak Peek At Our Ranking Of Salt-N-Pepa Albums

Salt-N-Pepa is one of the most accomplished rap groups ever. DJ Sir Daniel also happens to be the ultimate S-N-P fan! So for Women’s History Month we took it back to the chalkboard to rank their five albums, individually. Here’s what they had to say about their number one picks.

Other Content About Women In Hip Hop That Your May Enjoy

Despite it all we have made it to the end of 2023, y’all! CELEBRATE like Kool and the Gang!!!!

While not an easy year, we wanted to say thank you for making it another year of firsts for our podcast! We celebrated 100 episodes of Queue Points! In addition, not only did we launch this publication, we hopped on planes, we nominated for awards, recorded in front of live audiences and tested new ways of delivering you the best content.

THANK YOU!!! Have a safe New Year’s Eve celebration whether you are hanging out at home, or heading out on the town.

On New Years Day, hang out with us virtually! We’ll be watching a secret movie live and hanging out in the chat! Click the button below to get your link!

HANG OUT WITH QUEUE POINTS NEW YEARS DAY

What are you grateful for in 2023? Let us know in the comments.

Subscribe now

Highlights From 2023

We were nominated for both an Ambie Award and Black Podcasting Award

We hosted two live, in person, podcast events

Presented at the 5th Afros and Audio Podcast Festival

Interviewed the Music Directors of the 2023 Suzi Bass Award-winning “The Boy Who Kissed the Sky”

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Top Content From 2023

Top Episode Of Queue Points

Top Social Media Post

Top Blog Post

Affiliate Link Notice: If purchasing from links in this post, Queue Points may earn a commission. Read our Disclaimer here.

As the winter chill sets in and the holiday season unfolds, we find ourselves wrapped in the warmth of a cinematic gem that has, over the years, nestled itself deeply into the hearts of many. Soul Food, a film from 1997, is more than just a movie; it's a cultural beacon that radiates the essence of Black American life, brimming with the flavors of love, family, and resilience.

Produced by Babyface and Tracey Edmonds, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray delved into the film's themes, its use of music throughout, and the iconic La Face Records' soundtrack.

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Our conversation blossomed into a deep reflection on the relatability of the characters and the narrative's impact.

"It's just so many things going on in this movie that make it a make it one of those touchstones in the community. Even though I'm an only child, I still related to each and every one of those personalities."

- DJ Sir Daniel

At the heart of Soul Food lies the story of three sisters, each navigating life as a unit and individually; anchored to one another through their shared devotion to family traditions. The film uses the metaphor of a traditional Sunday dinner to weave a rich narrative much like the recipes that have been handed down to them through generations.

Our dialogue didn't stop when the show ended. In an outtake, we explored further, discussing characters like Big Mama – who, while frustrating at times, was always sharing wisdom. We pondered the importance of embracing individuality within a family framework, as portrayed by characters like Faith and Miles, who stepped away from convention to chart their own courses. Jay Ray discussed the impact of exposing young Ahmad (portrayed by Brandon Hammond) to adult issues and the lasting emotional toll it can take.

Soul Food stands as a powerful mirror. It's a film that continues to simmer in the collective consciousness, offering a rich, flavorful blend of life lessons and cultural pride.

For more, check out the latest from Queue Points.

As hip-hop celebrates 50 years, it’s been refreshing to see the celebrations of the Black women who’ve had major impacts on the culture at all levels. One glaring omission has been the career of Foxy Brown, who helped to revolutionize how women were regarded in hip-hop, and helped lead rap music to Pop domination in the late-1990s.

Foxy Brown's debut album, Ill Na Na, released in 1996, marked a defining moment in hip-hop, especially for women artists. At a time when the industry was predominantly male-dominated, Brown's assertive lyrics and audacious persona created a sensation, carving a space for women emcees to express themselves with unapologetic confidence.

With tracks like "Get Me Home" and "I'll Be," the album showcased her distinctive vocal style, seamlessly blending both street narratives and sultry R&B vibes. Beyond its commercial success, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 and securing a platinum certification, the album shifted the cultural conversation. It challenged perceptions of gender within the hip-hop community and set the stage for future women rappers to embrace their individuality, sexuality and lyrical prowess.

We discussed this record on Queue Points #25.

Chime in … what can Foxy Brown do to reclaim her legacy? Let us know in the comments.

What’s your favorite single from Ill Na Na?

Ill Na Na served us two singles, primarily lead by Trackmasters, that helped secure its platinum status. A third single from the era, “Big Bad Mama,” was released from the film How to Be a Player and subsequently added to a European version of the album.

Get Me Home (Featuring Blackstreet)

I’ll Be

Big Bad Mama (Featuring Dru Hill)

Other Foxy Joints We Love

Magnetic (Featuring Pharrell)

Stylin’

Queue Points Will Be Presenting At Afros & Audio

We are very excited to be presenting at this year’s Afros & Audio Podcast Festival!

This year's conference will be held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture on October 21-22, 2023!

Get Your Tickets!

House music, with its throbbing beats and soulful melodies, is a worldwide phenomenon, and at one time, was the biggest selling music in the world. At its heart, it’s the voices that give it its unique spirit, particularly the powerful and resonant contributions of Black women singers.

From the sultry undertones of divas in the underground scene to the chart-topping anthems that made us dance like no one was watching, Black women have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of house music. Their voices, laden with raw emotion and unmatched depth and soul, have become the backbone 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, and shed light on the industry's [mis]treatment of artists. We touch on powerful moments in iconic songs, the importance of representation, and how these women paved the way for future artists.

Some of the topics we cover in this episode include:

• Why does "Show Me Love" by Robin S. have the longevity that it has?

• DJ Sir Daniel’s love for Crystal Waters’ “Makin’ Happy”

• What happened when "You Got Me Up" by Dajaé played in Atlanta's famed Loretta's nightclub?

What are some of your favorite songs by House divas? List them in the comments.

Jay Ray on Martha Wash’s Debut Album

Jay Ray kept it real on one of the ways we failed Martha Wash - not buying her debut album which is chock full of classics.

Wash got the deal following one of the lawsuits where her voice was being used, but she wasn’t credited or shown in the music videos.

The eponymous album was released in 1993. “Martha Wash peaked at number one-hundred-and-sixty-nine on the US Billboard 200, where it spent a total of 2 weeks. More successful on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, it spent a total of 10 weeks and peaked at number forty-two.”

@queuepointspodGood morning! Wake up with Queue Points! This week we are talking about #HouseMusic divas. ABC recently aired a segment called "Queens of 90s House Music." Did you see it? What were your thoughts? Listen to Queue Points right now wherever you listen to podcasts. #podcasting #musicpodcast #blackmusic #blackpodcasters #marthawash #crystalwaters #cecepenniston #RobinS

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Listen to “Martha Wash” Today

Three Other Jams By Three Other House Divas That We Didn’t Discuss

Ralf Gum Featuring Monique Bingham - “Take Me To My Love”

Ultra Naté - “Free”

Petalpusher - “Breakin' It Down (Jay's Blue Vocal)”

For fun, without looking it up, can you comment below with the name of the well-known diva singing on this song?

Tune In For Our Next Queue Points Live!

We’re convinced that our next show will have to be broken into two parts. LOL Join us live this week as we discuss UK Soul and Hip-Hop from the 1980s - mid-1990s. We had to cap it, because there’s so much to cover.

We’ll be joined by our brother Jason Randall Smith of the podcast Radio BSOTS. Check out his show below!

In 1984, no one was cooler than Alfonso Ribeiro. The year prior he was “The Tap Dance Kid,” and his star rose even more as he starred in a Pepsi commercial with the biggest star we’d ever seen - Michael Jackson. It was cool, it was lively, and yes, we all wanted Pepsi!

But should we have been drinking Pepsi at all? In 2023, a single 12oz can of Pepsi contains 41 grams of sugar. Who knows what that number was in 1984.

According to American Heart Association:

• Men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day.

• For women, the number is lower: 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.

From “How much sugar is too much?”

Pepsi was no stranger to using Black musicians to sell products. In the 1940s, they hired Duke Ellington to promote the product, through their “negro markets” department. This was the opposite of Coke, who did not promote to Black consumers, at the time.

McDonald’s is one of the most strategic users of this kind of marketing. They have a distinction of being one of the early companies to open their doors to Black francisees, which also lead to marketing specifically to Black consumers.

Remember that time Vesta and Al Jarreau sang for their lives about a Big Mac?

Queue Points discussed the perilous relationship between food companies and Black musicians - how they inspired us, made us hungry and taught us to eat food that wasn’t good for our bodies.

Content Mentioned in This Episode

A Brief History of Racist Soft Drinks: https://qpnt.net/F4a4

Targeted Food Marketing to Black and Hispanic Consumers: The Tobacco Playbook: https://qpnt.net/F4a5

A $300 billion opportunity: Serving the emerging Black American consumer: https://qpnt.net/F4a7

Aspartame Is a Possible Cause of Cancer in Humans, a W.H.O. Agency Says: https://qpnt.net/F4a9

Exclusive Content: Queue Points Watches Some Of Our Favorite Food Commercials

In this clip, provided exclusively for our newsletter subscribers, Queue Points is watching some of our favorite food commercials featuring Black musicians. Let us know what your favorite is by voting below!

Tune In For Our Next Queue Points Live!

House Music took over the worldwide airwaves in the late-1980s & early-1990s, but it was specifically the voices of Black women blaring through the speakers that listeners often remember most. Recently Good Morning America aired a segment ‘A look at the women of 90s House.’ Well, join us as we discuss some of them live.

Also, if you stick around for this show, we’re going to dive into some “bitch tracks” that are important to our current cultural moment.

Let’s discuss it live on Thursday, 7/27/23 at 8PM ET on YouTube!

Upcoming Live Streams

8/3/23 - Black Music on Television

8/10/23 - UK Soul & Hip Hop (Guest: Jason Randall Smith)

8/17/23 - Trip Hop and Drum & Bass (Guest: Jason Randall Smith)

When Super Nature released "The Show Stoppa" as a response to Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick's "The Show,” they were following a familiar formula of creating a hit by responding to another. This tactic was already proven following the infamous “Roxanne Wars” which launched in 1984 with “Roxanne’s Revenge,” a response to U.T.F.O.’s “Roxanne, Roxanne.” Both “The Show Stoppa” and “Roxanne’s Revenge” introduced the world to women who would go on to be hip hop legends - Salt-N-Pepa and Roxanne Shanté.

The man behind “The Show Stoppa” was Hurby ‘Luv Bug’ Azor, who famously penned and produced the song, and would launch the careers of other generational talents like Kid ‘N Play, Sweet Tee and Kwamé among others.

On this episode, DJ Sir Daniel walks us through the interesting history of Azor, and his crew The Idol Makers. We discuss:

• Hurby Luv Bug as a procurer of "middle class" rap

• The impact of the album “Hurby’s Machine”

• The story behind the MC Lyte and Antoinette diss war

What’s your favorite song produced by Hurby Luv Bug?

Supa Def Dope Songs From Hurby Luv Bug

Salt-N-Pepa (Featuring E.U.) - Shake Your Thang

Kid ‘N Play - Rollin Wit Kid ‘N Play

Sweet Tee - On the Smooth Tip

Antoinette - I Got An Attitude

Check out our YouTube Playlist Queue Points' Supa Def Dope Hurby Luv Bug Playlist.

Behind The Scenes With Queue Points

If you’ve ever wondered how shows end up being green lit on Queue Points, here’s a sneak peek at how the sausage gets made. Here, in planning some other #HipHop50 content, we ended up down a Foxy Brown rabbit hole. Stay tuned for what this becomes.

Tune In For Our Next Queue Points Live!

Snoop Dogg emerged as a character, who was nice on the mic, but central to the story of others. After many years of ups and downs, Snoop has emerged as one of the most important figures in shaping hip hop on the world stage. Join us as we discuss his interesting and, at times, tumultuous career.

Let’s discuss it live on Thursday, 7/20/23 at 8PM ET on YouTube!

Upcoming Live Streams

7/27/23 - House Music Divas

8/3/23 - Black Music on Television

8/10/23 - UK Soul & Hip Hop (Guest: Jason Randall Smith)

8/17/23 - Trip Hop and Drum & Bass (Guest: Jason Randall Smith)

MORE HURBY…

Listen To Hurby’s Machine: The House The Rap Built (Link)

A1 Antoinette – Hit 'Em With This 3:33

A2 None-Stop – Keep 'Em Steppin' 3:39

A3 Fabulous 2 – The Fabulous 4:08

A4 The Mau-Mau Clan Overlords – Contact Sport 3:44

A5 Salt 'N' Pepa – I Am Down 4:08

B1 Salt 'N' Pepa – Push It (Remix) 4:26

B2 Antoinette – I Got An Attitude 4:01

B3 The Mau-Mau Clan Overlords – The House That Rap Built 2:27

B4 Super Lovers – Let The Drummer Get Ill 3:32

B5 Future Shock – Just Go 4:38

Album Credits

Art Direction, Design – Jeff Faville

Mixed By, Engineer – Andre "Tuborg Gold" DeBourg

Photography By – Jannette Blackman

Producer – Steevee-O

Producer, Mixed By – Hurby Luv Bug

Who were the members of The Idol Makers?

The impact of crack on Black communities is a lasting one that cannot be denied. The drug, cheap and easy to get, gave a generation of folks a way to escape the challenges of everyday life. Crack’s residue can still be seen in neighborhoods, policing, the criminal justice system and the people, families and communities it impacted.

Author Donovan X. Ramsey, whose new book "When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era" is out July 11, 2023, joins DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray for a conversation.

The brothers discuss topics such as:

• Was crack planted in the Black community?

• Crack’s impact on Black women.

• The connection between The Great Migration and the rise of crack use.

Purchase 'When Crack Was King:' https://qpnt.net/wcwk-am

• Follow Donovan X. Ramsey

  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/donovanxramsey

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovanxramsey/

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanxramsey/

• Follow Black Magazine Covers: https://www.instagram.com/blackmagcovers

How did Crack impact your family or neighborhood? Comment below.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Donovan X. Ramsey Reads From ‘When Crack Was King’

As you can imagine, not everything can make it into an episode, and here’s one of those sections. Queue Points Mag subscribers get to see a bonus clip of our talk with Donovan X. Ramsey before it's on YouTube tomorrow.

In this clip Donovan reads from the 38th section of his book - the chapter titled “Intervention.” In this section he discusses hip hop’s impact on crack’s decline.

Queue Points Top 3 Crack Era Songs

3. Ten Crack Commandments - The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)

2. Night of the Living Baseheads - Public Enemy (1988)

1. Self Destruction - Stop the Violence Movement (1989)

Check out our YouTube Playlist Streets of Rhyme: Crack Era Anthems & Anti-Drug PSAs.

QP Trivia: Besides being songs about crack, what is one through-line between all the songs above? Comment below.

Tune In For Our Next Queue Points Live!

For as long as we can remember, Black musicians have been used to sell food products. How has this impacted our health as a community? What are some of the food advertisements featuring Black musicians you remember?

Let’s discuss it live on Thursday, 7/13/23 at 8PM ET on YouTube!

Upcoming Live Streams

7/20/23 - The Career of Snoop Dogg

7/27/23 - House Music Divas

8/3/23 - Black Music on Television

8/10/23 - UK Soul & Hip Hop (Guest: Jason Randall Smith)

8/17/23 - Trip Hop and Drum & Bass (Guest: Jason Randall Smith)

How often do we get to see unwavering Black joy and love on film? It’s a rare occurance that, even today, isn’t always shown in pop culture earnestly.

1990’s House Party was a break in the, mostly white, era of teen movies. The film, a tour de force for hip hop culture, showed a generation of Black movie goers diverse depictions of themselves on the big screen.

Good news: the film still holds up today!

As part of our year-long #HipHop50 celebration, and to close out #BlackMusicMonth, Queue Points went down memory lane to discuss the impact of the timeless Black youth coming-of-age film.

They were joined by special guest Jordan Clark, a comic book writer and co-host of the podcast White People Won’t Save You. The fellas discussed the impact of House Party on hip hop culture, highlighting its representation of teenage life and high school expectations.

They analyzed how the film broke through as a landmark mainstream movie for hip hop, leading to the release of other successful films in the era. They offered their thoughts on the movie's historical context, the characters, and their impressions of the recent movie reboot (Spoiler Alert: they don’t like it).

The lively discussion explored the significance of House Party in Black teen cinema and hip hop culture, making it a must-listen episode for any fan of the movie and its impact.

Listen To Queue Points on the White People Won’t Save You Podcast

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Podcast Shoutouts

The MPN Network

Our brother Mr. Al Pete heads Mister Peterson’s Neighborhood aka The MPN Network. The network not only produces dope podcasts, but quality events in the Jacksonville, FL area of the US. If you want quality music for your work day, listen to MPN Radio.

If you want a dope music podcast to check out, listen to The Groove Suite. It’s absolutely Queue Points approved!

The Reminisce Over You

The They Reminisce Over You podcast is the truth! Christina and Miguel have informative conversations about the history of music and pop culture moments you’ll absolutely love. Be sure to follow them wherever you listen to podcasts!

Subscribe to the They Reminisce Over You newsletter below:

Tune In For This Week’s Live Taping Where We Discuss the Idol Makers crew!

Crews are incredibly important to the legacy of hip hop. As part of of continuing conversation about #HipHop50, on this show we’re discussing Hurby ‘Luv’ Bug’s Idol Makers crew as well as the 1988 release “Hurby’s Machine.”

Come hang out with us live to discuss as we tape the next episode of Queue Points!

We are going live at 8PM ET on YouTube on Thursday, 7/6/23.

We’re not sure if folks realize this, but we recorded one of the most important shows we’d ever done last Thursday.

You see, Father’s Day brought up something very important for us that we couldn’t shake. There are very few songs about Black fathers and fatherhood written lovingly and with care. Show #105 unpacked this with Dr. Ed Garnes, who appeared on Queue Points last fall.

We unpacked a lot on the show. Some of the topics that we covered included:

1. Does patriarchy prevent Black men from writing lovingly about our fathers?

2. What would be the impact if we had a “Dear Papa” song?

3. What is Dr. Ed’s personal results he’s seen from being emotionally available to his son?

What are some of the songs you’re aware of about Black fathers?

Feedback on the Episode

We absolutely love it when we get feedback from folks who check out the show. We were thrilled to get an email from our brother Macedonia who hosts the great podcast Radio BSOTS. Be sure to follow the show here. Here’s what he had to say, below.

“The Black fathers episode was absolutely wonderful.  Powerful conversation.  Personally speaking, it reaffirmed the importance of me taking the time to honor my father with a recording of words and music after his passing a few years back.  Easily one of the most important things I've done within the last five years.”

- Macedonia, Host, Radio BSOTS

We asked Macedonia if we could share the recording he did for his father. It’s one of the most beautiful tributes, with outstanding musical selections. Here it is below. We highly recommend reading the blog post.

Blog post - https://fadingintoobscurity.blogspot.com/2019/03/me-and-him-moments.html

Mixcloud link - https://www.mixcloud.com/JasonRandallSmith/fading-into-obscurity-as-on-your-way-you-go/

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Podcast Shoutout

This week’s podcast shout out goes to the They Reminisce Over You podcast, who we lovingly refer to as our “Canadian cousins.” If you love Queue Points, you’ll love the TROY podcast. They discuss the history of music and pop culture moments you’ll absolutely love. Follow them on Goodpods or on Spotify by clicking follow below … listening to their Tony! Toni! Toné! episode, of course.

Subscribe to the They Reminisce Over You newsletter below:

Watch “A Mental Health Conversation Between Brothers: Moetown Lee and Dr. Ed Garnes of Reclamation Point”

Tune In For This Week’s Show About HOUSE PARTY!

1990’s House Party wasn’t the first film made for and by people from the ascending hip hop culture, but it certainly broke a lot of ground. The film, a starring vehicle for the group Kid ‘n Play, became a phenomenon that precipitated a boom of films that helped bolster the new Black film renaissance.

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 House Party. Joining us for this show is podcaster, comic book writer and all around cool guy, Jordan Clark of the White People Won’t Save You podcast.

We are going live at 8PM ET on YouTube on Thursday, 6/29/23.

Follow the White People Won’t Save You podcast on Goodpods or on Spotify by clicking follow below. Be sure to listen to Queue Points on the episode about Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.

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Hot Social Media Posts Of The Week To Share

1. “Did you know Tina Turner's solo debut was a Country album?” (Reach: 1,057)

2. '“A legend of the highest order. Ms. Turner is absolutely tomorrow's show.” (Reach: 1,051)

3. “This week, #TheAmbies Award-winner, Anna DeShawn stopped by to join us for our music discussion of the week. Before that, though, she dropped some gems for podcasters interested in growing their platforms.” (Reach: 1,036)

@queuepointspodThis week, #TheAmbies Award-winner, @annadeshawn stopped by to join us for our music discussion of the week. Before that, though, she dropped some gems for podcasters interested in growing their platforms. #Blackpodcasters #musicpodcast #BlackMusic #podcast #podcasting #podcastersofinstagram #podcasts #spotify #podcastlife #podcaster #music #youtube #radio #applepodcasts #love #podcasters #podcastshow #itunes #spotifypodcast #newpodcast #interview #entrepreneur #motivation #applepodcast #radioshow #art #dj #newepisode

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As good as the album was, including a Grammy nomination, it never gained the recognition it deserved, and is currently out of print. Our guest host, Big Mike, weighs in on the difficulty for Black women to gain traction in Country music, and how the music industry creates pressure for Black women to fit a specific mold.

Join us as we appreciate the well-crafted debut of a timeless legend. Don't forget to leave us a star rating or review on your preferred podcast platform to show your support for the show!

Listen to Tina Turns the Country On!

Watch Queue Points’ Country Music Series

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#TinaTurner #CountryMusic #blackpodcasters #videopodcast #musicpodcast

On this episode of Queue Points, we dive into the world of podcasting with visionary entrepreneur Anna DeShawn. Deshawn, the award-winning podcast producer and host of the Queer News podcast founded E3 Radio which is committed to playing music from QTPOC creatives. She has also co-founded The Qube, a curated podcast platform and production company revolutionizing media by helping audiences to discover podcasts and tell untold stories.

Tune in to Queue Points for an insightful episode of podcasting and the journey towards representation.

Watch the full episode on YouTube

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Anna DeShawn Bio

Anna, pronouns anything respectful, is a multi-award winning podcaster and Ambie award winning podcast producer and host. She is also a Chicago-born social entrepreneur who builds streaming platforms which center & celebrate BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. Media has always been her passion and in 2009 she turned that passion into a reality when she founded E3 Radio, an online radio station playing Queer music & reporting on Queer news with an intersectional lens. Most recently, she co-founded The Qube, a podcast production company and curated platform to discover the best music & podcasts by BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. Anna is an award-winning podcaster determined to ride media into its next era by utilizing digital media streams to tell the stories and play the music that deserves to be heard.

Sign up for The Qube: https://theqube.app

Follow Anna DeShawn on Social Media

Facebook: https://facebook.com/annadeshawn

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theannadeshawn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annadeshawn

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@annadeshawn

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Follow DJ Sir Daniel On Social Media

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/djsirdaniel

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Mixcloud:  https://mixcloud.com/thesirdaniel

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#blackpodcasters #videopodcast #musicpodcast

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Despite the dumpster fire that is the state of our country, we are encouraged by the folks out here fighting for our rights, as seen in Tennessee.

It's important to appreciate the small things and celebrate small victories, as DJ Sir Daniel emphasized in this week's episode, such as conquering a fear of asking for something.

In our latest episode, we discussed a range of topics, from the career of Pharrell Williams, the JB's Record Lounge fundraiser and the importance of supporting black-owned businesses.

Donate To JB’s Record Lounge: https://qpnt.net/DFqj

We also touched on the film Spinning Gold. The hosts were supportive of the filmmakers, but also critical of the film’s casting, pacing and musical depictions. Tune in to see what they had to say.

“Spinning Gold is a 2023 American biographical drama film written and directed by Timothy Scott Bogart. It is based on the life of his father, Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart.” (Wikipedia)

DJ Sir Daniel caught us up on “The Boy Who Kissed The Sky.” The play, which DJ Sir Daniel described as stunning centers around a young Black boy’s ability to imagine and become what he wants to be. The play is inspired by the life and music of Jimi Hendrix. Watch our interview the the show’s composers Divinity Roxx and Eugene H. Russell IV, below.

Purchase tickets to "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky" at https://alliancetheatre.org/boywhokissedthesky

On a personal note, the hosts discussed their prioritization of fitness in their lives and the importance of sleep for restoration and productivity.

What are three albums that feature AI narrators?

@queuepointspod#AI just doesn't seem to be going anywhere. In actuality, it has shown up in several Hip-Hop/R&B classics like: But You Can't Use My Phone x @erykahbadu Fan Mail x @tlc Midnight Marauders x ATCQ #AI #Podcasting #BlackPodcasters #BlackMusic #MusicPodcast

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Subscribe To Queue Points On Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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During the episode, we discuss how important Rock & Roll is to Black culture and can allow young artists to be more creatively free and unconstrained by the R&B label given to Black musicians.

ENJOY!!

About this episode

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" will inspire imagination in both children and adults.

Purchase tickets to "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky" at https://alliancetheatre.org/boywhokissedthesky

About The Boy Who Kissed The Sky

Set in the heart of Seattle to the rhythms that shaped a generation, “The Boy Who Kissed The Sky” is inspired by the early life and influences of musical icon Jimi Hendrix. In the early era of rock n roll music, we see a young Black boy conjure his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the Boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Although more mythology than biography, “The Boy Who Kissed The Sky” is a celebration of our muses and the forces that pull us to be who we are. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this new family musical inspires us to dream big when it matters most.  Commissioned by Seattle Children’s Theatre in partnership with Alliance Theatre, this highly theatrical play by Idris Goodwin celebrates all the young artists who follow their muse.

Follow The Alliance Theatre

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllianceTheatre/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliancetheatre/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliancetheater

Divinity Roxx Biography

Divinity Roxx (Composer) is a Grammy-nominated American recording artist, composer, and musician, with four solo albums (Ain’t No Other Way, 2003, The Roxx Boxx Experience, 2012, ImPossible, 2016, Ready Set Go!, 2021). In addition to her own work, she is well known for touring and performing with Beyoncé Knowles (2006–2011) as her bassist and Musical Director. 

Eugene H. Russell IV Biography

Eugene H. Russell IV (Composer / Music Director) is an Atlanta native, Tennessee State University alumnus, and proud Girl Dad. An accomplished musician/composer whose single “What If” can be found on all streaming platforms, Eugene IV wrote the music for the Alliance Theatre’s animated films Sit-In and Curious Cardinal as well as their stage production of Beautiful Blackbird. He recently composed the music for Turn-Up, a play cowritten with his wife for St. Louis Black Rep. As both a vocalist and saxophonist for countless bands, Eugene has opened for the likes of George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, & Boyz II Men.

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#blackpodcasters #videopodcast #musicpodcast

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Recap of the Episode

This week, we talked about the interesting new show "Swarm," which suprised us last week using a creative marketing machine, and because the story incorporates some reimagining of true events based on a well-known pop star that we all know. *wink wink*

What were your thoughts on “Swarm?” Leave us your thoughts in the comments.

One of the many intriguing aspects of the show is how being part of the "hive" (the fan group for fictional musician Ni'Jah) is tied to protagonist Dre’s (excellently portrayed by Dominique Fishback) personal identity - a phenomenon that is certainly not new.

The hosts found the show entertaining, disturbing, funny, but also thought-provoking. The importance of mental health care was a key topic in our discussion, as characters Dre and Marissa (Chloe Bailey) bonded over shared challenges in their lives. Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel emphasized the importance of therapy and addressing mental health challenges through support and care.

Our discussion of extreme fan culture (referred to as "Stan culture") emphasized the harmful effects of taking fandom to an extreme. We also talked about record labels' role in encouraging fanaticism among fans.

Did you know that there’s a Ni’jah EP to accompany the series? There is! You can check it out on Spotify.

And an interesting easter egg … did you know that you can actually dial the tip line shown in episode 6? Check it out.

Other Topics Discussed In The Episode

Listen to Jay Ray discuss his favorite Chaka Khan songs on Adrian’s Playlist of Conversations: https://jay3.net/qpapoc2

Listen to Sol Affirmations With Karega and Felicia: https://qpnt.net/solaffirmations

Read "Cops Sue Afroman for 'Emotional Distress' After He Made Music Videos of Botched Raid:" https://jay3.net/CwJV

Watch “The Story of 'Because I Got High' by Afroman:” https://qpnt.net/CwJf