The Label That Gave Us Biz, Kane, and Marley Marl's Magic
Biz Markie. Big Daddy Kane. Roxanne Shanté. One label gave them a major-label push nobody talks about enough. Here's why that changes now.
Greetings all,
Real talk, we've been on a low-key recording break and you probably didn't even notice. That's the beauty of how DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray built this thing, we've got enough content banked to keep things going even when we're offline.
Here are a few different ways to engage with us every week.
Substack: This newsletter, your inside track for behind-the-scenes stuff and ways to plug into the movement.
“OG” Queue Points: Thursdays at 8 PM on YouTube and Instagram, the rawest, most unfiltered version of the show, no edits.
Core podcast: Where hundreds of you tune in weekly for the polished, curated experience made just for your ears. Listen wherever you enjoy listening. We suggest our website.
We’re returning from our recording break a bit early! Keep an eye on our calendar for updates about what’s coming up with Queue Points.
Thanks,
QP
This Week On Queue Points
Cold Chillin’ Records
Cold Chillin’ was one of those labels that you’d give a record a shot and buy it, even though you weren’t familiar with the artist. With Marley Marl as the in-house producer, you were often treated to joints that still hold up decades later. Why hasn’t the label received the same attention as Def Jam or Tommy Boy? We dive into the legend of Cold Chillin’ Records on this week’s episode.
Want the music playing while you read the history? Queue Points with the actual Cold Chillin' tracks is exclusive to Mixcloud. Click below to listen.
Question of the Week
Cold Chillin’ produced a lot of classics, including the best known songs from Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan and more. What’s your favorite from the list below?
Insiders FREE Member Xtra - Neneh Cherry’s Vocal Debut
Before she went solo, Neneh Cherry cut her teeth with New Age Steppers on 'My Love' back in 1981. Jay Ray breaks it down on the Black Music Mixtape.
Join Queue Points for free to check it out!
Behind the Scenes of Queue Points w/ Tosha Love and Empress Rah
From the QP Archives: Personal and Professional Transformations (2024)
In this Queue Points outtake, Atlanta radio legend Tosha Love and DJ Empress Rah get candid about the exact moments they knew they had to walk away from the industry as they knew it. Tosha opens up about a new boss who tried to erase her community-rooted legacy. Empress Rah reveals her own turning point came from realizing she was “chasing logos,” constantly pursuing bigger gigs and bookings until a single festival rejection made her confront how unhealthy that cycle had become. Both women trace it back to choosing purpose over prestige, family and community over chasing the next logo.
Music News
According to Music Business Worldwide, Michael, the biopic about Michael Jackson, has become the highest-grossing biopic of all time. Not to mention that it’s close to grossing $1B. Not only that, Jackson’s music catalog has seen a surge in streaming. This week both Thriller and Number Ones occupy the 7th and 8th slots respectively on the Billboard 200.
Nearly $1B and counting, proof that Black music history isn't just something we talk about, it's something the whole industry is still cashing in on. For better or…?
What We’re Checking Out On Substack
Jay Ray sat down with Podcast Plunge’s Arielle Nissenblatt🎧 to talk about turning the Queue Points website into more than a show archive, it's a full resource for the community. Give it a listen.
