Queue Points

Queue Points LLC
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Queue Points is the Black Podcasting Award and Ambie Award nominated music podcast that is dropping the needle on Black Music history and celebrating Black music through meaningful dialogue. The show is hosted by DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

  1. Celebrating Teddy Astin’s Impact from Warner Brothers to Solidifying Atlanta’s Entertainment Legacy

    5 DAYS AGO

    Celebrating Teddy Astin’s Impact from Warner Brothers to Solidifying Atlanta’s Entertainment Legacy

    On this special episode of Queue Points, we sit down with legendary music executive Teddy Astin! While working at Warner Brothers Records, Mr. Astin helped shape the careers of icons like Prince, Madonna, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Sly Stone, and more. He shares his journey from Palmetto, Georgia, to becoming a driving force behind Atlanta’s rise as an international hub for music and film. We also discuss his memoir, “A Golden Past and a Platinum Future” and the importance of archiving Black music history.  Mr. Astin takes us behind the scenes of the creation of Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson’s entertainment commission, and legendary events like Jack the Rapper. Hear incredible stories about working with artists across genres, including hip hop, R&B, jazz, and pop. If you love music history or want to be inspired by one of the industry’s true legends, this episode is for you! Purchase out Mr. Astin’s book A Golden Past and A Platinum Future via his website: www.toughact.net or on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3I0jdAP (Disclaimer: Purchasing through this Amazon link may earn Queue Points a commission.) Read the Urban Insite Black Music Month 2025 Profile on Teddy Astin: https://link.queuepoints.com/astinurbaninsite Teddy Astin Biography Teddy Astin started working in the Warner Brother Records (WBR) warehouse at the young age of 20. One year later, with all his hard work and dedication, he was promoted to the supervisor of the mail room. In 1977, Warner Brothers started the Black Music Division and Teddy’s talent was not overlooked and was swiftly promoted to Regional Director of Promotions for the Carolinas and later promoted to National Director of Promotion. Teddy went from the warehouse to the mail room, to the WBR Board Room, and the rest is history. He was a part of history that started a Black Music Dynasty. Come take a journey back through time and read about musical history and all the artists Teddy has worked with while promoting, marketing, mentoring & artist development for the record label in his new book, “A Golden Past and A Platinum Future.” Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Introduction and Welcoming Teddy Astin 02:35 Teddy Astin's Philosophy and Career Highlights 04:33 Transition 04:42 Kudos for 'Teddy Astin: A Golden Past and a Platinum Future' 05:33 The Importance of Archiving and Writing a Book 06:48 Atlanta's Rise as an Entertainment Hub 13:24 Teddy Astin's Impact on Hip Hop and Artist Relations 19:45 Meeting Sylvester at the Airport 20:32 A Night Out in Atlanta 22:12 Transition 22:18 The Magic of Jack the Rapper 26:03 Challenges and Changes in the Music Industry 30:08 Promoting with Style 31:55 Celebrating Black Music Month 36:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell 37:28 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraRead Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: https://store.queuepoints.comBuy Us A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/queuepointspodContribute: a href="https://cash.app/$queuepointspod"...

    38 min
  2. Hip-Hop's Flyest Fashion Icons

    28 AUG

    Hip-Hop's Flyest Fashion Icons

    Queue Points hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray drop the needle on the artists who didn’t just make hits, they made fashion history. Starting with hip-hop’s scrappy, innovative origins in New York, the duo explores how rappers turned limited resources into unforgettable looks, and how that style evolved from block to stage to runway. The picks are personal and cultural: Slick Rick’s Windrush-inspired elegance and gleaming opulenceFoxy Brown’s off-the-rack-made-high-fashion eraLil’ Kim’s era-defining fashion momentsLauryn Hill’s timeless, covered-yet-commanding sophisticationQueen Latifah’s regal consistencyDigable Planets’ bohemian-militant coolYasiin Bey (Mos Def) as the global-vintage dandy who expanded the rapper silhouetteHeavy D’s big-and-fly blueprint that changed representation for a generation Honorable mentions go to Kool Moe Dee’s leather-and-shades era and Missy Elliott’s visionary, purpose-built style. Plus, the hosts share their first fashion buys (Flavor Flav-inspired stopwatch and a bootleg Nike sweatshirt) and talk Dapper Dan, Wallabees, 54-11s (Reebok Freestyles), and the commerce of hip-hop chic. Who’s on your list of flyest rappers? Drop your picks in the comments and keep the convo going. Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Introduction and Hosts' Fashion Philosophy 01:13 Most Fashionable Hip Hop Artists 01:57 Slick Rick: The Style Icon 07:14 Foxy Brown and Lil' Kim: Queens of Hip Hop Fashion 14:14 Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah: Timeless Elegance 19:10 Personal Fashion Inspirations 29:26 Honorable Mentions and Conclusion 33:29 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraRead Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: https://store.queuepoints.comBuy Us A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/queuepointspodContribute: https://cash.app/$queuepointspod Follow Us On Social Media Facebook: https://facebook.com/queuepointspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/queuepointspodBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/queuepointspod.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@queuepointspodTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@queuepointspod #HipHopFashion #HipHopHistory #BlackFashion #Streetwear This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    34 min
  3. Boyz II Men, Philly, and the Power of Harmony with John Morrison

    21 AUG

    Boyz II Men, Philly, and the Power of Harmony with John Morrison

    DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray sit down with Philadelphia DJ, radio host and music journalist John Morrison to talk about his new book, Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration (Epic Ink/Quarto). Morrison breaks down the group’s deep Philly roots, from doo-wop and Gamble & Huff to the rise of 90s hip-hop, and explains how Boyz II Men’s sound and image bridged R&B and rap during a pivotal moment in pop culture. The conversation digs into Black masculinity and emotional vulnerability as they discuss why singing Black men together matters and what we’ve lost as vocal groups have faded from the mainstream. Morrison also shares surprising stories from the book, including a pre-fame Britney Spears recording at Boyz II Men’s studio and early NSYNC history. If you love Black music history, Philly soul, and 90s R&B, this episode is for you. Purchase Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration: https://amzn.to/3V8C7rZ ** About John Morrison John Morrison is a DJ, radio host and music journalist from Philadelphia. For over 25 years, he has worked as a writer covering local and global music scenes. Morrison got his start in the late 90s as a teenager writing for independent hip-hop and punk zines. Since then, his work has appeared in The New York Times, Complex, NPR Music, Spin Magazine, Red Bull Music Academy, and more. An in-demand on-air personality, Morrison regularly appears on flagship NPR music programs like All Songs Considered and The World Cafe as well as NPR’s Tiny Desk Top Shelf series. As a DJ, Morrison’s music-making and performance practice has greatly informed his writing. Decades of digging in the crates for rare records to spin and sample has enhanced Morrison’s expertise in music culture and his ability to write in-depth, expertly researched essays on music history. Morrison is also the author of Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration, a comprehensive book on Philly R&B legends, Boyz II Men. Published in Spring 2025 by Quarto Books/Epic Ink. Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Introduction to Today's Show 00:47 Introducing the Special Guest: John Morrison 01:37 John Morrison's Background and Career 04:17 The Inspiration Behind the New Book 09:13 Boyz II Men and Their Impact on Black Masculinity 15:12 Comparing Boyz II Men and Jodeci 20:12 Boyz II Men's Musical Versatility and Legacy 25:15 The Decline of Vocal Groups in American Music 25:47 The Importance of Singing Together 25:57 Personal Musical Journey and Church Influence 27:01 Boyz II Men: Harmony and Impact 28:37 Black Men and Emotional Vulnerability 30:44 Lessons from Boyz II Men for Black Men Today 32:51 The Role of Music in Emotional Growth 37:22 Insights from the Book on Boyz II Men 41:29 Encouraging Support for the Book 42:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 46:42 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraRead Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: a...

    47 min

  4. 1 AUG

    Norman Gyamfi's Recent Statements Causing Controversy in Christian Music (Guest: Darnell Miller)

    In this episode of Queue Points podcast, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray discuss the changing landscape of gospel music, focusing on the evolving norms and the importance of maintaining cultural identity. They delve into the recent comments made by gospel executive Norman Gyamfi about gospel music norms and their impact, sparking a conversation on anti-blackness and the erasure of black culture in music. Special guest Darnell Miller joins the discussion to share his insights and experiences in the gospel music industry. Miller also talks about his initiatives 'Live at the Loft' and 'Indie Planet,' emphasizing the need for innovation and creating safe spaces for artists. The episode is filled with reflections on the power of black music, the challenges within the gospel music industry, and the importance of supporting independent artists. Chapter Markers 00:00 Welcome to Queue Points Podcast 00:56 Weather Woes and Technical Issues 02:02 Celebrating Black Music 03:32 Introducing Darnell Miller 05:37 Controversial Comments in Gospel Music 12:25 The Evolution of Gospel and CCM 26:17 Discussing Jonathan Butler and Gospel Music Evolution 27:40 Reminiscing Early 2000s Gospel Radio 29:39 Gospel Music Marketing and Mainstream Decline 30:51 Cultural Appropriation in Mega Churches 31:52 Personal Experiences in Diverse Church Environments 35:56 The Role of Music in Overcoming Challenges 38:47 Future of Gospel Music and Personal Reflections 42:49 Live at the Loft and Indie Planet Initiatives 47:45 Closing Remarks and Gratitude This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    54 min
  5. How the '95 Source Awards Changed Hip-Hop and Atlanta Forever (Banjee Boombox Bonus Episode)

    21 JUL · BONUS

    How the '95 Source Awards Changed Hip-Hop and Atlanta Forever (Banjee Boombox Bonus Episode)

    On this special Queue Points bonus episode, exclusively for Banjee Boombox, we're turning up the volume on one of hip hop's most pivotal nights - the 1995 Source Awards. How did a tense moment, a lukewarm applause, and Andre 3000’s immortal words (“the South got something to say!”) launch Atlanta into the center of hip hop? Hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray break it all down in classic Queue Points style: smart, entertaining, and rooted in Black music history. Come hear why Atlanta’s moment on that New York stage changed not just the music, but Black culture forever. This is part one for the Podcast Village at Banjee Boombox on August 3, 2025! For the full episode, reflections, the other showstopping moment of the night and how the ‘95 Source Awards relates to queer hip hop, stop by the Queue Points table at the event. Can’t make it? The full episode drops in Queue Points Magazine on August 4th. Tune in, tap in, and let’s boom! FREE RSVP for Banjee Boombox: https://qpnt.net/banjee25 About Banjee Boombox Banjee Boombox is a woman led QTBIPOC (Queer Trans Black and Indigenous People of Color)  festival collective committed to creating safe spaces for women, gender expansive and sexually diverse (LGBTQAI+) artists. Founded in 2020 by DJ LiKWUiD and DJ Mary Mac, our mission is to amplify marginalized voices and foster community, wellness, education and resources through artists honorariums, dynamic events, workshop panels and digital archives. Join us in this colorful tapestry of expression, where diversity is not only embraced but celebrated with enthusiasm and respect. Our goal is to amplify the black femme future. Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro Theme and Welcome 00:31 Setting the Scene: 1995 Source Awards 01:22 The Tension Between East and West Coast 02:44 New Artists of the Year: The Nominees 04:30 Outkast's Victory and Andre 3000's Iconic Moment 08:39 Bonus Episode Outro Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraRead Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: https://store.queuepoints.comBuy Us A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/queuepointspodContribute: https://cash.app/$queuepointspod Follow Us On Social Media Facebook: https://facebook.com/queuepointspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/queuepointspodBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/queuepointspod.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@queuepointspodTikTok: a href="https://tiktok.com/@queuepointspod" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    9 min
  6. Calvin Michaels on K-Pop, Culture, & Capitalism

    10 JUL

    Calvin Michaels on K-Pop, Culture, & Capitalism

    DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray sit down with musician, dancer, comedian, and YouTuber Calvin Michaels. Together, they discuss the influence of Black music on K-Pop, and what gets lost (or copied) in translation. Calvin shares insights about his creative path, personal projects, and the North Star that drives him as a true multihyphenate.   From Calvin’s personal journey growing up internationally, to the guys’ critique of the “factory” formula behind much K-Pop, the conversation is playful, smart, and honest. Calvin Michaels Bio Calvin Michaels works in many realms of entertainment as a musical producer and creative director. He's also had experience working as a choreographer, stand-up comedian, public speaker, magazine contributor, actor, and choir director. He also has several self-produced studio albums and is a graduate of Howard University. He recently executive produced the short film "Pull Over So I Can Hit You!". The project is currently showcased at the LA International Shorts Film Festival, Micheaux Film Festival, & Urban Film Festival. This project is an adaption of an episode from his Comedically Hardheaded Podcast. In addition, he also released his third and fourth self-produced studio albums entitled "Before Tomorrow" and "After Yesterday", available on all digital music platforms. Calvin Michaels is most known for his YouTube channel that tackles conversations centered on popular culture, politics, music, life and current events. He also served as the director of a nationally top-ranked and critically acclaimed after school program in the Washington DC metropolitan area for 11 years. Highlights of his creative work and choreography have also been showcased and performed at the Kennedy Center, Howard University, and in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. Follow Calvin Michaels Website: https://calvinmichaels.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/calvinmichaels X: https://x.com/gimmieabeat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimmieabeat BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gimmieabeat.bsky.social Email: calvinbmichaels@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Introduction and Greetings 00:38 The K-Pop Controversy 01:05 Introducing Calvin Michaels 01:30 Calvin's Musical Journey 08:15 The Birth of a YouTube Channel 12:19 K-Pop: A Critical Perspective 20:24 The Rise and Fall of K-Pop Groups 21:16 Generational Differences in Music Appreciation 22:29 Cultural Appropriation and Racism in K-Pop 24:07 The Influence of Black Culture on K-Pop 25:59 The Business Model of K-Pop 26:21 The Evolution of Boy Bands 29:04 The Commercialization of Black Music 31:07 The Decline of R&B in the 2000s 35:18 Calvin Michaels' Music and Projects 38:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell 39:52 Closing Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraRead Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: a href="https://store.queuepoints.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    40 min
  7. 'Another Man', 80's R&B, and Bisexuality in Black Music

    19 JUN

    'Another Man', 80's R&B, and Bisexuality in Black Music

    In this Pride Month episode DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray are joined by journalist and author Starr Rocque. The trio discuss Barbara Mason's 1984 banger "Another Man" - a song that tackled bisexuality in Black music long before it became a mainstream conversation. The conversation explores how songs like this, and its later hip-hop connections by Notorious B.I.G. and Nikki D, reflect the experiences people were having but rarely discussing openly. We examine the cultural impact of these narratives, the responsibility of storytelling in music, and why diverse romantic experiences matter in our musical landscape. Starr Rocque Bio Starr Rocque is a journalist and author. Her work has been featured by Fast Company, Vibe Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, Vh1, Essence Magazine, American Urban Radio Networks and more. Her debut novel, "Bloggers Can't Be Trusted" is available on Amazon. Follow Starr Rocque Website: http://www.starrrocque.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starr_rocque LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrenerhett/ Email: info@starrene.com Chapter Markers 00:00 Opening Theme 00:16 Introduction and Hosts' Greetings 01:24 Introducing Guest Starr Rocque 03:34 Discussing 'Another Man' by Barbara Mason 09:37 Discussing the Theme of Cheating and Bisexuality in Black Music 12:33 Exposure to Queerness and Unlearning Biases 13:53 Nuanced Conversations in Music 16:30 Hip Hop and Queer Representation 23:14 Diverse Romantic Experiences in Music 27:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 28:51 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraRead Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: https://store.queuepoints.comBuy Us A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/queuepointspodContribute: https://cash.app/$queuepointspod Follow Us On Social Media Facebook: https://facebook.com/queuepointspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/queuepointspodBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/queuepointspod.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@queuepointspodTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@queuepointspod This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    29 min
  8. The Blues, Queerness, and Black Storytelling: Re-examining Peggy Scott Adams’ 'Bill'

    11 JUN

    The Blues, Queerness, and Black Storytelling: Re-examining Peggy Scott Adams’ 'Bill'

    In this Pride Month episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dive into Peggy Scott Adams’ 1997 blues classic “Bill.” What happens when a Blues track sparks conversations about queerness, deception, and Black family dynamics in the late ‘90s? Mayhem, y’all. Pure mayhem. Join us as we explore the cultural shockwaves from “Bill”—from how the song tackled (and sometimes mishandled) LGBTQIA+ visibility, to the tabloid-fueled era that shaped its reception within the Black community. We break down the music video’s casting choices, the history of confronting infidelity in Black music, and why “Bill” still matters today. We reflect honestly on outdated language and tropes used in the era, and celebrate the resilience and storytelling power of Black artists—then and now. Happy Pride! Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Introduction and Welcome 01:17 Introducing Peggy Scott Adams' 'Bill' 02:55 Discussion: The Impact and Controversy of 'Bill' 04:04 Exploring the Social Context of the 90s 08:13 Analyzing the 'Bill' Music Video 10:59 Reflecting on the Song's Legacy 17:51 The Evolution of Music and Media 22:11 Conclusion and Farewell 23:17 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraRead Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: https://store.queuepoints.comBuy Us A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/queuepointspodContribute: https://cash.app/$queuepointspod Follow Us On Social Media Facebook: https://facebook.com/queuepointspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/queuepointspodBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/queuepointspod.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@queuepointspodTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@queuepointspod #PrideMonth #PeggyScottAdams #Bill #BlackMusic #90sBlues #QueuePoints #QueerHistory #BlackQueerVoices #MusicPodcast This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    24 min
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About

Queue Points is the Black Podcasting Award and Ambie Award nominated music podcast that is dropping the needle on Black Music history and celebrating Black music through meaningful dialogue. The show is hosted by DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Information

  • Creator
    Queue Points LLC
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021-2025 Queue Points LLC
  • Show Website
    Queue Points

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