Queue Points

Queue Points LLC

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.

  1. 5D AGO

    Jeremy Avalon on WERC Crew, 'The Groove,' and the Soul of the Dancefloor

    Queue Points welcomes DJ and producer Jeremy Avalon for a conversation about community, musicianship, and the power of building spaces where the music leads. Jeremy traces the influences that shaped him. He takes us on a journey from a childhood surrounded by records and instruments to the impact of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley’s Exodus, and how those roots inform his sound and approach behind the decks. The trio digs into the formation and intent of WERC Crew as a collective, why The Groove treats R&B as a headliner rather than a segment, and how High Key Disco channels the spirit of early NYC dance floors. They also tackle the realities of today’s DJ culture, Gen Z crowds, Boiler Room aesthetics, and why technology can make songs feel “less sacred.” Follow Jeremy Avalon Website: https://www.jeremyavalon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeremyAvalonMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyavalon/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jeremyavalon Jeremy Avalon Biography A member of the WERC Crew Collective, Jeremy is often described as “The Professor'“ for his vast musical knowledge in musical history, theory and innovation. Jeremy has reached a global audience as a DJ & Music Producer, performing all over the United States. He has taken his talent overseas as well as to locations such as the UK, Croatia & Mexico. Jeremy has appeared on the Rock The Bells Cruise, & acclaimed festivals & traveling events like Art Beats & lyrics ,The Art of Cool & One Music Fest. He has opened for a diverse array of artists like the late DMX, Kaytranada, Rich Medina, Masego, Fishbone, Vikter Duplaix, Sángo, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Byran-Michael Cox and others. Jeremy’s first love has always been guitar & music production. He is a multi instrumentalist with production credits with a diverse list of artist like Jazz singer Chantae Cann, Hip Hop legends Nappy Roots & collaborations with Electronic Producer Treasure Fingers. Already a world traveler by the age of 11, Jeremy incorporates many international influences into his DJing and music production. Uptempo Soul/R&B & futuristic funk permeate his sound as well as Caribbean/Latin rhythms, Indie Dance & Deep House. These are the tip of the iceberg as it concerns Jeremy's musical palette. Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Introduction and Excitement for the Guest 01:07 DJ Age and Party Dynamics 03:57 Introducing Jeremy Avalon 06:04 Jeremy's Musical Journey 12:10 WERC Crew and Community Impact 24:45 Memories of Record Shopping in New York 26:42 Reflecting on Musical Influences 32:21 The Evolution of DJ Culture and Social Media 39:23 Jeremy Avalon's Remix Project 41:41 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events 43:26 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraJoin Our Newsletter: https://plus.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: https://store.queuepoints.comBuy Us A Coffee: a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/queuepointspod" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    44 min
  2. SEP 29

    The Cultural Impact of 'Being Bobby Brown' At 20 with Rich Juzwiak

    Twenty years later, Bravo's "Being Bobby Brown" remains one of reality television's most talked-about and controversial shows. The 2005 series gave viewers an unprecedented look inside the home life of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, but what was its lasting impact on celebrity culture and reality TV as we know it today? In this episode, Sir Daniel and Jay Ray are joined by writer and podcaster Rich Juzwiak, whose early 2000s blog "Fourfour" made him a go-to voice for reality TV commentary. Rich brings his unique perspective as someone who covered the show during its original run and has watched the reality television landscape evolve dramatically since then. The conversation explores how "Being Bobby Brown" differed from other celebrity reality shows of its era, the complicated questions around exploitation versus entertainment, and whether Whitney and Bobby's raw, unfiltered moments on camera could exist in today's social media-driven world. From the show's cultural significance to its place in Whitney Houston's complex legacy, this discussion examines how one brief reality series captured a moment in time that feels both nostalgic and impossible to recreate. Whether you lived through the original buzz or discovered the show years later, this episode offers fresh insights into a piece of television that continues to spark debate about fame, privacy, and the price of letting cameras into your life. Follow Rich Juzwiak Twitter: https://x.com/RichJuz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richjuz/ Follow Pot Psychology: https://link.queuepoints.com/iRY5 Rich Juzwiak Biography Rich Juzwiak is a writer and podcaster from Brooklyn. He is the co-host of the Pot Psych podcast and the co-writer of Slate's love and sex advice column, How to Do It. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Pitchfork, TIME, Esquire, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and more. Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Welcome to Queue Points Podcast 01:26 The Unseen World of 'Being Bobby Brown' 02:05 The Golden Age of Blogs and Reality TV 04:15 Introducing Our Special Guest: Rich Juzwiak 05:39 Diving into Reality TV's Impact 07:56 The Realness of Early Reality TV 12:19 The Cultural Impact of 'Being Bobby Brown' 18:36 Reflecting on Whitney and Bobby's Legacy 20:38 The Exploitation in Reality TV 22:29 The Evolution of Reality TV 24:18 The Decline of Celebrity Reality Shows 26:25 The Unique Impact of 'Being Bobby Brown' 28:49 Current Pop Culture Highlights 30:52 Connecting with Rich Juzwiak 32:43 Closing Remarks and Farewell 34:06 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraJoin Our Newsletter: https://plus.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: a...

    34 min
  3. Queue Points 1-on-1: Leah B on Detroit Music and R&B’s Best Decade

    SEP 16

    Queue Points 1-on-1: Leah B on Detroit Music and R&B’s Best Decade

    It’s Queue Points one-on-one time! We’re joined by podcaster Leah B, creator of the weekly music history podcast In The Mix with Leah B. Leah shares her path from dreaming of radio to launching her own podcast, and how the memory of her brother inspires her work today. We dig into Detroit’s deep musical roots, from Motown to gospel and house, and the artists who shaped Leah’s ears; Vanessa Williams, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, and Slum Village. Then we get into a friendly debate: which decade wins R&B—80s, 90s, or 2000s? Finally, we have a blast celebrating Black TV theme songs that live rent free in our heads: Amen, Living Single, Family Ties, Hanging With Mr. Cooper, Gimme a Break, and more. Follow In The Mix With Leah B Website: https://www.inthemixwithleahb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthe_mixwithleahb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inthemixwithleab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-mix-with-leah-b/ Leah B BiographyLeah B. is a host, writer, and producer. She’s an avid music listener. She’s the host of “In the Mix Leah B”, It’s weekly music history podcast where she discusses various topics and artists in black music from a historical perspective. Chapter Markers00:00 Intro Theme 00:16 Introduction and Host Greetings 02:02 Special Guest Introduction: Leah B 03:23 Leah B's Journey into Podcasting 07:44 Musical Influences and Early Favorites 14:23 Detroit's Musical Impact 20:07 Favorite Decades of R&B 31:03 Iconic TV Theme Songs 37:02 Nostalgic TV Theme Songs 37:50 Closing Thoughts & Wrap Up 39:45 Outro Theme Get More From Us Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandoraJoin Our Newsletter: https://plus.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

    40 min
  4. Celebrating Teddy Astin’s Impact from Warner Brothers to Solidifying Atlanta’s Entertainment Legacy

    SEP 9

    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/pandoraJoin Our Newsletter: https://plus.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
  5. Hip-Hop's Flyest Fashion Icons

    AUG 28

    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/pandoraJoin Our Newsletter: https://plus.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

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

    AUG 21

    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/pandoraJoin Our Newsletter: https://plus.queuepoints.com Support Us Shop Our Store: a...

    47 min
  7. AUG 1

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

    JUL 21 · 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/pandoraJoin Our Newsletter: https://plus.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
5
out of 5
19 Ratings

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.

You Might Also Like