April 5, 2023 marked the 50th birthday of musical phenom Pharrell Williams. Whether producing on his own or as part of The Neptunes or performing as a solo act, Pharrell has been part of some of the most interesting and influential music of the last 30 years. An icon of fashion, Williams’ latest role as the Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director isn’t as much surprising as it is “... of course.” For our main topic this week we’ll be discussing Virgina’s-own Pharrell Williams.

During our opening segment for this show we’ll be revisiting DJ Sir Daniel’s epic party, Prizmatic. We’ll also be discussing the film “Spinning Gold.” Finally we’ll be lifting up the fundraiser for JB’s Record Lounge.

If you’ve been around Queue Points for a while, you know that we’ve often had discussions about Rock & Roll, Black folks and our place in the culture. We’ve also mentioned the importance of Cree Summer in those conversations. Check out The Rock & Roll Show to catch up.

It’s the last couple of days of #WomensHistoryMonth, and during this conversation we discuss 1999’s “Street Faërie,” Summer’s excellent debut, and to date, only album. We’ll reminisce a bit about the time of its release, and discuss some of the songs. Tune in and reminisce. What’s your favorite song from the album? 

On this episode of Queue Points, the hosts discuss the hit show "Swarm" and extreme fan culture. They reflect on how social media has given fans a personal connection to their favorite artists and the possible downsides of this phenomena. The discussion then shifts to mental health challenges, challenges within the foster care system and the issue of suicide among Black women. 

For the show's opening topics, the hosts show love to Karega and Felicia Bailey of Sol Affirmations, they also touch on the recent lawsuit against rapper Afroman filed by police officers claiming emotional distress, Tony! Toni! Tone! headed back out on tour, and they wish happy birthday to Stephanie Mills and Chaka Khan. Finally, the episode also includes an appreciation of rapper MC Lyte and her distinctive voice, which has become ubiquitous in TV, award ceremonies, and voiceover work.

Queue Points, like so many in our audience, grew up on radio. Black women on the air has been part of our history, and, on tonight’s show, we’re discussing Black women on the mic and in the business of radio - Cathy Hughes, Lady B and Wendy Williams. We also play a portion of DJ Sir Daniel’s interview with radio legend Joyce Littel as well as reflections on radio from award-winning podcast producer and Director of Podcasts for Black Love Inc., Krystal Hill. Also DJ Sir Daniel gives us a history lesson on radio pioneer Mary Dee Dudley, America’s first Black woman radio disc jockey.

Planes, trains (maybe not trains) and automobiles, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray hit the road to be present for The Ambies. Queue Points was nominated for the 2023 Best Entertainment Podcast, and this show is all about their experience in Las Vegas - memorable moments, reflections and feelings about the future.

It’s #WomensHistoryMonth, and we’re kicking off the month with a discussion about producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer Patrice Rushen. At a time when few Black women controlled their musical creativity and output, Rushen was in a class all her own. 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of her move to Elektra Records. With hits including "Haven't You Heard?" and Forget Me Nots, the era marked Rushen’s shift to a more R&B/Pop style, and would give us some of her most recognizable songs. Join the guys for the conversation!

So hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray have never asked one another questions about music on this show, and this time they do just that. There are no agendas, no specific topics, just the two hosts asking things they’ve never asked before. Join in for this special episode of Queue Points.

Thirty years ago, on February 16, 1993, Flavor Unit, Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere’s musical crew dropped their inaugural compilation CD - “Roll Wit Tha Flava.” After years of making appearances on each other’s work, this was the first time out for the crew as a whole. This episode will chart Queen Latifah’s artistic pivot, the record that marked the shift and the unlikely rise of an R&B powerhouse - Zhané. #HipHop50

In the 1980s, Spike Lee showed young Black folks like DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray what was possible for us. Spike showed Black love and Black experience unapologetically on screen, and became an inspiration for many. Spike was also very connected to hip hop culture, and infused hip hop, Jazz and soul into every part of his films. On this episode we’re discussing the brilliant, Black, film history of Spike Lee through a music lens.

YEAAAAHHHHHHH BOYEEEEEEEEE! Public Enemy’s sophomore record It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back was a line in the sand for where rap music was heading in 1988. An album that defined an era for Def Jam and thrust conscious rap into the mainstream, Millions is the gold standard for golden era hip hop. For the start of Black History Month 2023, we’re revisiting the impact of this landmark album.

During our last episode we discussed the introduction of MC Skat Kat during Paula Abdul’s “Opposite’s Attract.” The inclusion of an animated, rapping cat was one of the signals of hip hop’s growing cultural influence. In fact, hip hop was showing up in cartoons throughout the 1980s.

During the 1990s rappers moved easily into cartoon stardom. From Kid ‘n Play to MC Hammer we’re revisiting the era of the rapping cartoon.