In this electrifying episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray drop the needle on the musical legacies of three legendary Black women who dominated stage, screen, and sound—Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Did you know these powerhouse performers also pursued music careers? From Debbie Allen’s Special Look album, which could have been a hit if released just a year earlier, to Phylicia Rashad’s disco-infused Josephine Superstar, and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s club anthem In The Evening, these women proved they were more than just icons in acting.

Join us as we break down their impact, celebrate their versatility, and reminisce about the Broadway-to-Billboard moments that often get overlooked. Expect laughter, deep musical knowledge, and a celebration of the Black women who paved the way for today’s multi-talented artists.

🎶 5, 6, 7, 8… It’s time to pay in sweat!

🔊 Hit play, share, and subscribe to Queue Points for more Black music history!

This episode is sponsored by "What's Poppin' Penny?"

 Parents, caregivers, teachers and trusted adults, go on over to YouTube and subscribe to "What's Poppin' Penny?" so that your Brownstone buddies can check out the animated version of the podcast when it is released this Spring.

Subscribe by visiting: https://qpnt.net/wppsub1

Links to Content Referenced in This Episode

• "Debbie Allen: Doing It All - Her Way!!!" (Ebony Magazine - November, 1989)
• "Sheryl Ralph's Dreams Are Coming True" (Billboard - February 9, 1985)
• Phylicia Allen - "Josephine Superstar"
• Sheryl Lee Ralph - "In The Evening"
• Debbie Allen - "Special Look"
• Friday Night Videos (1989) Hosted by Debbie Allen and Kadeem Hardison

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

Hip-hop is always evolving, but where is it headed next? In this episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray drop the needle on the latest cultural shifts shaping the future of the genre. From Sexyy Red’s viral moment on The Jennifer Hudson Show to Kendrick Lamar’s game-changing halftime performance, the duo unpacks the growing tension between artistry, entertainment, and respectability politics.

Are we witnessing the golden era of female rap, or is a commercial bust on the horizon? What role do gimmicks, image, and corporate influence play in shaping today’s hip-hop stars? And could a return to rap crews and creative collectives help revitalize the culture?

With sharp insights, humor, and a deep love for Black music history, Queue Points dissects hip-hop’s evolution, its past inspirations, and where the next wave might take us. Don’t miss this conversation that blends education, nostalgia, and unfiltered cultural commentary.

This episode is sponsored by "What's Poppin' Penny?"

Parents, caregivers, teachers and trusted adults, go on over to YouTube and subscribe to "What's Poppin' Penny?" so that your Brownstone buddies can check out the animated version of the podcast when it is released this Spring.

Subscribe by visiting: https://qpnt.net/wppsub1

Links to Content Referenced in This Episode

• KRS-One on Culture vs Corporate!! from B-Real TV

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Welcome to Queue Points Podcast

00:44 Jennifer Hudson Show and Sexyy Red

02:44 Shame and Respectability Politics

05:44 Women in Hip Hop: Then and Now

09:17 The Future of Female Rap

14:35 The Role of Gimmicks in Hip Hop

17:56 The Importance of Crews and Groups

21:34 What's Poppin' Penny? Ad

23:06 Kendrick Lamar Halftime Show

26:14 Controversy Over Kendrick Lamar's Performance

28:35 Cultural Cleansing and Critical Thinking

31:50 The Battle Between Culture and Corporations

40:37 The Chitlin Circuit Tour and Ticket Prices

44:37 Celebrating Spike Lee's School Daze

49:13 Hip Hop Love Songs

53:41 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

55:15 Outro Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

Before the term "super producer" became a staple in hip-hop, Larry Smith was already crafting legendary productions that shaped the genre. On this episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray drop the needle on one of hip-hop’s most unsung pioneers—Larry Smith.

From his groundbreaking work with Run-D.M.C. and Whodini to his influence on the early sound of Def Jam, Smith’s musicianship set the foundation for what would become hip-hop’s golden era. But why isn’t his name as widely recognized as other production legends? The duo explores Smith’s deep roots as a bass player, his innovative production style, and why he ultimately walked away from hip-hop at its commercial peak.

Join us as we celebrate the man behind classics like ‘Sucker MCs,’ ‘Friends,’ and ‘Freaks Come Out at Night,’ and discuss how his legacy still echoes in today’s music. If you’re a fan of hip-hop history, classic beats, and deep storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Watch JayQuan’s “The Genius of Super Producer Larry Smith” on The Foundation: https://qpnt.net/TpWD

#LarrySmith #HipHopHistory #SuperProducer #RunDMC #Whodini #OldSchoolHipHop

This episode is sponsored by "What's Poppin' Penny?"

 Parents, caregivers, teachers and trusted adults, go on over to YouTube and subscribe to "What's Poppin' Penny?" so that your Brownstone buddies can check out the animated version of the podcast when it is released this Spring.

Subscribe by visiting: https://qpnt.net/wppsub1

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:36 Introducing Larry Smith: The Unsung Pioneer

01:30 Larry Smith's Musicianship and Production Style

03:57 The Impact of Working with a Singular Producer

05:41 Larry Smith's Collaborations and Hits

08:34 Larry Smith's Legacy and Influence

12:40 What's Poppin' Penny? Ad

14:12 The Importance of 'Action' by Orange Crush

19:18 Larry Smith's Departure from Hip Hop

21:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

23:59 Supporting Queue Points Podcast

25:07 Outro Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

The Grammy Awards are supposed to be a celebration of musical excellence, but when natural disasters strike, should the show go on? In this episode of Queue Points Live, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dive deep into the controversy surrounding the Grammys' decision to proceed despite the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. They discuss celebrity philanthropy, asking whether public figures have a responsibility to use their influence for good—or if it's all just great PR.

The conversation expands into a broader discussion about musicians' role in humanitarian efforts, reflecting on iconic moments like “We Are the World” and whether today's artists could pull off a similar collective action. Plus, the hosts examine the impact of modern celebrity culture, the challenges of organizing relief efforts in the digital age, and whether award shows should adapt in times of crisis.

As always, this episode blends education with entertainment, bringing insightful commentary on the music industry, culture, and history—all with the signature Queue Points flair. Tune in for a compelling discussion on music, responsibility, and the power of artists to make a difference.

#Grammys #CelebrityPhilanthropy #MusicIndustry #AwardShows #WeAreTheWorld

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Introduction and Greetings

01:02 Weather and Snow Stories

02:33 Natural Disasters and Their Impact

04:13 Celebrity Responses to Disasters

07:31 Award Shows During Crises

13:19 The Role of Celebrities in Humanitarian Efforts

19:11 Collective Humanitarian Projects in Music

22:45 Modern Challenges in Organizing Humanitarian Efforts

30:19 Celebrity Opinions and Social Issues

32:06 Inauguration Performers and Country Music

33:22 The Village People Controversy

37:24 Wendy Williams' Conservatorship Struggles

42:23 Drake's Lawsuit Against Universal Music

47:04 Jay Ray's Ancestry DNA Results

49:18 Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks

55:10 Outro Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

On this episode of Queue Points, we sit down with the award-winning playwright, creative, and author Idris Goodwin. We discuss his upcoming play, an adaptation of William Steig’s Doctor De Soto, which opens at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta on January 18, 2024. Idris shares his journey of storytelling rooted in community and the importance of music in children’s theater. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that celebrates art, legacy, and intergenerational storytelling.

Learn more about Doctor De Soto at the Alliance Theatre: https://qpnt.net/desoto-alliance

#AllianceTheatre #BlackCreatives #DoctorDeSoto #TheaterForYouth #Storytelling

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:15 Idris Goodwin Bio

02:32 Welcome to the Show

04:42 The Impact of Nikki Giovanni on Idris

05:46 The Role of Music in Children's Theater

10:24 Exploring Doctor De Soto

18:34 The Importance of Community in Theater

22:43 Closing

24:01 Outro Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

In this lively episode of Queue Points Live, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray tackle one of the most polarizing questions in Black music history: Is R. Kelly the greatest American songwriter? 🤔 (Spoiler Altert - NO, he's not.) Fueled by viral social media hot takes, they unpack the complexity of R. Kelly’s legacy—from his undeniable musical genius to the societal implications of celebrating his work in light of his personal controversies.

Through a mix of humor, cultural critique, and deep analysis, they explore how R. Kelly’s music became a cornerstone of Black nostalgia, his mastery of the pop music formula, and the reasons his songs still resonate despite his downfall. Is it possible to separate the art from the artist? And where does R. Kelly stand in the pantheon of great songwriters like Smokey Robinson and Carole King? Tune in to find out!

#BlackMusicHistory #PodcastDiscussion #RKellyLegacy #MusicAndControversy, #SongwritingDebate

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:00 Welcome and Shout out to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

01:17 Empathy for Los Angeles

04:49 Hot Takes on Social Media

05:29 R. Kelly's Controversial Legacy

12:38 The Impact of R. Kelly's Music

16:24 Debating R. Kelly's Songwriting

20:56 Nostalgia and R. Kelly's Influence

25:27 Trapped in the Closet Phenomenon

28:15 Upcoming Event: Trapped in the Closet Watch Party

29:32 R. Kelly's Magnetic Persona and Pop Music Formula

31:14 Analyzing 'You Are Not Alone' Lyrics

31:58 The Evolution of Pop Music and Songwriting

36:47 The Controversy of R. Kelly's Legacy

41:53 Community Reactions and Final Thoughts

48:20 Closing Remarks and Announcements

50:08 Closing Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

Step into the time capsule with DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray as Queue Points rewinds to the dawn of the millennium! From the global Y2K panic to the futuristic vibes that shaped music, fashion, and pop culture, this episode explores the fears, fun, and moments that defined the year 2000. Relive the hype of iconic hits, flashy music videos, and trendsetting TV shows like 106 & Park, and reflect on how Black culture embraced the sci-fi aesthetic of the new millennium. Packed with humor, sharp insights, and nostalgia, this episode is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and cultural evolution. Whether you lived through Y2K or are hearing about it for the first time, Queue Points is here to drop the needle on Black music history and keep the conversation spinning.

#Y2K #MillenniumBug #BlackMusicHistory #BlackPodcasters

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Welcome to Queue Points Podcast

00:40 Reflecting on the Year 2000

01:44 Y2K: The Global Panic

03:25 Breaking Down the Y2K Bug

08:00 The Cultural Impact of Y2K

12:29 Hip Hop and the Millennium

23:35 The Legacy of 106 & Park

27:46 Fashion Trends of the 2000s

33:43 Conclusion and Farewell

34:58 Closing Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

Queue Points is the podcast that drops the needle on Black music history and celebrates Black culture. In this special year-end episode, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray take listeners on a reflective journey through 2024—a year that moved fast, shook things up, and left us with plenty to unpack.

From personal milestones and hard-earned victories to jaw-dropping social media moments and cultural shifts, our hosts highlight the Good, the Gag, and the Ugly of the year. Jay Ray shares his pride in completing the AIR New Voices AMPLIFY program, while DJ Sir Daniel opens up about navigating career changes and discovering new creative opportunities.

The conversation gets candid as they discuss the rise of unlikely internet stars, the challenges of preserving Black cultural legacy in the digital age, and the losses that rocked the music and DJ community. They also emphasize the importance of leaning into personal gifts, giving grace, and creating art as a form of resilience in turbulent times.

Whether you're here for the laughs, the lessons, or the love of music, this episode has something for you. As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, Queue Points reminds us to keep shining, keep creating, and keep the culture alive.

Key Highlights:

• Reflecting on personal and professional wins in 2024
• The rise of social media-driven celebrities and what it says about culture
• The impact of recent losses in the DJ and music communities
• Embracing talent and leaning into creativity in uncertain times

#2024Reflections #TheGoodTheGagTheUgly #YearInReview2024 #ShineYourLight

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:37 Reflecting on 2024

03:58 The Good of 2024

08:53 The Gag of 2024

18:39 The Ugly of 2024

30:35 Conclusion and Looking Forward

32:11 Closing Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

Holiday music might feel inescapable, but some songs hit different. On this episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray unpack why Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” and Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” continue to dominate Black holiday playlists decade after decade. They trace the origins of both tracks, the recording histories, and the social context that shaped how these songs landed in Black homes—from Jim Crow–era respectability to the post–civil rights “I’m Black and I’m proud” generation.​

Along the way, they share personal memories, from working retail with holiday music on loop to the ritual of pulling out a tattered Nat King Cole LP to soundtrack tree-decorating night. The hosts also get into the business of Christmas covers, the difference between a standard and a groove, and the question of whether anyone actually needs to remake “This Christmas” at all. If these songs are part of your family’s soundtrack, this episode feels like sitting down with cousins who love to talk music, history, and the stories behind the records.​

• Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” was recorded multiple times between 1946 and 1961, with four distinct versions, and the 1961 Capitol recording is the one most listeners know.​
• “This Christmas” was written by Donny Hathaway (credited as Donny Pitts) and Nadine Theresa McKinnor, envisioned specifically as a quintessentially Black Christmas song.​
• Despite its current status as a classic, “This Christmas” was not a hit on release and only grew into a staple years after Hathaway’s death.​
• These two songs mirror different eras of Black America: Nat King Cole as a symbol of mid‑century respectability politics and the “American dream,” and Donny Hathaway reflecting post–civil rights Black pride and self-definition.​
• There are dozens of covers of “This Christmas” and well over a thousand of “The Christmas Song,” raising questions about industry economics, standards, and whether some classics should simply be left alone.

#NatKingCole #DonnyHathaway #TheChristmasSong #ThisChristmas #BlackMusicHistory

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Welcome to Queue Points Podcast

00:58 Holiday Music: Love or Hate?

02:14 The Magic of Classic Christmas Songs

03:34 The History Behind 'The Christmas Song'

07:06 The Story of 'This Christmas'

10:39 The Legacy and Impact of These Songs

13:32 Personal Holiday Memories

17:15 The Debate on Cover Songs

20:23 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

22:02 Closing Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

In this special holiday episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray unwrap a soulful gem deeply rooted in Black music history: The Temptations' iconic "Silent Night." Often referred to as "In My Mind," this timeless classic bridges generations during the holidays. But did you know there are two versions of this beloved tune, recorded a decade apart?

Join the hosts as they uncover the story behind both renditions of "Silent Night", the evolution of The Temptations, and why this song resonates so profoundly in Black culture. From the power of Black male vocal harmony to the enduring legacy of group unity, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray break it down with their signature mix of knowledge, humor, and heart.

If you love Black music, vocal groups, and holiday nostalgia, this episode is your invitation to sing along, learn something new, and appreciate the art of timeless music.

Links to Content Referenced in This Episode

• "Silent Night" - The Temptations (1980)
• "Silent Night" - The Temptations (1970)
• Carols and Culture: A Dialogue about the Influence of Black Christmas Music | Queue Points Show #125
• The History of The Temptations' "Silent Night" - Queue Points' TikTok
• The Temptations' Two Silent Nights - Queue Points Magazine

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Welcome to Queue Points Podcast

01:14 The Temptations' Holiday Classic

02:20 The Two Versions of 'Silent Night'

08:14 The Impact of Black Male Voices

12:17 The Importance of Group Harmony

16:35 Closing Remarks and Subscription Info

18:32 Outro Theme

Support Queue Points By Becoming An Insider: https://link.queuepoints.com/membership

#BlackMusic #SoulMusic #TheTemptations #ChristmasMusic #MusicHistory #BlackCulture #ClassicRnB