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. Follow us on social media @queuepointspod everywhere.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 31:36
Black protest music has evolved significantly from the Vietnam War-era anthems of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield to modern social commentary from Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monáe,…
Sep 21, 2026 · 52:36
Veteran photographer and documentarian John Crooms joins hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray to examine over three decades of capturing Atlanta's Black music nightlife and…
Sep 14, 2026 · 42:33
Hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray address Fat Joe's public defense of his N-word usage, examining how his Bronx hip-hop heritage intersects with accountability, racial identity,…
Sep 7, 2026 · 1:02:56
This episode centers on The Krate Doc, the new documentary from The Ummah Creative Group that follows DJ Krate Digga through five gigs in a single weekend in Columbus, Ohio. DJ…
Aug 31, 2026 · 32:26
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray examine how celebrity culture turned personal trauma into a marketing tool, tracing the shift from the mystique of stars like Michael Jackson, Prince,…
Aug 24, 2026 · 34:03
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray examine Kim Wayans' run of music parodies on "In Living Color" and trace how her characters critiqued the treatment of Black women in pop music while…
Aug 17, 2026 · 42:47
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray trace MTV Unplugged from its late-1989 launch through its rise in popularity as the Milli Vanilli lip-syncing scandal put a spotlight on which artists…
Aug 10, 2026 · 33:29
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray use the Hulu documentary on Sly Stone as a jumping-off point to examine the label of "Black genius" and what it costs the artists who carry it. The…
Aug 3, 2026 · 25:28
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray mark the 30th anniversary of Faith Evans' 1995 debut album Faith by asking whether it stands as a stronger debut than Mary J. Blige's What's the 411 .…
Jul 27, 2026 · 38:24
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray examine Chaka Khan's standing as a rock and roll artist, tracing her genre-crossing career from her 1973 arrival as Rufus's lead singer through her…
Jul 20, 2026 · 28:17
Queue Points hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dig into the career and reputation of Dame Dash, the Harlem-born co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and Rocawear, tracing his rise…
Jul 13, 2026 · 36:37
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dedicate this episode to Sparky D, born Doreen Broadnax, tracing her run from Brownsville, Brooklyn dancer to one of hip-hop's first female battle…
Jul 6, 2026 · 40:56
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray break down the history of Cold Chillin' Records, the Warner Brothers-distributed label that gave street rappers major-label reach. They trace the…
Jun 29, 2026 · 25:39
The 1995 Waiting to Exhale soundtrack sits at the intersection of Black film history, R&B's commercial peak, and one producer's singular creative vision. DJ Sir Daniel and Jay…
Jun 22, 2026 · 34:15
Black music has always had a spiritual center — and DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dig into why that's not an accident. This episode traces the sacred roots of soul, R&B, hip-hop, and…
Jun 15, 2026 · 49:33
Listener discretion advised. This episode contains explicit lyric discussion intended for mature audiences. DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray mark the 40th anniversary of The 2 Live Crew…
Jun 8, 2026 · 33:28
Listener discretion advised. This episode contains explicit lyric discussion intended for mature audiences. June is Black Music History Month, and DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray are…
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:01:55
Disclosure: This episode of Queue Points is brought to you by Okayplayer’s Almanac of Rap. Subscribe by visiting https://qpnt.net/aorshow . There's a moment in this conversation…
May 26, 2026 · 30:15
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray sit down with music business professor, professional DJ, and USA Today bestselling author Amani Roberts to talk about what happened to R&B, and why it…
May 18, 2026 · 33:36
⚠️ This episode contains frank, unfiltered discussion about the N-word — its history, its use in hip-hop culture, and its cultural meaning. As two Black men exploring this word…
May 11, 2026 · 30:30
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of murder, violence, substance use, and crimes against a minor. Please take care of yourself first. Episode Description Hip-hop…
May 4, 2026 · 29:03
Content Note: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs support, RAINN is available at 1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org. Music…
Apr 27, 2026 · 59:12
Think back to when you first realized a record you loved was built on somebody's sacrifice. Not the sacrifice of struggle-and-triumph that gets the Grammy speech. The quiet kind,…
Apr 13, 2026 · 49:57
We are joined by academic librarian and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame expert Nick Bambach to discuss the enduring legacy of Sade. From the slicked-back hair and red lips of the 1980s…
Apr 6, 2026 · 34:19
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray look at how Donald Trump’s name moved through Black music in the late ’80s and ’90s as a symbol of wealth, access, and status. The conversation ties…
Mar 30, 2026 · 24:44
Neneh Cherry sits at the crossroads of punk, rap, pop, and Black music history, and this episode traces how she built a lane that still feels outside the box. DJ Sir Daniel and…
Mar 23, 2026 · 22:31
Anita Baker’s 1986 classic “Rapture” gets the full auntie treatment in this episode of Queue Points, as DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dig into how this album became the soundtrack to…
Mar 16, 2026 · 32:20
Sir Daniel and Jay Ray sit down to talk TLC, starting with the 34th anniversary of Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip and how "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" hit screens in 1992. They walk…
Mar 9, 2026 · 44:38
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray pull up a chair for a women’s history cypher, tracing how Black women MCs turned 90s remixes and rap features into full-on posse cuts that still ring…
Mar 2, 2026 · 46:19
From roller skating rinks and line dance floors to Southern Soul nights in Atlanta, this episode captures the heart of Black joy, history, and the communal spaces where we find…
Feb 23, 2026 · 26:08
Michael Jackson’s Dangerous turns 35, so DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray pull out the liner notes, the memories and the mess to talk about the album that closed out Michael’s classic…
Feb 16, 2026 · 28:15
DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray talk about those post-Civil Rights dances our parents' generation did—like the Twist, Watusi, Swim, Jerk, and Bus Stop—and how we Gen Xers picked them…
Feb 9, 2026 · 24:03
The Wop turned 40, and this episode sits right in that mid‑80s pocket where hood parties, basement jams, and early music videos shaped how we moved and how we saw ourselves on…
Feb 2, 2026 · 35:33
In this episode of Queue Points, Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel unpack the sacred science behind three modern Black line dance staples: the Electric Slide, the Cha-Cha Slide, and the…
Jan 26, 2026 · 27:28
Rihanna has given us hits, images, and moments that defined an era, but what does it mean to call her our last global pop phenomenon? In this episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir…
Jan 19, 2026 · 29:29
R&B, love, and community power sit at the center of this conversation with Jean-Pierre “JP” Brice, founder of CMP Radio in Chester, PA. Drawing from loss, hustle, and healing, JP…
Jan 12, 2026 · 45:12
“The Category Is: Your Favorite Rapper Is A Butch Queen” is a grounded, funny, and thoughtful sit-down between Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel about energy, performance, and how Black…
Dec 22, 2025 · 20:39
It’s the holidays, and you know what that means on Queue Points: it’s time to talk holiday cheer … and foolishness. Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel revisit Patti LaBelle’s infamous…
Dec 15, 2025 · 25:55
From competitions to vocal bootcamps with Betty Wright, this episode is all about the phenomenon of Danity Kane and the cultural moment that birthed them. Jay Ray and DJ Sir…
Dec 8, 2025 · 47:24
“Sean Combs: The Reckoning & The Cost of Power” digs into what happens when talent, ego, abuse and an industry built on exploitation collide. In this episode of Queue Points, DJ…
Dec 1, 2025 · 30:00
Join DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray for a very special Queue Points episode, part of The MPN Network’s "The Neighborhood Feast" Thanksgiving programming. In this conversation, they…
Nov 24, 2025 · 30:03
Step into the pulse of the early ‘80s, as “Caribbean Kings: The Other British Invasion” peels back the breakthrough journey of Black British men whose Caribbean roots powered a…
Nov 17, 2025 · 59:47
When it comes to the heartbeat of New Orleans, Trey Payadue knows how to keep the rhythm going. On this episode of Queue Points, Trey sits down with Sir Daniel and Jay Ray for a…
Nov 10, 2025 · 35:51
This Queue Points episode takes listeners on a journey through Liza Minnelli’s unforgettable connections to Black music. Hosts Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel celebrate Liza’s…
Nov 3, 2025 · 17:20
Experience the energy of Atlanta’s Banjee Boombox '25 with Queue Points! In this special bonus episode, we dive into the spirit of a woman-led QTBIPOC festival collective devoted…
Oct 27, 2025 · 28:16
This episode of Queue Points dives into the controversial, creative, and deeply Black history of horrorcore hip hop. Join Jay Ray and Sir Daniel as they explore how horrorcore…
Oct 20, 2025 · 52:13
On this episode of Queue Points, hosts Sir Daniel and Jay Ray welcome Manny Faces, journalist, podcast producer, and founding director of the Hip Hop Institute for Social…
Oct 17, 2025 · 33:49
In this bonus episode, Travis Hall joins Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel on Queue Points to discuss his unique blend of timeless soul and modern R&B. With a background rooted in opera,…
Oct 13, 2025 · 35:04
Explore Patti LaBelle’s pivotal year and the era that helped shape her legacy in popular music. In this episode, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray look at the important milestones in…
Oct 6, 2025 · 43:46
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…
Sep 29, 2025 · 34:27
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…
Sep 16, 2025 · 40:05
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…
Sep 9, 2025 · 37:48
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…
Aug 28, 2025 · 33:50
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…
Aug 21, 2025 · 47:02
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…
Aug 1, 2025 · 53:33
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…
Jul 21, 2025 · 20:31
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…
Jul 10, 2025 · 40:13
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…
Jun 19, 2025 · 29:11
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…
Jun 11, 2025 · 23:37
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…
May 29, 2025 · 17:44
In this special episode of Queue Points, Jay Ray sits down with Wilmington, Delaware’s own Darnell Miller—musician, community builder, and creator of the Live @ The Loft series.…
May 20, 2025 · 51:44
In this first edition of Queue Points 1-On-1, we welcome Kyriacos, a dedicated listener and DJ from Houston. Kyriacos shares how his passion for music was shaped by his family,…
May 13, 2025 · 43:03
Queue Points takes a rhythmic detour from music history to explore the science of wellness with special guest Johnny Dickson of "No Lab Coat Required." In this enlightening…
May 8, 2025 · 36:43
In this episode of Queue Points Podcast, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dive into the captivating world of the Met Gala and Black dandyism in music and fashion. The conversation…
Apr 29, 2025 · 54:26
In this episode of Queue Points, we explore the complex relationship between hip-hop culture and substance use disorders in Black communities with addiction treatment expert…
Mar 4, 2025 · 35:52
In this episode of Queue Points, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray break down the top five cringe moments in Ye’s career … before today (because that’s a whole other story). They…
Feb 25, 2025 · 45:59
In "From Soul Train to TikTok: The Evolution of Teen Dance Shows," hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray take you on a journey through the ever-changing world of teen dance. They…
Feb 18, 2025 · 31:01
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…
Feb 14, 2025 · 55:36
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…
Feb 11, 2025 · 25:26
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…
Jan 17, 2025 · 55:30
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…
Jan 14, 2025 · 24:01
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…
Jan 10, 2025 · 50:31
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…
Jan 7, 2025 · 35:19
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…
Dec 31, 2024 · 32:36
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…
Dec 24, 2024 · 22:22
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…
Dec 17, 2024 · 21:09
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."…
Dec 10, 2024 · 24:01
In this episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dive deep into the importance of comprehension in music, focusing on the artistry and nuances often lost in today’s rap…
Nov 27, 2024 · 51:09
In this bonus episode from an Instagram live conversation, we discuss the recent events in the hip hop world involving Kendrick Lamar's surprise album drop and Drake's…
Nov 26, 2024 · 25:41
Join DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray on this episode of Queue Points podcast as they take a nostalgic look at classic TV shows that served as crucial platforms for Black musicians.…
Nov 19, 2024 · 38:05
In this episode of the Queue Points Podcast, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray delve into the impact and life of legendary singer Luther Vandross. They discuss their personal experiences…
Nov 15, 2024 · 22:15
In this episode of the Queue Points Podcast, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dive into the remarkable legacy of Cissy Houston and the iconic group, The Sweet Inspirations. They…
Nov 5, 2024 · 18:29
Dive into the ultimate Chaka Khan playlist with DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray as they discuss Chaka Khan's Greatest Hits, according to Queue Points. In this episode, our hosts break…
Oct 31, 2024 · 37:20
In this bonus episode, we dive into the intersection of music, storytelling, and community building with the incredible Meklit Hadero . Meklit shares insights from her journey as…
Oct 29, 2024 · 28:44
In this episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dive deep into the world of ghostwriting in hip hop with “Ghosts in the Shadows: Ghostwriting and the Hip Hop…
Oct 24, 2024 · 22:21
Join DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray as they explore the musical journey of Malcolm Jamal Warner, celebrated for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show to Grammy winning musician.…
Oct 15, 2024 · 24:59
In this episode of Queue Points Podcast, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray revisit the 20th anniversary of New Edition's 'One Love' album on Bad Boy Records, exploring the…
Oct 5, 2024 · 1:01:04
In the season finale of 'I Come Alive: Stories of Black Gay Atlanta Nightlife,' host DJ Sir Daniel interviews Ron Pullman - Atlanta’s godfather of house music. They explore…
Oct 1, 2024 · 21:02
Soundtracks play a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional and cultural resonance of films, often becoming as iconic as the movies themselves. This episode of Queue Points delves…
Sep 28, 2024 · 38:22
Join DJ Sir Daniel as he hosts 'I Come Alive: Stories of Black Gay Atlanta Nightlife.' In this episode, he features Mashaun D. Simon , a native of Atlanta, who shares his journey…
Sep 24, 2024 · 23:38
In this episode of Queue Points Podcast, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray celebrate the anniversary of the release of Aretha Franklin’s "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"…
Sep 21, 2024 · 49:05
In this episode of 'I Come Alive: Stories of Black Gay Atlanta Nightlife,' DJ Sir Daniel hosts a heartfelt conversation with Jimmie, a long-time resident of Atlanta. Together,…
Sep 17, 2024 · 19:45
In this episode of Queue Points podcast, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray explore the impact of Cyndi Lauper's music on Black audiences, specifically focusing on her iconic track 'Time…
Sep 15, 2024 · 48:15
Join host DJ Sir Daniel as he continues his journey into the vibrant history of Atlanta's Black gay nightlife. In this episode he sits down with Clinton Jolliffi, affectionately…
Sep 10, 2024 · 53:56
In this episode of Queue Points podcast, hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray discuss the extensive and often less-publicized contributions of Michael Jackson to the music industry.…
Sep 7, 2024 · 49:31
In this episode of I Come Alive: Stories of Black Gay Atlanta Nightlife, host DJ Sir Daniel sits down with social media pioneer Drama Dupree. Drama delves into his experiences of…
Sep 3, 2024 · 1:03:39
In this episode of Queue Points Podcast, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray dive deep into a lively discussion on the most expensive music videos ever made, with a special focus on Black…
Aug 31, 2024 · 43:06
Join host DJ Sir Daniel as he sits down with Michael Slaughter, a key figure in Atlanta's Black gay nightlife, to explore the vibrant history and impact of this community. As the…
Aug 27, 2024 · 1:25:42
Join DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray in this episode of the Queue Points Podcast as they explore Madonna's monumental influence and discuss her connection to Black music history, dance…
Aug 25, 2024 · 27:17
In this bonus episode of Queue Points podcast, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray delve into an exciting discussion with Atlanta-based musical legend, RAHBI. RAHBI, known for his…
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