Show #108 - From Kid 'n Play to Salt-N-Pepa: The History of Hurby Luv Bug's Hit Machine

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.

In the lexicon of great rap voices - Snoop Dogg absolutely stands as one of a kind. From his beginning as a young, talented rapper on Death Row’s roster to becoming a staple on “Madison Ave.,” selling us everything from beer and wine to food, Snoop is the definition of a survivor. His journey and evolution is inspiring.

For #HipHop50 let's celebrate the icon, the legend, and the true embodiment of coolness, Snoop Dogg. Get ready to vibe with us on Queue Points!

On this episode of Queue Points, we delve into the book, "When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era” with author Donovan X. Ramsey. Donovan discusses the tragic legacy of the crack epidemic through the eyes of four individuals, illuminating the vulnerability and resilience of the Black community. We discuss topics like harm reduction, the vital role of community, and the significance of having authentic representations of the people impacted by the crack epidemic. 

Sharing deeply personal experiences, we explore the continuous ripple effects of the crack era, the failure of the criminal justice system, and the intersections between historical events like the Great Migration and the onset of the crack crisis. This episode confronts the disparities, the stigma, and the systemic negligence that fueled the crack epidemic. Join us on a journey of understanding and compassion of a misunderstood and misrepresented epidemic.

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.

When folks are asked to name their favorite women MCs, there are some names who appear often on lists. One of those names is MC Lyte. Lyte has long been considered the gold standard for women MCs. An iconic, recognizable voice, a versatile flow and hit songs to boot, it’s amazing to think that Lyte has now fully transitioned to a Hollywood mainstay with continued cultural relevance. Let’s discuss her career, and have a good time.

On our first episode in our year-long #1988Series, we are discussing the legacy of Paula Abdul’s music debut Forever Your Girl. The album landed with a bang launching Abdul’s career into the stratosphere with six Hot 100 hits including four number ones.

With game-changing videos and tight choreography from Abdul herself, Forever Your Girl, earned its respect among Black music fans. Tune in as we dive into the groove-filled moment in Pop history.

During the first segment of the show the hosts check in about musicians kissing and telling (we’re looking at you Smokey Robinson and Kiely Williams), Jay Ray’s ChatGPT revelation and more.

Venture into the heart of music history as we explore 'Love to Love You, Donna Summer', the poignant documentary co-directed by Summer’s daughter Brooklyn Sudano. Summer’s accomplishments include an incredible 16 #1 Billboard Dance hits. DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray discuss the documentary, Summer’s career and lasting impact of her legacy.

Before that, the two discuss a range of hip-hop topics from Kali’s new single “Area Codes,” “Billboard’s Top 50 Hip Hop Groups,” and three rap songs with Disco origins.

Also, DJ Sir Daniel shares his favorite songs featuring orgasms.

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

DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray decided to weigh in on The Grammys. They discuss the #HipHop50 segment, Lizzo and of course, Beyoncé.