Show #63 - Bountiful Freedom: A Show About Kelis

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.

On this show Sir Daniel and Jay Ray will discuss artists whose careers suddenly veered off course. Some are still active on the scene while others are mostly missing in action. Who are some of your favorites? Join us for the discussion of artists whose momentum was interrupted.

We catch the crew up on Prince protégé Rosie Gaines, and discuss albums that either never got out of concept phase, or did, but were never released in the United States including The Roots' Black Thought's fabled "Masterpiece Theatre," Kelis' "Wanderland" and Amerie's "Because I Love It." We also gush over DJ Sir Daniel's Earworm of the Week "Midnight Snacks" by Kelis.

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.

The good brother DJ Saint Smith dropped by Queue Points for an exciting and inspirational conversation. He is an accomplished singer and songwriter, who's launched a DJ career. We discuss his upcoming event the Water To Wine Gospel Day Party going down in Atlanta on August 21, 2022, growing up as a "preacher's kid," and what folks can expect from his upcoming album.

Purchase tickets to the Water to Wine Gospel Day Party: https://qpnt.net/wtwgdp

Traveling the independent artist road in music can be challenging, but also rewarding. There are artists on the scene who’ve found ways to explore their talents in many ways, and one of them is DJ Saint Smith. 

An accomplished singer/songwriter, Smith is creating his own sound, “Church&B.” We are going to explore his career, inspirations, his upcoming Gospel day party “Water to Wine” and his debut album “Yours, Saintly.”

DJ R-Tistc is a global DJ who has rocked parties for celebrities and events internationally. He dropped in on Queue Points to discuss his career, how he stays ready for gigs and his thoughts on how DJs have been treated in recent weeks.

When you mention a year in a song, it’s a final act. That song is now forever associated with the year you reference. Also, it can date a song that, for the artist, is an eternal piece of art. It’s our belief that there’s really no down side to including the year in a song, it actually serves as a memorialization of sorts.

With the 2022 release of Joey Bada$$’s 2000 the Queue Points crew began reflecting about songs that featured a year in the title. 

There’s so much to be said about Mary J. Blige. In so many ways, she’s an artist who beat the odds. Underestimated early in her career, her ability to triumph despite that is the stuff of legend. On the eve of her 2022 Billboard Icon Award, we’re discussing her career in the way that only we can. Joining us on our journey is our special guest, Adrian of Adrian’s Playlist of Conversations podcast. Come with us on our journey into the legacy of the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

The slow jam is one of the most enduring staples in R&B and Pop music. This song can often define an artists career, and signal an important shift in how that artist chooses to be perceived. For many it’s the slow jam that becomes the favorite, and for a time, didn’t have to be a single to become a radio hit. On this show, we’re diving into “quiet storm” staples - slow jams.