Show #110 - From Death Row to Madison Ave.: Snoop Dogg's Journey and Evolution

On this episode of Queue points, in our ongoing #HipHop50 series, we spotlight the influential Idol Makers crew and the 1988 release, "Hurby's Machine." Our focus is Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, a prodigious and prolific producer and writer whose career seemingly froze in the late '90s, and who has remained largely silent in recent decades.

Join DJ Sir Daniel as he navigates us through this often overlooked chapter of hip hop history, shedding light on Azor's career, the rise of Salt-N-Pepa and Azor’s central role in one of hip hop’s most legendary diss wars - MC Lyte vs. Antoinette. Alongside Jay Ray, DJ Sir Daniel delves into the compelling story of The Idol Makers, the compilation album "Hurby's Machine," and the crew's leader, Hurby Azor. Tune in for a conversation about one of hip hop’s unsung producers.

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.

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.

This episode of QP Science 3000 features a jump start on the holidays. Can you believe Christmas is already here? We can't. Can you also believe that this video is one Jay Ray never saw before we recorded this. Dive into "Santa Baby" by Rev Run featuring Mase, Snoop Dogg, Onyx, Salt N Pepa and Keith Murray.

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.

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.