#1988Series

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.

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.

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.

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.