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 (or copied) in translation. Calvin shares insights about his creative path, personal projects, and the North Star that drives him as a true multihyphenate.

From Calvin’s personal journey growing up internationally, to the guys’ critique of the “factory” formula behind much K-Pop, the conversation is playful, smart, and honest.

Calvin Michaels Bio

Calvin Michaels works in many realms of entertainment as a musical producer and creative director. He's also had experience working as a choreographer, stand-up comedian, public speaker, magazine contributor, actor, and choir director. He also has several self-produced studio albums and is a graduate of Howard University.

He recently executive produced the short film "Pull Over So I Can Hit You!". The project is currently showcased at the LA International Shorts Film Festival, Micheaux Film Festival, & Urban Film Festival. This project is an adaption of an episode from his Comedically Hardheaded Podcast.

In addition, he also released his third and fourth self-produced studio albums entitled "Before Tomorrow" and "After Yesterday", available on all digital music platforms.

Calvin Michaels is most known for his YouTube channel that tackles conversations centered on popular culture, politics, music, life and current events. He also served as the director of a nationally top-ranked and critically acclaimed after school program in the Washington DC metropolitan area for 11 years.

Highlights of his creative work and choreography have also been showcased and performed at the Kennedy Center, Howard University, and in the Seattle Metropolitan Area.

Follow Calvin Michaels

Website: https://calvinmichaels.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/calvinmichaels

X: https://x.com/gimmieabeat

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimmieabeat

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gimmieabeat.bsky.social

Email: calvinbmichaels@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Introduction and Greetings

00:38 The K-Pop Controversy

01:05 Introducing Calvin Michaels

01:30 Calvin's Musical Journey

08:15 The Birth of a YouTube Channel

12:19 K-Pop: A Critical Perspective

20:24 The Rise and Fall of K-Pop Groups

21:16 Generational Differences in Music Appreciation

22:29 Cultural Appropriation and Racism in K-Pop

24:07 The Influence of Black Culture on K-Pop

25:59 The Business Model of K-Pop

26:21 The Evolution of Boy Bands

29:04 The Commercialization of Black Music

31:07 The Decline of R&B in the 2000s

35:18 Calvin Michaels' Music and Projects

38:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

39:52 Closing Theme

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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 tackled bisexuality in Black music long before it became a mainstream conversation.

The conversation explores how songs like this, and its later hip-hop connections by Notorious B.I.G. and Nikki D, reflect the experiences people were having but rarely discussing openly. We examine the cultural impact of these narratives, the responsibility of storytelling in music, and why diverse romantic experiences matter in our musical landscape.

Starr Rocque Bio

Starr Rocque is a journalist and author. Her work has been featured by Fast Company, Vibe Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, Vh1, Essence Magazine, American Urban Radio Networks and more. Her debut novel, "Bloggers Can't Be Trusted" is available on Amazon.

Follow Starr Rocque

Website: http://www.starrrocque.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starr_rocque

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrenerhett/

Email: info@starrene.com

Chapter Markers

00:00 Opening Theme

00:16 Introduction and Hosts' Greetings

01:24 Introducing Guest Starr Rocque

03:34 Discussing 'Another Man' by Barbara Mason

09:37 Discussing the Theme of Cheating and Bisexuality in Black Music

12:33 Exposure to Queerness and Unlearning Biases

13:53 Nuanced Conversations in Music

16:30 Hip Hop and Queer Representation

23:14 Diverse Romantic Experiences in Music

27:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

28:51 Outro Theme

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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 conversations about queerness, deception, and Black family dynamics in the late ‘90s? Mayhem, y’all. Pure mayhem.

Join us as we explore the cultural shockwaves from “Bill”—from how the song tackled (and sometimes mishandled) LGBTQIA+ visibility, to the tabloid-fueled era that shaped its reception within the Black community. We break down the music video’s casting choices, the history of confronting infidelity in Black music, and why “Bill” still matters today.

We reflect honestly on outdated language and tropes used in the era, and celebrate the resilience and storytelling power of Black artists—then and now.

Happy Pride!

Chapter Markers

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Introduction and Welcome

01:17 Introducing Peggy Scott Adams' 'Bill'

02:55 Discussion: The Impact and Controversy of 'Bill'

04:04 Exploring the Social Context of the 90s

08:13 Analyzing the 'Bill' Music Video

10:59 Reflecting on the Song's Legacy

17:51 The Evolution of Music and Media

22:11 Conclusion and Farewell

23:17 Outro Theme

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#PrideMonth #PeggyScottAdams #Bill #BlackMusic #90sBlues #QueuePoints #QueerHistory #BlackQueerVoices #MusicPodcast

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. Darnell shares the inspiration behind “Pride @ The Loft,” an event dedicated to celebrating Black queer artistry and creating safe, vibrant spaces for music lovers. Tune in to hear about his journey, the importance of supporting independent Black artists, and how intimate venues are changing the landscape for live music. Plus, get the inside scoop on Indie Planet, Darnell’s radio show spotlighting Black indie talent. Whether you’re a music fan, an artist, or just love positive community vibes, you don’t want to miss this insightful conversation!

Darnell Miller is singer, songwriter and music curator located in Wilmington, Delaware. He’s the founder of Live @ The Loft and the host of Indie Planet on WJVS Radio.

Follow Darnell Miller

Instagram: https://instagram.com/darnellkmiller

Chapter Markers

00:00 Intro Theme

00:06 Welcome and Event Announcement

00:31 Meet Darnell Miller

01:07 The Importance of Pride @ The Loft

02:26 Creating Safe Spaces for Artists

03:57 Performers at Pride @ The Loft

04:51 The Vision Behind Live @ The Loft

07:30 The Future of Intimate Venues

08:13 Why You Should Attend Pride @ The Loft

12:21 The Loft's Inviting Atmosphere

13:25 Indie Planet Radio Show

16:06 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

17:24 Closing Theme

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#PrideMonth #QueuePoints #DarnellMiller #LiveAtTheLoft #PrideAtTheLoft #BlackMusicMatters #QueerArtistry #IndieMusic #CommunitySpaces #WilmingtonDE

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, the Houston scene, and his journey into collecting vinyl. We talk about his favorite concerts, his approach to supporting artists through merch, and how he navigates the changing music industry. The conversation covers the influence of chopped and screwed music, Houston’s local talent, trends in live music, and why concert experiences matter. Plus, Kyriacos turns the tables and asks the hosts questions.

Join us as we connect with the community and explore real stories about music, concerts, and the culture around them.

Kyriacos is a creative, DJ and free spirit from Houston. Follow @kyriacos.tx on Instagram and @kyriacos2u.bsky.social on BlueSky.

Chapter Markers

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Introducing Queue Points 1-On-1

02:25 Introducing Our Special Guest: Kyriacos

05:00 Kyriacos' Musical Journey and Influences

09:36 Current Favorite Artists and Concert Experiences

24:19 The Houston Music Scene and Emerging Artists

28:13 Chopped and Screwed: A Unique Sound

31:39 Discussing Maxwell's Influence

34:21 Kyriacos Questions for Queue Points

37:11 The Importance of Dressing Up

43:10 Concert Attendance and Empty Seats

45:09 Kyriacos' DJ Journey

50:00 Closing Remarks and Farewell

51:24 Outro Theme

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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 conversation, Johnny breaks down complex health concepts into accessible insights about nutrition, fitness, and sustainable lifestyle changes. As Black men navigate cultural food traditions, economic barriers, and conflicting health information, Johnny offers practical strategies for making healthier choices without sacrificing joy or cultural connection. Just as Queue Points drops the needle on Black music history, this episode drops knowledge on how Black men can compose a healthier future through informed, balanced choices.

Johnny Dickson Bio

If you give it some thought, what one knows of their health is nearly all anecdote. The daily health choices we make come down to things we’ve “heard” or from the influence of marketing. In order to know true health, science must be done. The problem: science is complicated and exclusive (and a little snobby). No Lab Coat Required is changing that. Serving as the bridge between the world of academia and the public, we break down topics in a way that allows for ample understanding and application in the real world. Upholding integrity and sincerity in research and communication, and having fun.We're a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Education is our end goal.

The host, Johnny Cole Dickson, holds a Bachelor of kinesiology and nutrition and is currently prepping for PhD studies in Anatomy and Cell Biology! For a snack, he enjoys peanuts, unsalted.

Follow No Lab Coat Required

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nolabcoatrequired

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nolabcoatrequired

Chapter Markers

00:00:00 - Intro Theme

00:00:16 - Introduction and Welcome

00:01:03 - Introducing Special Guest Johnny Dickson

00:01:53 - The Origin of 'No Lab Coat Required'

00:09:04 - Understanding Sugar and Its Impact

00:12:50 - Balancing Diet Without Feeling Restricted

00:19:24 - Balancing Budget and Nutrition

00:20:11 - The Cost of Healthy Eating

00:20:45 - Community Initiatives for Food Security

00:21:39 - Making Healthier Choices

00:23:20 - The Joy of Cooking

00:25:08 - Realistic Workout Strategies

00:32:20 - Choosing the Right Trainer

00:35:23 - Empowering the Black Community

00:39:10 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

00:42:42 - Outro Theme

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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 highlights notable artists and groups such as Prince, The Time, Phyllis Hyman, Janet Jackson, Fishbone, Colonel Abrams, Grace Jones, and even dancehall artists, examining how their styling pushed the boundaries of traditional masculine and feminine expressions. The duo also addresses the complexities around masculinity and anti-intellectualism within the Black community, while celebrating the influential fashion statements of figures like Arsenio Hall. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersections of Black culture, music, and style.

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Introduction and Met Gala Fashion Highlights

01:34 Discussion on Dandy Music Artists

03:36 Prince: The Ultimate Dandy

06:09 Phyllis Hyman: A Dandy Icon

08:03 Janet Jackson's Dandy Influence

10:22 Motown's Dandy Legacy

13:57 Tyler, The Creator: Modern Dandy

15:19 The Pushback Against Dandyism

19:39 Embracing Individuality and Self-Acceptance

21:04 The Influence of Fishbone and Ska Music

22:58 Colonel Abrams and the Dandy Aesthetic

24:04 Exploring Gender and Dandyism

25:42 Grace Jones and Caribbean Influence

26:26 Dancehall Artists and Queer Expression

29:52 Morris Day's Dandyism and Hyper-Masculinity

33:17 Honoring Arsenio Hall's Style Legacy

35:14 Closing Remarks

37:05 Closing Theme

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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 Terrence D. Walton, Executive Director of NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals).

Terrence breaks down how addiction treatment has evolved beyond outdated shame-based approaches toward evidence-based, culturally responsive methods. He examines how hip-hop both reflects the realities of substance misuse and sometimes glorifies drug culture, while offering insights on how the culture can be leveraged for healing.

The conversation tackles critical health disparities in treatment access, the impact of policy decisions on recovery resources, and practical solutions for community-based support. Terrence shares both personal perspectives and professional wisdom on building "recovery capital" - the relationships, knowledge, and resources needed for sustainable recovery.

Whether you're interested in cultural influences on health, addiction treatment evolution, or pathways to healing in underserved communities, this episode delivers essential perspectives on addressing one of our most pressing public health challenges through a culturally informed lens.

Topics: #AddictionTreatment #HipHopCulture #RecoveryCapital #HealthEquity #NAADAC

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Introduction and Opening Question

00:34 Discussing Hip Hop's Drug Problem

01:30 Introducing Terrence Walton and NAADAC

04:19 Evolution of Addiction Treatment

07:46 Cultural Competency in Addiction Treatment

10:32 Hip Hop's Influence on Drug Use

22:46 Empathy and Addiction

25:35 Impact of Current Administration on Addiction Services

30:48 NAADAC's Commitment to Diversity and Workforce Recruitment

31:35 The Impact of Substance Availability and Addiction

33:21 Addressing Disparities in Addiction Treatment

35:24 Stigma and Compassion in Addiction

38:09 Funding Challenges and Policy Concerns

41:24 Personal Reflections and Finding Joy

47:42 Community Support and Education

51:18 Supporting NAADAC and Final Thoughts

54:05 Outro Theme

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