:BJ the Chicago Kid
{{Short description|American singer (born 1984)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = BJ the Chicago Kid
| image = BJ the Chicago Kid.png
| caption = Sledge in July 2019
| birth_name = Bryan James Sledge
| alias = BJ
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|11|23}}
| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter}}
| genre = {{hlist|R&B|neo soul|soul}}
| years_active = 2001–present
| label = {{hlist|Motown|M.A.F.E.|Reach The World|RCA}}
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
}}
| website = {{URL|bjthechicagokid.com}}
}}
Bryan James Sledge{{cite web|title=Bryan Sledge|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bj-the-chicago-kid-mn0002517403/biography|website=AllMusic|access-date=30 December 2013|archive-date=16 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816221549/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bj-the-chicago-kid-mn0002517403/biography|url-status=live}} (born November 23, 1984), better known by his stage name BJ the Chicago Kid (or simply BJ), is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Sledge is best known for frequently collaborating with Top Dawg Entertainment recording artists Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay Rock. He has also worked with several other prominent rappers, such as Freddie Gibbs, Warren G, Nekfeu, Chance the Rapper, Big K.R.I.T., GLC, Kanye West, Anderson .Paak, and Joey Badass, among numerous others.
Sledge's first work in the music industry was on a Dave Hollister record in 2001, titled "For You", which he co-wrote alongside Gerald Haddon. Sledge's vocals were first featured on "Impossible", a 2006 song by Chicago rapper Kanye West released in promotion for the 2006 American film Mission: Impossible III. In February 2012, he independently released his debut studio album, Pineapple Now-Laters. Sledge subsequently secured a record deal with Motown, in August 2012. The label then serviced the Pineapple Now-Laters song "Good Luv'n", as Sledge's commercial debut single.
Life and career
=1984–2008: Early life and career beginnings=
Bryan Sledge was born to church choir directors in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Brainerd neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/February-2016/BJ-the-Chicago-Kid/|title=How BJ the Chicago Kid Broke Out of Brainerd and Onto FM Radio|work=Pollock, Matt|publisher=Chicago|date=2016-10-02|access-date=2021-01-16}} Sledge became inspired to pursue a music career after seeing Janet Jackson perform on tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/who-is-bj-the-chicago-kid/family|title=Family - Who Is BJ the Chicago Kid? - Complex|work=Drake, David|publisher=Complex|date=2013-05-05|access-date=2014-04-20|archive-date=2014-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720111113/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/who-is-bj-the-chicago-kid/family|url-status=live}} At the age of 19, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he became a backup singer for American gospel duo Mary Mary. He also performed on Stevie Wonder's A Time to Love (2005). He later wrote for R&B and gospel artists such as Crystal Aikin, Shirley Caesar, Lalah Hathaway, Joe and Kindred the Family Soul.{{cite web |first=Andy |last=Kellman |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bj-the-chicago-kid-mn0002517403/biography |title=BJ the Chicago Kid | Biography & History |website=AllMusic |access-date=2016-02-19 |archive-date=2016-02-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208223234/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bj-the-chicago-kid-mn0002517403/biography |url-status=live }} Later, he performed on Kanye West's single "Impossible," which also features Twista and Keyshia Cole.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/who-is-bj-the-chicago-kid/|title=Who Is BJ the Chicago Kid?|first=David|last=Drake|work=Complex|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=13 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313010407/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/who-is-bj-the-chicago-kid/|url-status=live}}
=2009–2011: Mixtapes=
In 2009, Sledge released his debut mixtape, A Taste of Chicago, under the moniker BJ the Chicago Kid. Later that year, he followed up with The New Beginning. In 2011, he released his third mixtape, titled The Life of Love's Cupid.{{cite web |url=http://www.grammy.com/news/exclusive-grammycom-interview-with-bj-the-chicago-kid |title=Exclusive GRAMMY.com Interview With BJ The Chicago Kid |website=GRAMMY.com |date=2013-10-25 |access-date=2016-02-19 |archive-date=2016-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301205136/http://www.grammy.com/news/exclusive-grammycom-interview-with-bj-the-chicago-kid |url-status=live }}
=2012–present: In My Mind and Motown record deal=
In February 2012, Sledge independently released his debut studio album, titled Pineapple Now-Laters, under M.A.F.E MUSIC LLC. In August 2012, it was announced that Sledge signed a recording contract with American record company, Motown.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20669/title.bj-the-chicago-kid-signs-to-motown|title=BJ The Chicago Kid Signs To Motown|author=HipHopDX|date=3 August 2012|work=HipHopDX|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=21 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121120007/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20669/title.bj-the-chicago-kid-signs-to-motown|url-status=live}} After inking his new deal with the label, Motown Label Services began promoting the Pineapple Now-Laters track "Good Luv'n," at Urban and Rhythmic radio formats in North America and released it as a single via digital distribution.{{cite web |url=http://allhiphop.com/2012/08/03/bj-the-chicago-kid-joins-universal-motown-family-with-newly-signed-record-deal/ |title=Hip-Hop News, Rumors, Rap Music & Videos |AllHipHop » BJ The Chicago Kid Joins Universal Motown Family With Newly Signed Record Deal |website=AllHipHop.com |date=2012-08-03 |access-date=2016-02-19 |archive-date=2016-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302064704/http://allhiphop.com/2012/08/03/bj-the-chicago-kid-joins-universal-motown-family-with-newly-signed-record-deal/ |url-status=live }}
In February 2013, Sledge released the track titled "Honey." Sledge's collaboration with American rappers Freddie Gibbs and Problem, titled "Smokin' and Ridin'", is featured on Radio Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto V, the fifth installment in the critically acclaimed video game series.
In October 2013, Sledge revealed he began working on his major label debut, which was then announced to be released sometime in 2014. Later that year, in December 2013, Sledge released a Christmas-themed extended play (EP), titled A Soulful Christmas, for free online.{{cite web |last=Sargent |first=Jordan |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/bj-the-chicago-kid-soulful-christmas |title=Download BJ The Chicago Kid's New Holiday EP "A Soulful Christmas" |website=Complex.com |date=2013-12-24 |access-date=2016-02-19 |archive-date=2015-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924122836/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/bj-the-chicago-kid-soulful-christmas |url-status=live }}
On April 22, 2014, West Coast rapper Schoolboy Q released "Studio", which features vocals from Sledge, as the fourth single from his album Oxymoron. "Studio" acquired Sledge Billboard chart placement and went on to chart in the Top 40 of the US Billboard Hot 100. On November 19, 2014, Sledge released his fourth mixtape, The M.A.F.E. Project. The mixtape features 12 songs and guest appearances from Freddie Gibbs, Sasha Go Hard, Schoolboy Q and Smoke DZA.{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/bj-chicago-kids-mafe-project-mixtape|title=Listen To BJ The Chicago Kid's 'The M.A.F.E. Project'|work=Vibe|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224042444/http://www.vibe.com/article/bj-chicago-kids-mafe-project-mixtape|url-status=live}} On December 23, 2014, Motown Records released a song from The M.A.F.E. Project titled "It's True", which features a verse from Schoolboy Q, as a single. The single was accompanied by a music video directed by Verluxe.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2014/12/22/bj-the-chicago-kid-schoolboy-q-its-true-video|title=BJ The Chicago Kid And Schoolboy Q Premiere "It's True" Video|first=Naomi|last=Zeichner|work=The FADER|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-date=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111231441/http://www.thefader.com/2014/12/22/bj-the-chicago-kid-schoolboy-q-its-true-video|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/12/bj-the-chicago-kid-its-true-schoolboy-q|title=Watch BJ The Chicago Kid's "It's True" Video f/ Schoolboy Q|website=Complex|access-date=2015-01-21|archive-date=2015-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121145038/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/12/bj-the-chicago-kid-its-true-schoolboy-q|url-status=live}}
On February 19, 2016, Sledge released his major label debut album, "In My Mind".
Sledge released his third studio album, 1123, on July 26, 2019.{{cite web |last1=Pierre |first1=Alphonse |title=BJ the Chicago Kid Announces New Album 1123, Shares New Video With Offset: Watch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/bj-the-chicago-kid-announces-new-album-1123-shares-new-video-with-offset-watch/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=June 21, 2019 |date=June 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621181359/https://pitchfork.com/news/bj-the-chicago-kid-announces-new-album-1123-shares-new-video-with-offset-watch/ |url-status=live }}
In May 2023, it was announced that BJ The Chicago Kid had signed with the RCA Records distributed label Reach The World, which was founded by producer Yeti Beats.{{cite web |last1=Fekadu |first1=Mesfin |title=BJ The Chicago Kid Signs to Doja Cat Producer Yeti Beats' New Label in Joint Venture With RCA Records (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/bj-the-chicago-kid-signs-doja-cat-producer-yeti-beats-label-1235478001/ |website=Hollywoodreporter.com |date=2 May 2023 |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |access-date=2024-01-27}}
Discography
= Studio albums =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of albums, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:23em;" | Album details ! scope="col" colspan="2" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:8em;" | Sales |
| scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;" | US
! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;" | US R&B |
|---|
| scope="row" | Pineapple Now-Laters
|
| — || — | |
| scope="row" | In My Mind
|
| 43 || 7 | |
| scope="row" | 1123
| | || | |
| colspan="14" style="font-size:90%" | "—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory. |
= Collaborative albums =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of albums, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:23em;" | Album details ! scope="col" colspan="2" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:8em;" | Sales |
| scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;" | US
! scope="col" style="width:2.2em;font-size:90%;" | US R&B |
|---|
| scope="row" | Gravy (with Yeti Beats) {{Cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2023/11/10/bj-the-chicago-kid-gravy/,%20https://thesource.com/2023/11/10/bj-the-chicago-kid-gravy/|title=BJ The Chicago Kid Drops Collaborative Album "Gravy" with Yeti Beats - The Source|first=Shawn|last=Grant|date=November 10, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/i53e31/bj-the-chicago-kid-new-album-gravy|title=BJ The Chicago Kid: Keeping the Soul in Music with 'Gravy'|website=BET}} |
| — || — | |
= EPs =
= Mixtapes =
=Singles=
== As lead artist ==
== As featured artist ==
=Guest appearances=
Music videos
Awards and nominations
= [[Grammy Awards]] =
{{awards table}}
|-
|2015
|"Studio" (with Schoolboy Q)
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="3"|2017
|{{nom}}
|-
|"Turnin' Me Up"
|{{nom}}
|-
|"Woman's World"
|Best Traditional R&B Performance
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|2020
|1123
|{{nom}}
|-
|"Time Today"
|Best Traditional R&B Performance
|{{nom}}
|-
|2022
|"Bring It On Home To Me"
|Best Traditional R&B Performance
|{{nom}}
|-
|}
References
{{Reflist}}
Notes
{{reflist|group=upper-alpha}}
External links
- {{official website|http://www.bjthechicagokid.com}}
- {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0002517403|label=BJ the Chicago Kid}}
- {{Discogs artist | artist=BJ+the+Chicago+Kid | name=BJ the Chicago Kid}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:BJ the Chicago Kid}}
Category:20th-century African-American male singers
Category:20th-century American male singers
Category:20th-century American singers
Category:African-American songwriters
Category:Songwriters from Illinois
Category:American contemporary R&B singers
Category:American soul singers
Category:American hip-hop singers
Category:21st-century American male singers
Category:21st-century American singers