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BJ the Chicago Kid

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BJ the Chicago Kid
Sledge in July 2019
Sledge in July 2019
Background information
Birth nameBryan James Sledge
Also known asBJ
Born (1984-11-23) November 23, 1984 (age 39)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2001–present
Labels
Websitebjthechicagokid.com

Bryan James Sledge[1] (born November 23, 1984), better known by his stage name BJ the Chicago Kid (or simply BJ), is an American singer and songwriter from 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, 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 a high-profile single in 2006: a song by Chicago rapper Kanye West titled "Impossible", 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.[2] Sledge became inspired to pursue a music career after seeing Janet Jackson perform on tour.[3] 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.[4] Later, he performed on Kanye West's single "Impossible," which also features Twista and Keyshia Cole.[5]

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.[6]

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.[7] 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.[8]

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.[6] Later that year, in December 2013, Sledge released a Christmas-themed extended play (EP), titled A Soulful Christmas, for free online.[9]

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.[10] 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.[11][12]

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.[13]

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US US R&B
Pineapple Now-Laters — —
In My Mind
  • Released: February 19, 2016[15]
  • Label: Motown
  • Format: CD, digital download
 43 7
1123
  • Released: July 26, 2019[13]
  • Label: Motown
  • Format: CD, digital download
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

EPs

List of extended-play, with selected details
Title Album details
A Soulful Christmas[16]
The Opening Ceremony[17]
  • Released: May 11, 2018
  • Format: Digital download
  • Label: Motown

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected details
Title Album details
A Taste of Chicago[18]
The New Beginning[19]
  • Released: September 8, 2009
  • Format: Free download
  • Label: Self-released
The Life of Love's Cupid[20]
  • Released: September 8, 2011
  • Format: Free download
  • Label: Self-released
The M.A.F.E. Project[10]
  • Released: November 19, 2014
  • Format: Free download
  • Label: Self-released

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B
"Good Luv'n"[21] 2012 — — Pineapple Now-Laters
"It's True"[22]
(featuring Schoolboy Q) 		2014 — — The M.A.F.E. Project
"That Girl"[23]
(featuring OG Maco) 		2015 — — non-album single
"Church"[24]
(featuring Chance the Rapper and Buddy) 		— — In My Mind
"The Resume"[25]
(featuring Big K.R.I.T.) 		— —
"Love Inside"[26]
(featuring Isabella) 		2016 — —
"Woman's World"[27] — —
"Turnin' Me Up"[28] — —
"Man Down"[29]
(featuring Buddy, Constantine and PJ Morton) 		— —
"The New Cupid"[30]
(featuring Kendrick Lamar) 		— —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B/HH
"Impossible"[31]
(Kanye West featuring Twista, Keyshia Cole and BJ) 		2006 —[A] 54 Mission: Impossible III (soundtrack)
"In the Zone"[33]
(David Banner featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		2010 — — non-album single
"Crazy Generation"[34]
(Black Collar Biz featuring BJ the Chicago Kid, Muzicgeek and Cash Gotti) 		2014 — — High Grade Artistry
"Studio"
(Schoolboy Q featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		38 10 Oxymoron
"Last Dance"[35]
(Rapper Big Pooh featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— — non-album single
"Ride Out"[36]
(Koache featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		2016 — — Game Point
"Cookie Addiction"[37]
(Jay IDK featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— — non-album single
"Naturally"[38]
(DJ Carisma featuring BJ the Chicago Kid and Casey Veggies) 		— —
"Issues"[39]
(Gary Soulz featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— —
"Cheating on Us"[40]
(Salaam Remi featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— —
"Lost Wild"[41]
(Bobby Hagens featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— —
"Forever Black America Again"[42]
(Common featuring Gucci Mane, Pusha T and BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— —
"Angels Your Love"[43]
(Mr Jukes featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		2017 — — God First
"Real One"[44]
(Peter James featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		2018 — — non-album single
"Us 4ever"
(Ledisi featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— — Let Love Rule
"Rouge à lèvres"
(Nekfeu featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		2019 — — Les Étoiles vagabondes : Expansion
"Wishing for a Hero"
(Polo G featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		2020 —[B] — The Goat
"I Believe"
(Joy Denalane featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) 		— — Let Yourself Be Loved
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other performer(s) Album
"Welcome to the Majors" 2008 Dubb Union Snoop Dogg Presents: Dubb Union
"Westurn Union" Dubb Union, Daz Dillinger
"Struggle" Dubb Union
"Miles Away"
"Truly Yours" 2009 Diz Gibran Soon You'll Understand
"Faith" Kendrick Lamar The Kendrick Lamar EP
"True Star" Warren G The G Files
"Fanatic" Xzibit, Poo Bear NBA Live 10 soundtrack
"All Eyez on Me (The Truth)" Young Dre The Truth, 2Pac
"The Coldest" 2010 Freddie Gibbs Str8 Killa
"R.O.T.C. (Interlude)" Kendrick Lamar Overly Dedicated
"So Real" GLC Love, Life & Loyalty
"Field Ni*#a Blues" Mikkey Halsted, Freddie Gibbs The Darkroom
"I'm Good" 2011 Schoolboy Q, Punch Setbacks
"Show You" Pac Div Mania
"Almost There" Ab-Soul Longterm Mentality
"Look Up to the Sky" Fly Union, P. Blackk TGTC (The Greater Than Club)
"Do It for You" Fly Union, Pac Div
"Barely M.A.D.E. It" Freddie Gibbs Cold Day In Hell
"Kush & Corinthians (His Pain)" Kendrick Lamar Section.80
"Finest Hour" Jay Rock, Rick Ross Follow Me Home
"Take a Look Around" Kindred the Family Soul, Bilal Love Has No Recession
"Dreams" CunninLynguists Oneirology
"Lust Demons" 2012 Ab-Soul, Jay Rock Control System
"Shame" Freddie Gibbs, Madlib Shame
"Good Good Love" Rapsody The Idea of Beautiful
"We On (Must Be)"[45] Marcus Orelias Rebel of the Underground
"Love = Hate / Ulterior Motives" 2013 Casey Veggies Life Changes
"Life Is a Gamble" Big K.R.I.T. King Remembered In Time
"Everybody's Something" Chance the Rapper, Saba Acid Rap
"Smokin' and Ridin'" Freddie Gibbs, Problem The Music of Grand Theft Auto V
"Holy Holy" Vic Mensa, Ab-Soul INNANETAPE
"Shame"[46] 2014 Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Piñata
"A Project Mind"[47] Punch, Jay Rock —
"Lionheart"[48] Nefew Rise of the Antihero
"Like Me" 2015 Joey Bada$$ B4.Da.$$
"Down for You"[49] Kehlani You Should Be Here
"To Be Young"[50] Fashawn The Ecology
"Slip Slide" Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, B.o.B, Busta Rhymes, Janelle Monáe Surf
"Windows" Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, Raury
"Expressive" Slum Village, Illa J Yes!
"Khalil's Song"[51] Skeme Ingleworld 2
"Beautiful Love" Jill Scott Woman
"It's All on Me"[52] Dr. Dre, Justus Compton
"Life Song" Casey Veggies Live & Grow
"Can't Be Still" Big K.R.I.T. It's Better This Way
"Game Over" Omarion Care Package 3
"In the Streets" Busta Rhymes, MF Doom The Return of the Dragon (The Abstract Went On Vacation)
"The Waters" 2016 Anderson .Paak Malibu
"Real One"[53] Achromatik Where Do I Belong
"Blessings" Chance the Rapper Coloring Book
"Harry's Code" Knox Brown Searching
"F.U.B.U." Solange, The-Dream A Seat at the Table
"Until I'm Gone" Derek Minor Reflection
"What Now" Chocolate Droppa, Wale, Chaz French Kevin Hart: What Now? (The Mixtape Presents Chocolate Droppa)
"Way Hii"[54] A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Buddy Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends
"The Day The Women Took Over" Common Black America Again
"Street Life"[55] Lil Durk They Forgot
"Milestone" Smoke DZA, Pete Rock, Jadakiss, Styles P Don't Smoke Rock
"Be Great" Remix Kevin Ross Long Song Away
"What's Going On - Duet with BJ The Chicago Kid" Marvin Gaye What's Going On: 45th Anniversary Edition (10" w/Bonus Versions)
"Gotta Be More" 2017 Nick Grant Return of the Cool
"Everything" MoBo The Great Fuck The Public
"Black & Ugly" Rapsody Laila's Wisdom
"Knock on My Door"
"80s Baby" Cyhi the Prynce No Dope On Sundays
"Skrawberries" 2018 JID DiCaprio 2
"Queen & Slim" 2019 Coast Contra Queen & Slim
"Forever Your Love" Common Let Love
"Memories of Home" Common and Samora Pinderhughes
"Only Human" 2020 Lecrae Restoration
"Changes" 2021 Lute Gold Mouf

Music videos

List of music videos, with directors, showing year released
Title Year Director(s)
"Good Luv'n" 2012 Jerome D.[56][57][58]
"Perfect" 2014
"Real Love Never Dies"
"It's True"
(featuring Schoolboy Q) 		Verluxe[59]
"That Girl"
(featuring OG Maco) 		2015 —
"Church"
(featuring Chance the Rapper and Buddy) 		Scott Lazes[60]
"Nothin' But Love"
(featuring Joey Bada$$) 		—
"The Resume"
(featuring Big K.R.I.T.) 		Scott Lazes[61]
"Love Inside"
(featuring Isabella) 		2016 —
"Turnin' Me Up"
"The New Cupid"
(featuring Kendrick Lamar) 		Matt Barnes
"Woman's World" —

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 "Studio" (with Schoolboy Q) Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Nominated
2017 In My Mind Best R&B Album Nominated
"Turnin' Me Up" Best R&B Performance Nominated
"Woman's World" Best Traditional R&B Performance Nominated
2020 1123 Best R&B Album Nominated

References

  1. ^ "Bryan Sledge". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  2. ^ "How BJ the Chicago Kid Broke Out of Brainerd and Onto FM Radio". Pollock, Matt. Chicago. 2016-10-02. Retrieved 2021-01-16.
  3. ^ "Family - Who Is BJ the Chicago Kid? - Complex". Drake, David. Complex. 2013-05-05. Retrieved 2014-04-20.
  4. ^ Kellman, Andy. "BJ the Chicago Kid | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  5. ^ Drake, David. "Who Is BJ the Chicago Kid?". Complex. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  6. ^ a b "Exclusive GRAMMY.com Interview With BJ The Chicago Kid". GRAMMY.com. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  7. ^ HipHopDX (3 August 2012). "BJ The Chicago Kid Signs To Motown". HipHopDX. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  8. ^ "Hip-Hop News, Rumors, Rap Music & Videos |AllHipHop » BJ The Chicago Kid Joins Universal Motown Family With Newly Signed Record Deal". AllHipHop.com. 2012-08-03. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  9. ^ Sargent, Jordan (2013-12-24). "Download BJ The Chicago Kid's New Holiday EP "A Soulful Christmas"". Complex.com. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  10. ^ a b "Listen To BJ The Chicago Kid's 'The M.A.F.E. Project'". Vibe. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  11. ^ Zeichner, Naomi. "BJ The Chicago Kid And Schoolboy Q Premiere "It's True" Video". The FADER. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Watch BJ The Chicago Kid's "It's True" Video f/ Schoolboy Q". Complex.
  13. ^ a b Pierre, Alphonse (June 21, 2019). "BJ the Chicago Kid Announces New Album 1123, Shares New Video With Offset: Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  14. ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016.
  15. ^ "In My Mind by BJ the Chicago Kid on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  16. ^ Sargent, Jordan. "Download BJ The Chicago Kid's New Holiday EP "A Soulful Christmas"". Complex. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  17. ^ "The Opening Ceremony – Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on iTunes". iTunes Store (AU). 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  18. ^ "B.J. the Chicago Kid - A Taste Of Chicago [Mixtape] - Okayplayer Okayplayer". Okayplayer. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  19. ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - The New Beginning (Mixtape)". Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  20. ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - The Life of Love's Cupid (Mixtape) - Free Download - SoulCulture". SoulCulture. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  21. ^ "Good Luv'n - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. January 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  22. ^ "It's True - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. 23 December 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  23. ^ "That Girl - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. 13 July 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  24. ^ "Church - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  25. ^ "The Resume - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  26. ^ "Love Inside (feat. Isabella) - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  27. ^ "Woman's World - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  28. ^ "Turnin' Me Up - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  29. ^ "Man Down (feat. Buddy, Constantine & PJ Morton) - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  30. ^ "The New Cupid (feat. Kendrick Lamar) - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  31. ^ "Impossible (feat. Twista, Keyshia Cole & BJ) - Single by Kanye West - United States". iTunes Store. Apple. January 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  32. ^ "Kanye West – Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  33. ^ "In the Zone (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by David Banner". iTunes Store. Apple. 2 February 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
  34. ^ "iTunes - Music - Crazy Generation (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid, Muzicgeek & Cash Gotti) - Single by Black Collar Biz". iTunes. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  35. ^ "iTunes - Music - Last Dance (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Rapper Big Pooh". iTunes. 9 September 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  36. ^ "Ride Out (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Koache on Apple Music". iTunes. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  37. ^ "Cookie Addiction (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Jay IDK on Apple Music". iTunes. 3 February 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  38. ^ "Naturally (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid & Casey Veggies) - Single by DJ Carisma on Apple Music". iTunes. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  39. ^ "Issues (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Gary Soulz on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  40. ^ "Cheating on Us (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Salaam Remi on Apple Music". iTunes. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  41. ^ "Lost Wild (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Bobby Hagens on Apple Music". iTunes. 27 November 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  42. ^ "Forever Black America Again (feat. Gucci Mane, Pusha T & BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Common on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  43. ^ "Angels Your Love (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Mr. Jukes on Apple Music". iTunes. 14 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  44. ^ "Real One (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Peter James on Apple Music". iTunes. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  45. ^ Tony, Copper. "Marcus Orelias: We On (Must Be) (feat. BJ The Chicago Kid) [prod by Jay B] [Music Video]". KevinNottingham.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  46. ^ Ortiz, Edwin (7 Feb 2014). "Here's the Cover Art and Tracklist for Freddie Gibbs and Madlib's Upcoming Album "Piñata"". Complex.com. Retrieved 7 Feb 2014.
  47. ^ Lilah, Rose (25 July 2014). "Punch - A Project Mind Feat. Jay Rock & BJ The Chicago Kid". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  48. ^ "iTunes - Music - Rise of the Antihero by Nefew". iTunes. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  49. ^ "You Should Be Here by Kehlani on Apple Music". iTunes. 28 April 2015.
  50. ^ "The Ecology by Fashawn on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-02-24. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  51. ^ "Ingleworld 2 by Skeme on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-06-09. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  52. ^ "Compton by Dr. Dre on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-08-07. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  53. ^ "Achromatik on Twitter: "Shout out to @BJTHECHICAGOKID. Our song "Real One" will be out soon. Here's a little bit of the behind the scenes; "". Twitter. 2015-12-14. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  54. ^ "Cozy Tapes, Vol. 1: Friends by A$AP Mob on Apple Music". iTunes. 31 October 2016.
  55. ^ "Lil Durk - They Forgot - Download & Listen [New Mixtape]". HNHH. 26 November 2016.
  56. ^ "GOOD LUV'N on YouTube". YouTube. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  57. ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - Perfect on YouTube". YouTube. 11 August 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  58. ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - Real Love Never Dies on YouTube". YouTube. 9 September 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  59. ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid Learns No One Escape Death On Schoolboy Q Assisted 'It's True'". Vibe. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  60. ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid "Church" (Scott Lazes, dir.)". VideoStatic.com. 9 October 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  61. ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid "Resume" (Scott Lazes, dir.)". VideoStatic.com. 14 December 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2016.

Notes

  1. ^ "Impossible" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number three on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.[32]
  2. ^ "Wishing for a Hero" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number seven on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.
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