BJ the Chicago Kid
BJ the Chicago Kid | |
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Birth name | Bryan James Sledge |
Also known as | BJ |
Born | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | November 23, 1984
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2001–present |
Labels |
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Website | bjthechicagokid |
Bryan James Sledge,[1] better known by his stage name BJ the Chicago Kid (or simply BJ), (born November 23, 1984) 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, and Anderson Paak 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" was 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
2001–2008: Early life and career beginnings
Bryan Sledge was born to church choir directors in Chicago, Illinois. He became inspired to pursue a music career after seeing Janet Jackson perform on tour.[2] 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.[3] Later, he performed on Kanye West's single "Impossible," which also features Twista and Keyshia Cole.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6] 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.[7]
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.[5] Later that year, in December 2013, Sledge released a Christmas-themed extended play (EP), titled A Soulful Christmas, for free online.[8]
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.[9] 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.[10][11]
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.[12]
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US | US R&B | ||||||||||||
Pineapple Now-Laters |
|
— | — |
| |||||||||
In My Mind | 43 | 7 | |||||||||||
1123 |
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"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory. |
EPs
Title | Album details |
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A Soulful Christmas[15] |
|
The Opening Ceremony[16] |
|
Mixtapes
Title | Album details |
---|---|
A Taste of Chicago[17] |
|
The New Beginning[18] |
|
The Life of Love's Cupid[19] |
|
The M.A.F.E. Project[9] |
|
Singles
As lead artist
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
US | US R&B | ||||
"Good Luv'n"[20] | 2012 | — | — | Pineapple Now-Laters | |
"It's True"[21] (featuring Schoolboy Q) |
2014 | — | — | The M.A.F.E. Project | |
"That Girl"[22] (featuring OG Maco) |
2015 | — | — | non-album single | |
"Church"[23] (featuring Chance the Rapper and Buddy) |
— | — | In My Mind | ||
"The Resume"[24] (featuring Big K.R.I.T.) |
— | — | |||
"Love Inside"[25] (featuring Isabella) |
2016 | — | — | ||
"Woman's World"[26] | — | — | |||
"Turnin' Me Up"[27] | — | — | |||
"Man Down"[28] (featuring Buddy, Constantine and PJ Morton) |
— | — | |||
"The New Cupid"[29] (featuring Kendrick Lamar) |
— | — | |||
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory. |
As featured artist
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
---|---|---|---|---|
US | US R&B/HH | |||
"Impossible"[30] (Kanye West featuring Twista, Keyshia Cole and BJ) |
2006 | —[A] | 54 | Mission: Impossible III (soundtrack) |
"In the Zone"[32] (David Banner featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
2010 | — | — | non-album single |
"Crazy Generation"[33] (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"[34] (Rapper Big Pooh featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
— | — | non-album single | |
"Ride Out"[35] (Koache featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
2016 | — | — | Game Point |
"Cookie Addiction"[36] (Jay IDK featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
— | — | non-album single | |
"Naturally"[37] (DJ Carisma featuring BJ the Chicago Kid and Casey Veggies) |
— | — | non-album single | |
"Issues"[38] (Gary Soulz featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
— | — | non-album single | |
"Cheating on Us"[39] (Salaam Remi featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
— | — | non-album single | |
"Lost Wild"[40] (Bobby Hagens featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
— | — | non-album single | |
"Forever Black America Again"[41] (Common featuring Gucci Mane, Pusha T and BJ the Chicago Kid) |
— | — | non-album single | |
"Angels Your Love"[42] (Mr Jukes featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
2017 | — | — | God First |
"Real One"[43] (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 |
"I Believe" (Joy Denalane featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
2020 | — | — | Let Yourself Be Loved |
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
Guest appearances
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)"[44] | 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"[45] | 2014 | Freddie Gibbs & Madlib | Piñata |
"A Project Mind"[46] | Punch, Jay Rock | — | |
"Lionheart"[47] | Nefew | Rise of the Antihero | |
"Like Me" | 2015 | Joey Bada$$ | B4.Da.$$ |
"Down for You"[48] | Kehlani | You Should Be Here | |
"To Be Young"[49] | 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"[50] | Skeme | Ingleworld 2 | |
"Beautiful Love" | Jill Scott | Woman | |
"It's All on Me"[51] | 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"[52] | 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"[53] | A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Buddy | Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends | |
"The Day The Women Took Over" | Common | Black America Again | |
"Street Life"[54] | 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 |
Music videos
Title | Year | Director(s) |
---|---|---|
"Good Luv'n" | 2012 | Jerome D.[55][56][57] |
"Perfect" | 2014 | |
"Real Love Never Dies" | ||
"It's True" (featuring Schoolboy Q) |
Verluxe[58] | |
"That Girl" (featuring OG Maco) |
2015 | — |
"Church" (featuring Chance the Rapper and Buddy) |
Scott Lazes[59] | |
"Nothin' But Love" (featuring Joey Bada$$) |
— | |
"The Resume" (featuring Big K.R.I.T.) |
Scott Lazes[60] | |
"Love Inside" (featuring Isabella) |
2016 | — |
"Turnin' Me Up" | ||
"The New Cupid" (featuring Kendrick Lamar) |
Matt Barnes | |
"Woman's World" | — |
Awards and nominations
![]() | This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (December 2016) |
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 |
References
- ^ "Bryan Sledge". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
- ^ "Family - Who Is BJ the Chicago Kid? - Complex". Drake, David. Complex. 2013-05-05. Retrieved 2014-04-20.
- ^ Kellman, Andy. "BJ the Chicago Kid | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ^ Drake, David. "Who Is BJ the Chicago Kid?". Complex. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ a b "Exclusive GRAMMY.com Interview With BJ The Chicago Kid". GRAMMY.com. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ^ HipHopDX (3 August 2012). "BJ The Chicago Kid Signs To Motown". HipHopDX. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Sargent, Jordan (2013-12-24). "Download BJ The Chicago Kid's New Holiday EP "A Soulful Christmas"". Complex.com. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ^ a b "Listen To BJ The Chicago Kid's 'The M.A.F.E. Project'". Vibe. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ Zeichner, Naomi. "BJ The Chicago Kid And Schoolboy Q Premiere "It's True" Video". The FADER. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "Watch BJ The Chicago Kid's "It's True" Video f/ Schoolboy Q". Complex.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016.
- ^ "In My Mind by BJ the Chicago Kid on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ^ Sargent, Jordan. "Download BJ The Chicago Kid's New Holiday EP "A Soulful Christmas"". Complex. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "The Opening Ceremony – Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on iTunes". iTunes Store (AU). Retrieved 11 May 2018.
- ^ "B.J. the Chicago Kid - A Taste Of Chicago [Mixtape] - Okayplayer Okayplayer". Okayplayer. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - The New Beginning (Mixtape)". Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - The Life of Love's Cupid (Mixtape) - Free Download - SoulCulture". SoulCulture. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "Good Luv'n - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ^ "It's True - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
- ^ "That Girl - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
- ^ "Church - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
- ^ "The Resume - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
- ^ "Love Inside (feat. Isabella) - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "Woman's World - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "Turnin' Me Up - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "Man Down (feat. Buddy, Constantine & PJ Morton) - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "The New Cupid (feat. Kendrick Lamar) - Single by BJ the Chicago Kid on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "Impossible (feat. Twista, Keyshia Cole & BJ) - Single by Kanye West - United States". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
- ^ "Kanye West – Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
- ^ "In the Zone (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by David Banner". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Crazy Generation (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid, Muzicgeek & Cash Gotti) - Single by Black Collar Biz". iTunes. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Last Dance (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Rapper Big Pooh". iTunes. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "Ride Out (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Koache on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Cookie Addiction (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Jay IDK on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Naturally (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid & Casey Veggies) - Single by DJ Carisma on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Issues (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Gary Soulz on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Cheating on Us (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Salaam Remi on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Lost Wild (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Bobby Hagens on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Forever Black America Again (feat. Gucci Mane, Pusha T & BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Common on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ "Angels Your Love (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Mr. Jukes on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
- ^ "Real One (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - Single by Peter James on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Lilah, Rose. "Punch - A Project Mind Feat. Jay Rock & BJ The Chicago Kid". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Rise of the Antihero by Nefew". iTunes. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "You Should Be Here by Kehlani on Apple Music". iTunes.
- ^ "The Ecology by Fashawn on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-02-24. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ^ "Ingleworld 2 by Skeme on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-06-09. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ^ "Compton by Dr. Dre on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-08-07. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Cozy Tapes, Vol. 1: Friends by A$AP Mob on Apple Music". iTunes.
- ^ "Lil Durk - They Forgot - Download & Listen [New Mixtape]".
- ^ "GOOD LUV'N on YouTube". 20 February 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
- ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - Perfect on YouTube". 11 August 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
- ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid - Real Love Never Dies on YouTube". 9 September 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
- ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid Learns No One Escape Death On Schoolboy Q Assisted 'It's True'". Vibe. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid "Church" (Scott Lazes, dir.)". VideoStatic.com. 9 October 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
- ^ "BJ The Chicago Kid "Resume" (Scott Lazes, dir.)". VideoStatic.com. 14 December 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
Notes
- ^ "Impossible" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number three on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.[31]
External links
- Official website
- BJ the Chicago Kid at AllMusic
- BJ the Chicago Kid discography at Discogs
- BJ the Chicago Kid on Twitter