BJ the Chicago Kid

Born to church choir directors on the South Side of Chicago, Bryan Sledge, AKA BJ the Chicago Kid, relocated to Los Angeles at the age of 19 when he became a backup singer for contemporary gospel stars Mary Mary. Over the next several years, he appeared as a vocalist on Stevie Wonder’s “A Time to Love” and wrote material for a mix of R&B and gospel artists, including Crystal Aikin, Shirley Caesar, Lalah Hathaway, Joe and Kindred the Family Soul.

In February 2012, BJ released his debut album, Pineapple Now-Laters, a hefty introductory showcase for his streetwise mix of vintage and modern styles. Later that year, he signed to Motown records and released the Pineapple track, “Good Luv’n,” as a single in October. BJ’s second album and major label debut, In My Mind, was released in 2016 and had features from Buddy, Chance the Rapper, Eric Ingram and Kendrick Lamar.

BJ’s voice has been a staple for other artists as well, with him being featured by Anderson Paak, Joey Bada$$, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Common, ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul. In 2019, BJ released two singles, “Close” and “Time Today,” from his second album, 1123, featuring Offset, Rick Ross, Anderson Paak. and Afrojack. The album received a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.