BJ the Chicago Kid facts for kids

Quick facts for kids BJ the Chicago Kid
Sledge in July 2019
Background information
Birth name	Bryan James Sledge
Also known as	BJ
Born	(1984-11-23) November 23, 1984 (age 40) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	R&B neo soul soul
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Motown M.A.F.E. Reach The World RCA
Associated acts	Black Hippy Dubb Union GLC Fly Union Freddie Gibbs Rapsody

Bryan James Sledge (born November 23, 1984), known as BJ the Chicago Kid, is an American singer and songwriter. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. BJ is famous for working with many well-known artists. These include Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, and Kanye West.

BJ started his music career in 2001. He helped write a song for Dave Hollister. In 2006, his voice was heard on a song called "Impossible" by Kanye West. This song was for the movie Mission: Impossible III. In 2012, he released his first album, Pineapple Now-Laters. Later that year, he signed with Motown Records.

About BJ the Chicago Kid

Early Life and Music Start

Bryan Sledge was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were church choir directors. He grew up in the Brainerd neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. BJ was inspired to make music after seeing Janet Jackson perform.

When he was 19, he moved to Los Angeles, California. There, he became a backup singer for the gospel group Mary Mary. He also sang on Stevie Wonder's album A Time to Love in 2005. BJ also wrote songs for other R&B and gospel artists.

First Mixtapes and Albums

In 2009, BJ released his first mixtape, A Taste of Chicago. He released two more mixtapes in 2009 and 2011. These helped him share his music with more people.

In February 2012, BJ released his first studio album, Pineapple Now-Laters. This album was released independently. In August 2012, he signed a deal with Motown Records. Motown then released his song "Good Luv'n" as a single.

In 2013, BJ released a song called "Honey." His song "Smokin' and Ridin'" was featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto V. In December 2013, he released a free Christmas-themed album called A Soulful Christmas.

Major Album Success

In April 2014, the rapper Schoolboy Q released "Studio". This song featured BJ's vocals. "Studio" became a big hit, reaching the Top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In November 2014, BJ released another mixtape, The M.A.F.E. Project. It included songs with other artists like Freddie Gibbs.

On February 19, 2016, BJ released his first major album, In My Mind. This album featured collaborations with Chance the Rapper, Big K.R.I.T., and Kendrick Lamar. Songs like "Church" and "Turnin’ Me Up" became very popular.

Continued Music and Awards

BJ continued to release new music. He put out mixtapes like The Lost Files: Cuffing Season (2016) and A Tribute to Confessions (2017). In 2018, he released an EP called The Opening Ceremony.

His third studio album, 1123, came out on July 26, 2019. This album was nominated for two Grammy Awards. It was nominated for Best R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song Time Today.

In May 2023, BJ the Chicago Kid signed with Reach The World, a label connected to RCA Records. He then released his fourth album, Gravy, in 2023. This album showed how his music continued to grow.

BJ's Music

Studio Albums

• Pineapple Now-Laters (2012)
• In My Mind (2016)
• 1123 (2019)
• Gravy (2023)

EPs

• The Opening Ceremony (2018)

Mixtapes

• A Taste of Chicago (2009)
• The New Beginning (2009)
• The Life of Love's Cupid (2011)
• A Soulful Christmas (2013)
• The M.A.F.E. Project (2014)
• The Lost Files: Cuffing Season (2016)
• A Tribute to Confessions (2017)

Awards and Nominations

BJ the Chicago Kid has been nominated for several Grammy Awards.