Editors note: This is co-authored by Ajeya Woods.
1. We can all learn from his hustle
BJ The Chicago Kid is not new to the music industry. He has been working hard at his craft since the early 2000s. He made his vocal debut on Kanye West’s 2006 single, “Impossible”. He completed his debut album, Pineapple Now-Laters, as an unsigned artist in early 2012 before being signed to the legendary Motown Records later that year.
2. He is true to himself
When asked about the religious undertones in tracks such as “Church” BJ explained that he is nowhere near a gospel singer but he did spend a lot of time in the church growing up and because his music is a direct reflection of his experiences that aspect of his life is inherently included. Modern top 40 music isn’t usually associated with “soul” or “love” but BJ The Chicago Kid is about to change that.
3. He respects the greats of the past
His greatest accomplishment thus far in his career is singing on the 45th anniversary track of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”. The 34-year-old says he’s honored to be included in such a prolific project and the popularity of the anniversary duet is proof that millennials are ready for BJ’s R&B revival.
4. He Knows how to engage his fans
During his July 28th performance at the Star Theater in Portland, Oregon, BJ dedicated a portion of his set to requests from the fans, ensuring that they got the most bang for their buck. In the middle of his set, BJ took a break from blessing the audience with his effortless crooning to play the part of a DJ in what was the shortest and most hyphy dance party the venue has ever seen.
6. He makes you appreciate the power of music
BJ’s performance wasn’t just a concert but a spiritual experience, a beam of light shining through the darkness of depthless music our generation is used to. It’s very rare to hear an artist that understands the influence music has like BJ does. His performance created an environment comparable to church and brought the audience together in a night of singing and swaying that will not soon be forgotten.
7. Did we mention that he’s great live?
BJ was able to engage the audience in a way that made each individual fee like they were getting a private show. With a majority of his American tour dates being sold out, BJ and his ensemble sure know how to put on a stellar live performance.
Don’t believe us? Just watch this clip from his performances in Portland, OR.