BJ the Chicago Kid

Bryan James Sledge, known professionally as BJ the Chicago Kid, is a Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter recognized for his gospel-influenced vocals and genre-blending approach to contemporary soul music. Inspired to pursue a music career after attending a Janet Jackson concert, Sledge relocated to Los Angeles at age 19, where he began as a backup singer for the gospel duo Mary Mary. He contributed vocals to Stevie Wonder's "A Time to Love" and Kanye West's "Impossible," and wrote material for artists in the R&B and gospel genres, including Crystal Aikin, Shirley Caesar, Lalah Hathaway, Joe, and Kindred the Family Soul. Sledge developed his blend of vintage and modern R&B styles over several years, gaining experience as a background singer, guest vocalist, and songwriter.

Sledge independently released his debut studio album, "Pineapple Now-Laters," followed by a recording contract with Motown. His collaboration with ScHoolboy Q on "Studio" became a top 10 R&B/hip-hop hit, crossing into the Top 40 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. His major label debut, "In My Mind," featured collaborations with Chance the Rapper, Big K.R.I.T., and Kendrick Lamar, with tracks such as "Church" and "Turnin' Me Up" establishing his presence in contemporary R&B. The album entered Billboard's R&B/hip-hop and pop charts and received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Woman's World," and Best R&B Performance for "Turnin' Me Up."

Sledge has been a frequent collaborator, contributing to projects including Common's "Nobody's Smiling," Solange's "A Seat at the Table," Rapsody's "Laila's Wisdom," and Anderson .Paak's "Oxnard" and "Ventura." His third studio album, "1123," featured guest appearances from Anderson .Paak, JID, Rick Ross, Offset, and others, earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album. He also received a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Bring It on Home to Me" with PJ Morton and Kenyon Dixon featuring Charlie Bereal. With multiple Grammy nominations, Sledge is recognized as a sought-after singer-songwriter in the R&B and soul music industry.

His fourth studio album, "Gravy," was recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, a venue known for its association with soul music. The album features collaborations with Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, Freddie Gibbs, Andra Day, Coco Jones, Chlöe, and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. "Gravy" was included in Rated R&B's list of the 25 best R&B albums of the year. Sledge has performed at events such as the Soul Train Awards and Byron Bay Bluesfest, further establishing his influence in the soul and R&B landscape. With a career spanning gospel, hip-hop, and neo-soul, BJ the Chicago Kid is recognized for bridging classic and contemporary sounds in modern R&B.