Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer-Songwriter; Motown Recording Artist; Collaborator with Kendrick Lamar & Kanye West
BJ the Chicago Kid Biography
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.
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BJ the Chicago Kid Videos
BJ The Chicago Kid - Crazy Love (Live Performance)
Music video by BJ The Chicago Kid performing Crazy Love (Live Performance).(C) 2024 RCA Records a division of Sony Music Entertainment.
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What topics does BJ the Chicago Kid speak about?
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Where does BJ the Chicago Kid travel from?
BJ the Chicago Kid generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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BJ the Chicago Kid is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book BJ the Chicago Kid for your event is available upon request. BJ the Chicago Kid generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Butterscotch, Ella Mai, Thirdstory, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Syleena Johnson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling BJ the Chicago Kid for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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