BJ the Chicago Kid (@bjthechicagokid) is a 7X Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released a spectacular new album, “Gravy,” a collaborative project with super-producer Yeti Beats (Doja Cat, Burna Boy). The refreshing album comes with the announcement of Yeti’s new label, Reach The World Records, a joint venture in partnership with RCA Records.
BJ The Chicago Kid – “Never Change” (Visualizer) featuring Philip Bailey
The album’s focus track, “Never Change,” is a heartfelt love ballad with the illustrious Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. The song follows BJ’s fourth official single off the album, a slower tempo song titled, “Long Time,” produced by the talented Yeti Beats and Charlie Bereal, that finds BJ, reminiscing on the “one that got away.” This followed the fun and sonically vibrant duet with Coco Jones, “Spend The Night,” which entered at No. 30 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay Chart and BJ’s first lead artist placement on the chart since 2019.
BJ the Chicago Kid and Coco Jones – “Spend The Night” music video
‘Spend The Night’ has a nostalgic yet timeless feel in homage to classic soul duets. Its uptempo groove and shimmering synths are the perfect backdrops to BJ the Chicago Kid and Coco Jones’s caramel-smooth vocals.
The way BJ sings is charmingly charismatic. “Rollin’ around from the floor to the bed, can’t get you out of my mind, you live free in my head, stuck inside a lucid dream.” Any woman would melt into a puddle if a guy they are in love with told them that one day. “Everything’s what it seems,” BJ is adamant that what he and his partner are about to get into is the right thing to do. Without holding anything back, he continues to sing, “Come closer to me, come closer to me.” Into the night, his eyes see the stars in Coco’s eyes. Now he’s tripping, hypnotized by the way they shine.
Coco sings effortlessly with great passion, “It’s the way that your body’s down on my body, Boy, it’s a party. Can’t lie, I’m addicted, want it like quick, quick, Baby, you started it.” Coco is no joke. When she sings, you can feel every emotion pouring out of her nicely shaped-body. “I know that you feel it too,” she sings, “You got me inside my head. I’m thinkin’ ’bout things you do-do-do. Come closer, Boy, the night’s over when I say it’s over.” She’s enticing, a saleswoman, selling the idea of waking up to hot sex in the morning if you spend the night with her.
“Gravy”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Yeti Beats and Reach the World. We have always admired BJ The Chicago Kid as a trailblazer with his blend of R&B, Pop, and soul. We are proud to kick off this new relationship with Yeti by bringing BJ’s next chapter to the world.” – stated John Fleckenstein, COO at RCA Records
Reach the World Records puts a big and affirming foot forth, with “Gravy” as its first release; it is a true love letter to the genres of Pop and soul. The album was recorded with a live band at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, the hallowed home of soul legend Al Green. The ‘70s mellow grooves of Al Green even served as a profound inspiration for the album’s overarching sonic identity.
“My father loves Al Green and I’ve always dreamed of recording a soul album in Memphis,” Yeti Beats stated. “When the opportunity came up, BJ was my ideal collaborator—I consider BJ to be one of the greatest voices in soul/R&B today. His knowledge of and passion for soul music shaped the authentic sound of this album. I am proud and excited to release ‘Gravy’ through my label, RTW, in partnership with RCA.”
BJ the Chicago Kid – “Gravy” album
“I’m sick of soul music having an old name. When you’re in the hood and they love you, they give you a nickname. To me the nickname of soul music is gravy. Gravy smothers, covers, and makes everything taste better. The album ‘Gravy’ is the persona of what the new cool is. It’s that feeling when you’re at your absolute best, got on your best clothes, exuding confidence in every step and word. This project embodies the very essence of how you carry yourself, how you assert your authority, and how you rise to the occasion. In essence, it’s the soul of the music, and in turn, the music becomes the gravy that defines me.” – BJ the Chicago Kid explained
Remarkably, BJ and Yeti Beats, along with live soul band, The Indications, managed to bring this album to life in less than a week. Yeti provides a distinctive production that seamlessly blends vintage soul and Pop elements; a move that positions it solidly into what’s now and ahead, as they fearlessly explore new sounds and styles on “Gravy,” showcasing their artistic influences and eagerness to push boundaries. With a nod to the renowned style of Al Green, they have created a thrilling and revitalizing work that is sure to captivate listeners.
“Gravy” is BJ The Chicago Kid’s first full-length release since his 2x GRAMMY-nominated album, “1123,” in 2019. Recorded at the iconic Royal Studios in Memphis, TN, BJ and Yeti tapped into the studio’s rich musical history and legacy, recording most of the album in just five days. The studio has been home to some of music’s biggest names, including Al Green, Chuck Berry, De La Soul, Ike & Tina Turner, and more; making it the perfect backdrop to a project steeped in R&B, soul, Pop, and hip-hop. The fusion of musical styles results in a sound that’s both unconventional for the Chicago native and yet possesses a timeless quality that will resonate with listeners young and old.
BJ the Chicago Kid – “Gravy” album
We highly recommend adding songs from BJ the Chicago Kid’s “Gravy” album to your favorite contemporary R&B playlist. Also, let us know how you feel in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music and positive entertainment news. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, support our merchandise, and become a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment. Disclaimer: This post contains Apple Music affiliate links. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. That little compensation will be used towards keeping this website up and running.