The most exciting voice currently coming out of the Windy City might belong to BJ The Chicago Kid, one of R&B's most faithful contemporary singers. With "Church," the latest single from his forthcoming major label debut, In My Mind, BJ illustrates two sides of his faith: a devotion to the sanctity of church and religion, and a commitment to preserving the spirit of true rhythm & blues.
Over the past several years, BJ (Bryan James Sledge) has made a name for himself through his pen and his voice, which has become essential to artists needing an edge of rugged, but gracious soul. Most recently, he seamlessly slotted onto The Social Experiment's Surf, musician Donnie Trumpet's cannonball into atmospheric live instrumentation, and appeared on Compton, the West Coast tribute/Straight Outta Compton companion piece executive produced by Dr. Dre.
Featuring a half-playful, half-serious verse from fellow Chicagoan wunderkind Chance The Rapper, and bridge assistance from Pharrell Williams' sleeper apprentice, Buddy, "Church" continues BJ's humble stumble down the path of righteousness, a theme threaded throughout his music since he first came on the scene as a solo artist in 2012. With every possible temptation ("She say she wanna drink, do drugs and have sex tonight / But I got church in the morning"), he rights himself. We all meander, and slip and fall, and let certain morals fall by the wayside. "Church" is a reminder that while we're only human, we can control our own destinies.
In My Mind is due out later this year on Motown.
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