NYC was truly the Windy City weather-wise and BJ The Chicago Kid was probably to blame. The soul-stirring crooner breezed through the Meatpacking District and sat for an in-depth interview for promotion of his new album In My Mind at the swanky, members-only Soho House with VIBE Editor-In-Chief, Datwon Thomas (Feb 24).
Touching on his early days of singing in front of his friends for the first time, to losing a dear supporter in his early career, the Motown Records artist opened up about his writing process which started off as a poem to a pretty young thing that turned into a song. Much was revealed in the private event attended by industry tastemakers, like how the icon Dr. Dre taught BJ how to growl and hiss to get the right tone and aggression across on his vocal tone.
Following the Q & A session, BJ rocked the crowd with a short set of songs from his In My Mind project, while praising his immediate team and cracking jokes with the people. “Church” is a clear favorite of BJ fans and when he sang the beginning notes all were pleasantly pleased. His live show is energetic, impassioned and drowning in soul.
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As a treat for the people, BJ liberated the “Oh My God” video featuring Jay Rock, an unreleased track that isn’t on the new album. According to BJ team:
“BJ The Chicago Kid offers a glimpse into a day In My Mind in the black & white visual. directed by Shawny Ocho, the video features a new unreleased track, “Oh My God” featuring Jay Rock, and “Woman’s World”. Using the streets of South Central LA as its backdrop, the soulful singer provides a visual that takes the viewer along for a day in his life and mind. Best described as gritty and cinematic, the clip highlights BJ’s unique blend of soul & the streets.”