On Friday, local crooner BJ the Chicago Kid will release “In My Mind,” his major label debut and his first album since 2012. Even though this offering (released via the iconic Motown Records) will solidify his status as a solo artist, the majority of BJ’s efforts so far have been guest appearances, adding his lush tenor to songs by artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Schoolboy Q, Chance the Rapper and many more. RedEye has broken down the Top 4 examples of how BJ can improve a track.
4. Chance the Rapper, “Everybody’s Something”
One of the many highlights off “Acid Rap,” this track features BJ doing what he does best by providing one hell of an earworm hook.
3. Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, “Shame”
No recent rap pairing save for El-P and Killer Mike (Run the Jewels) paid off more than Freddie Gibbs linking up with producer Madlib. On the duo’s 2014 album “Piñata,” the single “Shame” found BJ’s soulful hook tying everything together.
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2. Kehlani, “Down For You”
Last year was a good one for rising R&B singer Kehlani, who ended up getting nominated for a Grammy in the Best Urban Contemporary Album slot for “You Should Be Here.” One of that full-length’s best tracks was her gorgeous collaboration with BJ the Chicago Kid.
1. Kendrick Lamar, “Kush and Corinthians (His Pain)”
Out of the entirety of Kendrick Lamar’s 2011 effort “Section.80,” “Kush and Corinthians (His Pain)” is one of its most subdued offerings. Sandwiched between the frenetic “Rigamortis” and “Blow My High (Members Only),” the song is carried by Lamar’s precise flow and BJ’s smoothly sung verse and outro.
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