BJ The Chicago Kid on Making Timeless R&B Music

On this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von welcomes 7x Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter, BJ the Chicago Kid. BJ’s reflects on his upbringing in Chicago, the Gumbo pot of varying music genres that has shaped his ear to create timeless R&B music. Having a wide vocal range and musical knowledge has allowed BJ to work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Chance The Rapper, Offset and more. BJ addresses the “R&B is dead” conversation while advocating for the amazing decades the genre has had and shedding light on the dominating artist in the genre today. He also talks about what we can expect from his new album, "Gravy". You don’t want to miss this episode!!! 

Intro: 0:00 - 4:00

Growing up in Chicago: 4:00 - 5:03

“The cross and the corner”: 5:03 - 7:10

The Bj Chicago Kid Sound: 7:10 - 8:26

Which artist inspires you: 8:26 - 10:40

Being able to create a lane: 10:40 - 12:25

Working with Hip Hop artist: 12:25 - 12:55

Creating and producing music with vocals: 12:55- 13:54

The decline of Hip Hop’s charting: 13:54 - 17:35

Being a Passionate artist: 17:35- 18:10

Live Shows: 18:40 - 20:45 

Roadblocks in your career: 20:45 - 24:00

Revolt performance: 24:00 - 24:48

Being too musical: 24:48 - 26:04

Heartbreaking the game: 26:04 - 27:55

What keeps you motivated? 27:55 - 30:50

New Album - Gravy: 30:50 - 31:51 

Phillip Bailey: 31:51 - 34:08

Being determined to get the yes: 34:08 - 34:50

“R&B is not Dead” : 34:50 - 37:21

Creating an R&B experience musically: 37:21 - 38:20

Jazmine Sullivan and Brandy: 38:20 - 39:04

How do you rank yourself: 39:04 - 40:50

 Deep Dive - Turning me up: 40:50 - 44:41

How do you translate the vibe to melody: 44:41 - 45:32

Best Decade for R&B Music: 45:32 - 47:18 

Never Shoulda let you go: 47:18 - 47:54

90s R&B: 47:54 - 49:06

Missy Elliot: 49:06 - 50: 50

Black Culture in Music: 50:50 - 52:02

Respect the Pen Game - Church: 52:02 -53:03

Marvin Winans: 53:03 - 55:46

Detroit music culture: 55:45 -56:18

Six Months: 56:18 - 57:37

The ability to be timeless: 57:37 - 58:30

Songwriters and Producers: 58:30 - 1:00:11

The Underdogs: 1:00:11 - 1:01:58

New Male R&B Artists: 1:01:58 - 1:02:58

New Orleans: 1:02:58 - 1:03:18

What are you working on: 1:03:18 - 1:10:14

Closing: 1:10:14 - 1:11:06

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Hosted & Created by: Ian Von

Produced by: Launch Pod Studio

Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios

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