BJ The Chicago Kid on Breaking Through, Reinvention, and the Love of Music

On the latest episode of the R&B Money Podcast, Tank and J Valentine sat down with the incomparable BJ The Chicago Kid, delivering a conversation brimming with authenticity, music history, and an insider’s perspective on navigating the music industry. BJ opened up about his upbringing, his inspirations, and the moments that made him the artist he is today—sharing stories that felt like a heartfelt gathering of friends reminiscing about the good old days.

From the beginning, BJ set the tone by sharing his roots: the youngest of three boys, growing up in a household where both parents were heavily involved in the church. His father was a choir director and his mother was also deeply engaged in the church choir scene, a dynamic that shaped his early love for music. BJ spoke about those formative moments, from learning harmonies in the family car with his mom to feeling the pressure of singing solos as a kid, knowing that every missed note would impact the entire group. It was in these early experiences, full of both love and responsibility, that BJ began to understand the weight of music as a craft and a calling.

BJ’s storytelling was rich with vivid scenes of his youth, full of sibling camaraderie and healthy competition. He spoke about following his older brothers around, sneaking into their closet for fresh outfits, and tagging along to jam sessions. One particularly funny memory he shared involved his brother Scooter catching him wearing his clothes—an event that ended in a swift but unforgettable whooping. But despite the scuffles, the admiration BJ had for his brothers was clear. They were not only his first heroes but also his first teachers, showing him how to navigate both music and life. His brothers played for some of the biggest church choirs and sessions, and their influence helped mold BJ’s understanding of musical excellence.

BJ’s anecdotes also gave listeners a peek into the harsh realities of growing up in Chicago. He painted a picture of resilience—talking about how he had to face challenges head-on, whether it was navigating dangerous neighborhoods or figuring out how to earn enough to buy new clothes for school. He mentioned that shooting jump shots and rolling dice with his brother’s musician friends were more than just pastimes; they were survival tactics. These experiences, he said, made him fearless, a quality that would later help him move across the country and dive headfirst into the music industry.

When it came to his musical journey, BJ spoke passionately about his decision to leave Chicago and head to Los Angeles. He painted a vivid picture of leaving home without any real plan, carrying just trash bags of his belongings, and trusting that his love for music would carry him through. His father worked for United Airlines, and BJ used a buddy pass to get to LA. He didn’t have much, but he had the belief that he could make something happen. And it did happen—eventually landing a gig singing background for Mary Mary, which became his first real opportunity in LA.

BJ’s stories of breaking into the industry were filled with a mix of serendipity and sheer determination. He spoke about writing with Kevin Randolph and learning the ins and outs of professional songwriting, all while balancing other jobs to make ends meet. He described moments like meeting Harold Lilly and learning the ropes at Big John’s office, where he would go just to be around the creative energy, absorbing as much as he could. BJ emphasized how those early days were crucial—he was eager, sometimes nervous, but always ready to step up, whether it was writing a bridge on the spot or observing seasoned songwriters at work.

One of the most touching moments in the episode was when BJ spoke about the people who believed in him and gave him a chance. He told a story about staying with a family in LA that he had never met before, simply because a friend vouched for him. He recounted how his mother supported him by giving him a plane ticket, and how those little acts of kindness made all the difference in his journey. These were people who trusted his potential when he was still trying to find his footing, and BJ’s gratitude for them was palpable.

The conversation also touched on BJ’s thoughts about the evolution of music—how the sound of soul and R&B changed after monumental moments in history, like the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. He talked about how pain and struggle transformed the energy in the music, making it more raw and emotionally charged. BJ has always been a student of the game, and hearing him break down the evolution of R&B through both a personal and cultural lens added depth to the discussion.

As the conversation wrapped up, BJ reflected on the lessons he learned from his upbringing and his mentors. He emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself, of not being afraid to reinvent and evolve. He spoke about wanting to create music that stands the test of time, music that resonates deeply, just like the records his father played at family gatherings. For BJ, it’s always been about more than just the music—it’s about the story, the feeling, the connection.

In the end, the episode wasn’t just an interview; it was a celebration of BJ The Chicago Kid’s journey—one filled with love, struggle, faith, and, most of all, music. The genuine camaraderie between BJ, Tank, and J Valentine made it feel like you were right there in the room with them, nodding along, laughing at the stories, and feeling the weight of the lessons shared. It’s a reminder of why we love R&B—it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s always from the heart.