BJ the Chicago Kid Says His Debut Album Will Be Timeless

Even though he's been on the scene for quite some time penning some great songs and guesting on tracks by Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Chance The Rapper, Joey Bada$$ and others, BJ The Chicago Kid is now gearing up to step into the spotlight on his own. With his debut album, In My Mind, just around the corner, the crooner is ready to stand alone, offering his major label debut through Motown Records. The project, which will be released this year, is set to include features from Chance The Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, OG Maco and more.

Although the Chicago native has spent the majority of 2015 prepping for his forthcoming LP, he made sure to leave some time for outside projects, one of which was Dr. Dre's third studio album, Compton: A Soundtrack. After the release of the LP, XXL caught up with BJ to discuss his work on Dre's album as well as his own his upcoming effort.

XXL: We’ve seen your name alongside a lot of big-name projects. What are you working on in regards to your solo work?
BJ The Chicago Kid: I just wrapped up my album. It’ll be out this year. It’s a pretty incredible project. I can only say so much until you hear it without overselling it, but if you love what I do, you would love this project.

What’s the theme of the album?
The album is titled In My Mind. It’s pretty much giving you a taste of my mind, from concepts to sounds to genres. It allows you to understand how creative I actually am to some degree.

Do you hope for the album to help you break out as a solo artist?
I mean, it’s already happening. If Dr. Dre rocking with me, I don’t feel like it’s a tussle. I’m willing to work for mine. I was established as a writer long before I signed to Motown. I worked with a lot of my heroes before I was signed to Motown. I don’t want any hand outs. Everything that happens, happens naturally. The person that called me wanted it to happen. I’m earning my stripes. I want the real. The real will give me a sincere victory.

It’ll also give you longevity in the game.
That’s why I don’t fear, I make that kind of music naturally. It will never be a fear or a worry of mine. Timeless music, I’ve been that for a long time. Not saying it in an arrogant way.

Are you working on any other projects aside from yours?
I’m always working with my friends. Most people that I do collaborations with, I’m really friends with them. From Joey [Bada$$] to Kanye, even Kendrick and ScHoolboy. I personally know them. It’s not like I’m trying to force it. Everybody I work with, I really mess with in real life. My music is just as authentic as I am.

Check out the latest single from BJ The Chicago Kid below.