BJ The Chicago Kid pours one out on his new single “Liquor Store In The Sky,” produced by Yeti Beats. It features rapper Freddie Gibbs.
On this reflective track, BJ The Chicago Kid emotionally delves into a deep friendship that was tragically cut short. The pain of this loss still lingers and he has yet to fully heal from it. But he knows they’ll reunite for another round of a stiff drink someday.
Freddie Gibbs identifies with BJ The Chicago Kid’s pain, rhyming about a fallen homeboy that’s still on his mind.
“My songwriting often draws from personal experiences, honoring the memory of Al Howard, a childhood best friend lost tragically in a car accident,” explains BJ The Chicago Kid. “This song resonates with anyone who has lost someone special, particularly with those who yearn for a cherished drink with their favorite person, hoping that one day they might reunite at the ‘Liquor Store In The Sky,’” he concludes.
“Liquor Store In The Sky” is the second release from BJ The Chicago Kid’s upcoming album with Yeti Beats, set to drop this summer through his joint venture with RCA Records and Reach The World Records.
“This project is a dream manifested into reality for me,” said Yeti Beats. “I had the idea of producing a record influenced by the music of my favorite soul singer, Al Green, and recording it with a live band. Traveling to Memphis to record in his studio was an immense honor for all of us.”
Yeti Beats has his fingerprints all over “Forget Your Name,” the joint album’s lead single featuring Cory Henry. It was released as part of the signing announcement.
BJ The Chicago Kid’s upcoming collaboration album, which remains untitled, was recorded at Royals Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.
This studio has a rich history, having been the recording site of Al Green’s iconic albums Let’s Stay Together and I’m Still In Love with You.
It has been four years since BJ The Chicago Kid released a full-length album. His last, 1123, titled after his birthday (Nov. 23), marked his final album for Motown Records.
After departing from Motown Records in 2021, he independently released two EPs (4 AM and Three).
Last year, he appeared on albums by Robert Glasper and DRAM, and most recently, he contributed to the Creed III soundtrack and Full Crate’s new album, A Kid from Yerevan.
On July 29, BJ The Chicago Kid is set to perform at Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa Valley at Silverado Resort in Napa, California. Rapper Nas will headline that night.
Listen to “Liquor Store In The Sky” by BJ The Chicago Kid featuring Freddie Gibbs below.