YETI BEATS ANNOUNCES REACH THE WORLD RECORDS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RCA RECORDS
7X GRAMMY-Nominated singer/songwriter BJ The Chicago Kid delivers the jaunty, feel good project of the year. The collaborative album, Gravy, with super-producer Yeti Beats (Doja Cat, Burna Boy) is available everywhere along with the album’s focus track, “Never Change” with the legendary Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. The refreshing project comes out alongside and in tandem with the announcement of Yeti’s new label Reach The World Records, a joint venture in partnership with RCA Records.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Yeti Beats and Reach the World,” shares John Fleckenstein, COO at RCA Records. “We have always admired BJ The Chicago Kid as a trailblazer with his blend of r&b, pop and soul. We are proud to kick off this new relationship with Yeti by bringing BJ’s next chapter to the world.”
Reach the World puts a big and affirming foot forth, with Gravy as its first release; it is a true love letter to the genres of pop and soul. The album was recorded with a live band at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, the hallowed home of soul legend Al Green. The ’70s mellow grooves of Al Green even served as a profound inspiration for the album’s overarching sonic identity.
“My father loves Al Green and I’ve always dreamed of recording a soul album in Memphis,” explains Yeti. “When the opportunity came up, BJ was my ideal collaborator—I consider BJ to be one of the greatest voices in soul/r&b today. His knowledge of and passion for soul music shaped the authentic sound of this album. I am proud and excited to release Gravy through my label, RTW, in partnership with RCA.”
“I’m sick of soul music having an old name,” shares BJ on the album. “When you’re in the hood and they love you, they give you a nickname. To me the nickname of soul music is ‘gravy.’” He continues, “Gravy smothers, covers and makes everything taste better. The album Gravy is the persona of what the new cool is. It’s that feeling when you’re at your absolute best, got on your best clothes, exuding confidence in every step and word. This project embodies the very essence of how you carry yourself, how you assert your authority, and how you rise to the occasion. In essence, it’s the soul of the music, and in turn, the music becomes the gravy that defines me.” This fusion of musical styles results in a sound that’s both unconventional for the Chicago native and yet possesses a timeless quality that will resonate with listeners young and old.
Remarkably, BJ and Yeti Beats, along with live soul band, The Indications, managed to bring this album to life in less than a week’s time. Yeti provides a distinctive production that seamlessly blends vintage soul and pop elements; a move that positions it solidly into what’s now and ahead, as they fearlessly explore new sounds. and styles on Gravy, showcasing their artistic influences and eagerness to push boundaries. With a nod to the renowned style of Al Green, they have created a thrilling and revitalizing work that is sure to captivate listeners.
“Never Change” a heartfelt love ballad with the illustrious Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, follows BJ’s fourth official single off the album, a slower tempo song titled, “Long Time,” produced by the talented Yeti Beats and Charlie Bereal. That finds BJ, reminiscing on the “one that got away.” This followed the fun and sonically vibrant duet with CoCo Jones, “Spend The Night,” which just entered at No. 30 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay Chart and BJ’s first lead artist placement on the chart since 2019.
This Reach The World Records project is BJTCK’s first full-length release since his 2x GRAMMY-nominated album 1123 in 2019. Recorded at the iconic Royal Studios in Memphis, TN, BJ and Yeti tapped into the studio’s rich musical history and legacy, recording most of the album in just five days. The studio has been home to some of music’s biggest names, including Al Green, Chuck Berry, De La Soul, Ike & Tina Turner, and more; making it the perfect backdrop to a project steeped in R&B, soul, pop, and hip-hop!
Gravy Tracklist:
Best Night Of Your Life (Intro)
Spend The Night W/ Coco Jones
Never Change Feat. Philip Bailey
Forgot Your Name Feat. Cory Henry
Liquor Store Feat. Freddie Gibbs
Get Loose
Who cares
Honey ft. Chloe Bailey
Long Time
Smoke Break Feat. Robert Glasper
Feel Something Do Something
Feel Good
Crazy Love W/ Andra Day
Nobody Knows
We’ll Be Alright (Outro)
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