Pineapple Now-Laters
| Pineapple Now-Laters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 21, 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2011–2012 | |||
| Genre | R&B, Neo soul | |||
| Length | 61:40 | |||
| Label | M.A.F.E. Music | |||
| Producer | BJ the Chicago Kid, Jairus Mozee, DJ Battlecat, others | |||
| BJ the Chicago Kid chronology | ||||
| ||||
Pineapple Now-Laters is the debut studio album by American R&B singer-songwriter BJ the Chicago Kid. It was released independently on February 21, 2012, through M.A.F.E. Music.[1] The album blends elements of neo soul, R&B, and hip hop, showcasing BJ’s signature storytelling and smooth vocal delivery.
Background
Prior to the album, BJ the Chicago Kid had released several mixtapes, including The Life of Love’s Cupid (2011). Pineapple Now-Laters marked his transition into a full-length studio album. The title references the nostalgic candy Now and Laters, symbolizing BJ’s blend of past influences with contemporary sounds.[2]
Composition
The album incorporates soulful melodies, live instrumentation, and hip-hop-infused production. BJ's vocal style draws comparisons to D'Angelo and Marvin Gaye, with lyrical themes centered on love, struggle, and personal growth.[3]
Track listing
All tracks produced by BJ the Chicago Kid unless otherwise noted.
| # | Title | Featured artist(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pineapple Now-Laters (Intro)" | Harold Green, DJ Battlecat | BJ the Chicago Kid | 1:59 |
| 2 | "East Side High 2012 & Forever" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 1:09 |
| 3 | "Sex X Money X Sneakers" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 3:32 |
| 4 | "Fly Girl Get 'Em" | Freddie Gibbs | BJ the Chicago Kid | 3:21 |
| 5 | "Good Luv'n" | — | Jairus Mozee | 3:49 |
| 6 | "The Big Payback" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 2:45 |
| 7 | "Aiight" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 3:33 |
| 8 | "Good Love" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 3:46 |
| 9 | "White Picket Fence (Interlude)" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 0:28 |
| 10 | "Sex Is The Best Breakfast" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 2:13 |
| 11 | "Plai Boi" | Boi Josh | BJ the Chicago Kid | 3:36 |
| 12 | "Other Side" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 3:46 |
| 13 | "I Want You Back Lady Lady" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 5:08 |
| 14 | "The World Is A Ghetto" | Kendrick Lamar, DJ Battlecat, Jairus Mozee | BJ the Chicago Kid | 5:59 |
| 15 | "Dream II" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 5:47 |
| 16 | "His Pain II" | Kendrick Lamar | BJ the Chicago Kid | 5:29 |
| 17 | "King Kong" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 2:20 |
| 18 | "Hood Stories, Vol. 1" | — | BJ the Chicago Kid | 3:50 |
Singles
The album spawned the single "Good Luv’n", which was later promoted by Motown Records after BJ signed with the label in August 2012.[3]
Reception
Critics praised the album's soulful production and BJ's vocal delivery, highlighting tracks like "His Pain II" featuring Kendrick Lamar. The album helped BJ secure a record deal with Motown, leading to his major-label debut In My Mind (2016).[2]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Soul Train Music Awards | Best Independent R&B Album | Nominated | [4] |
| 2013 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding New Artist | Nominated | [5] |
References
- ^ "Pineapple Now-Laters – BJ the Chicago Kid". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ a b Fleming, Weston (April 20, 2012). "Album Review: BJ the Chicago Kid – Pineapple Now-Laters". Beats Per Minute. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ a b "BJ the Chicago Kid Signs to Motown Records". Billboard. August 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ "2012 Soul Train Awards Nominees". BET. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
- ^ "44th NAACP Image Awards Nominees". NAACP. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
External links
- Pineapple Now-Laters at AllMusic
- Pineapple Now-Laters at Discogs
- Pineapple Now-Laters lyrics and tracklist at Genius