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