BJ The Chicago enlists poet J. Ivy for his new track “Where I’m From.” Transforming Anthony Hamilton’s 2003 “Comin From Where I’m From” from a North Carolina ode into a Chicago story tell track, the BJ shows what it’s like to take mile in his shoes. There’s a few things we learn about the Chicago kid from his young days in The Windy City on the autographical track.
“Sitting here guess I didn’t make bail/Got time in the store read a tale/Started when I was nine years old/I woke up and daddy was gone/Started hustling and they couldn’t tell me nothing…in the hood trying to be somebody,” sings BJ.
Right before BJ lays his vocals, the poetic lines of J. Ivy graces the track and paints the mental picture for the cultural tune.
“Where I’m from opportunity is limited, this concrete cage is overcrowded, intimate, it’s suffocated, my folks been suffering since before our momma’s was ovulating.” What a vivid mental depiction of growing up in the south. This track challenges the normal formula of the usual R&B song and pushes the envelope of creativity. J. Ivy’s poetic lines gives the track a natural soulful ambiance that embraces the track like a glove.
“Where I’m From” can be found on BJ’s upcoming compilation album Lead Never Follow. Until then, listen to the track below.