DRAM (formerly known as Shelley FKA DRAM) keeps the new music flowing. The genre-bending singer has enlisted BJ the Chicago Kid for his latest single, “PPL.”
The soulful groove finds DRAM getting out of harm’s way from an unfaithful partner who’s been living a double life. The rich blend of deep, throaty croons from BJ the Chicago Kid underneath DRAM’s smooth yet rough voice fills the absence of excellent male R&B collaborations.
“PPL” is the third offering from DRAM’s upcoming album What Had Happened Was… It follows his two previous singles, “Wham” and “Let Me See Your Phone.”
DRAM’s former tune, which he co-produced alongside Spiff Sinatra and Herothatproducer, was issued as the lead single. Meanwhile, the latter track arrived with the album announcement.

What Had Happened Was… will follow DRAM’s 2021 album Shelley FKA DRAM, which was released under his former alias. The album included the lead single “The Lay Down” featuring H.E.R. and Watt, plus subsequent tracks such as “Cooking With Grease” and “Exposure.”
Additional guests on Shelley FKA DRAM included Erykah Badu (“’93 Acura Vigor) and Summer Walker (“All Pride Aside“).
In December 2021, Shelley FKA DRAM was named one of Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2021.
As for BJ the Chicago Kid, he released two EPs last year, including 4 AM and Three. The first set had guest spots from Lucky Daye and Eric Bellinger, while the second had a trio of songs, two of which were from his BJ Wednesday series.
“Three is special because this is very much my current takes or feelings on love and relationships instead of my thoughts from 1 to 2 years ago,” BJ shared.
Since then, BJ made appearances on albums by KIRBY and Robert Glasper.
Listen to DRAM’s new song “PPL“ featuring BJ the Chicago Kid below.