BJ the Chicago Kid, a prominent Chicago-born R&B artist, will grace the Lollapalooza stage for the second time this year, having made a memorable debut in 2019 on a modest sidestage known as the “Dive Bar.”
During his previous performance, he created a palpable energy exchange with the crowd that he described as both breathtaking and energetic.
Now residing in Los Angeles, the 40-year-old singer reflects on the experience as a realization of a lifelong dream, emphasizing the thrill of connecting with an audience that may not even know all the lyrics to his songs.
This year, he has the opportunity to perform on a larger stage during the four-day festival at Grant Park on Thursday, featuring local talent in the Chicago Made Showcase organized by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Despite the excitement, BJ acknowledges a larger issue within the festival regarding the representation of R&B artists.
Historically, R&B has played a significant role in Chicago’s music scene, but many believe it has yet to receive the recognition it deserves at Lollapalooza.
The festival, which began as a tour over 30 years ago before becoming a permanent fixture in Chicago in 2005, has only seen a handful of R&B performers take on headlining roles, which have mostly been occupied by artists like Frank Ocean, the Weeknd, and SZA.
This year, BJ joins a small contingent of R&B artists, including Durand Bernarr and T-Pain, with Chicago’s own Ravyn Lenae also taking the stage.
However, critics point out that none of the R&B artists scheduled will headline the event, indicating a gap in representation.
Industry insiders speculate that factors such as airplay, chart performance, financial constraints, and a perceived decline in R&B artists are influencing the festival’s lineups.
Briahna Gatlin, owner of the Swank PR firm, believes Lollapalooza’s lack of legacy and local talent may stem from misjudgments about audience appeal.
Chicago, known for its vibrant soul and R&B history, has much more to contribute to the festival’s lineup according to both Gatlin and BJ.
While the festival has made strides in diversifying its artist roster in recent years, R&B seems to lag behind genres like hip-hop, which have commandeered the spotlight.
BJ the Chicago Kid noted that hip-hop has become the dominant genre, overshadowing R&B due to its massive popularity.
Despite being inspired by the success of fellow artists like SZA, who worked tirelessly to secure her main stage appearance, BJ remains hopeful.
He points out that larger catalogs and broader appeal are necessary for R&B artists to keep festival-goers engaged, suggesting that acts like Usher and D’Angelo could enhance future lineups.
Critics, including Gatlin, are calling on Lollapalooza to consider established R&B icons such as Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and Janet Jackson who they believe could draw larger crowds.
Tony “Chicago” Russell, a bassist with credentials in the industry, argues that legacy acts should be a staple at the festival, as their contributions have paved the way for current artists.
In terms of emerging talent, Gatlin highlighted newer R&B artists like Summer Walker and Brent Faiyaz who could help bring freshness to the festival lineup.
Local artists like Josh K also believe that while the R&B scene in Chicago is burgeoning, they face challenges in securing prominent stage opportunities.
Despite the growing popularity of R&B nights within the city’s nightlife, Josh emphasizes a persistent lack of access to major exposure events.
With notable sold-out showcases such as Tink’s Winter’s Diary Music Festival, the demand for R&B remains robust, albeit not reflected at Lollapalooza.
Russell voiced concerns that local hip-hop, especially drill music, tends to overshadow the R&B genre in Chicago, thus diverting attention from its appeal.
City Winery’s Program Director, Vanessa Robinson, highlighted the difficulty in securing diverse acts at festivals due to competing priorities such as radio play and audience retention.
She noted that as festival organizers navigate a post-COVID landscape marked by smaller staffing and higher production costs, risks in artist scouting are often minimized.
As Lollapalooza gets underway, Robinson encourages attendees to show their support for the R&B artists on the lineup this year, signaling to festival organizers the potential for a more inclusive representation in future events.
Ultimately, BJ the Chicago Kid’s return to Lollapalooza echoes a larger conversation about the modest yet impactful position of R&B in a festival landscape historically dominated by other genres.
image source from：wbez
