Who Is MATT B?
GRAMMY Award® Winning singer, songwriter, and producer ‘Matt B’ was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He signed to StarBase Records Japan as of July 2014. Matt released his Japanese debut album “LOVE & WAR” in September 2014, and it went #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts. His hit single “Plain Girl” also went #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts. “LOVE & WAR” became available for physical distribution at over 1,400 TSUTAYA music stores, and sold out in several locations. His sophomore album “DIVE” released in January 2016 and achieved similar success, hitting #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts in less than 24 hours. “DIVE” was also made available in TSUTAYA stores. His two singles ‘Tokyo Girl’ and ‘My Dreams’ charted at #3 and #8 respectively on the iTunes R&B Charts. After reaching critical acclaim in Japan, Matt’s imprint continued to spread overseas. His single ‘Color Blind’ went viral in China, accruing over 158 million streams on the NetEase platform.
Matt signed a digital distribution deal with Priority Records on March 2017. Under the Priority imprint, he released his 4-track EP ‘RISE’ in April 2018—which was produced exclusively by GRAMMY® winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox—and it collectively received over a half million streams on Spotify. His single ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ charted at #4 and #67 in Taiwan and Japan respectively on Apple Music, and also charted at #35 in Latvia on Spotify. In the winter of 2018, Matt B decided to expand his passion for philanthropy and started his now annual ‘Holiday Cheer Tour’. The first tour was a massive success with Matt visiting over 16 cities across the country performing to sick children in hospitals, donating toys and clothes, and performing at several Christmas festivals. In 2019, Matt B partnered with Sofar Sounds for a 16-date nationwide tour that spanned across eleven cities in the US. Following the tour, Matt had his nationwide television debut as he performed at the 2019 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which is the third largest parade in the country. In an effort to keep the momentum, he then released his EP ‘No Days Off’ in December of the same year. ‘No Days Off‘ was well received internationally and went on to chart at #71 on the iTunes R&B chart in Taiwan. “This project truly reflected how I feel as an artist, I never take any days off,” Matt said, “I’m always on the grind and trying to reach the next goal. This EP also gives straight vibes from my city, which is something I’m very proud of.” ‘No Days Off’ also features 3x GRAMMY®-Award winning poet—J. Ivy.
Matt B released his debut US album, ‘EDEN’, on March 12, 2021. It immediately debuted at #3 in the US and #5 in Canada on the iTunes R&B/Soul Albums Chart. Additionally, ‘EDEN‘ debuted in the Top 40 on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart, landing at #39. The album also landed on three other Billboard Charts: Digital Albums, Heatseekers, and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. To date, the album has accrued over 1M streams globally. ‘EDEN‘ features production from GRAMMY®-winning legends Bryan- Michael Cox and Tricky Stewart. The first single from the album, ‘Go Hard’, was released May 2020. The single charted #83 on Deezer and #129 on Apple Music in Egypt and Bulgaria respectively. His second single, ‘Deep’, released July 2020 and amassed nearly 150K streams in less than a month. “For this particular project, we were focused on telling my story in a way that not only resonates with the listener, but also gives R&B a new, fresh sound while staying true to myself,” Matt said on his new album, “The album will take the listener on a journey into who I am as a person, what I’ve been through in my life, and more.”
Matt B continues to pave his own path in the mainstream industry and expand his global audience. On March 4, 2022, he released his hit single ‘Gimme Love’, which served as the leading single for his forthcoming album 'ALKEBULAN'. 'Gimme Love' debuted in the top 50 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Chart and peaked at #36. It has gone on to accrue more than 5M streams globally across all platforms and secured Matt B his very first GRAMMY® Nomination. ‘ ALKEBULAN’ released on August 18, 2023 and debuted on the Billboard Top Current Albums chart in the Top 100. The album has won over 20 awards, including Best Album at the Global Music Awards. Matt B was also named 'Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year' by the Los Angeles Tribune and one of the ‘100 Most Influential People In Entertainment 2023’ by Ranks Africa. He was also awarded the prestigious Hollywood Music In Media Award (HMMA) for Best Music Video for 'GUNJALE'.
In August 2024, Matt B released 'ALKEBULAN II', which is the second installment of the 'ALKEBULAN' series. The album has reached critical acclaim, earning Matt his second GRAMMY® Nomination in the Best Global Music Album category. The lead single 'NO WAHALA' also earned a win for Best Song - Short Film at the HMMAs. 'ALKEBULAN II' emerged victorious at the 67th GRAMMY Awards® 2025, earning Matt B his very first GRAMMY Award®.
AWARDS + NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
67th GRAMMY AWARD® WINNER
Matt B won his very first GRAMMY® at the 67th GRAMMY Awards® in the Global Music Album category for 'ALKEBULAN II'.
67th GRAMMY Awards® Nominee
Nominated at the 67th GRAMMY Awards® in the Global Music Album category for 'ALKEBULAN II', marking his second GRAMMY® nomination.
65th GRAMMY Awards® Nominee
Nominated at the 65th GRAMMY Awards® in the Global Music Performance category for 'Gimme Love'.
Los Angeles Tribune ‘Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year’ (2023)
“In a stunning recognition of his artistry and cultural contributions, the Los Angeles Tribune has named GRAMMY®-Nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Matt B as the Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year. This accolade comes in the wake of his latest groundbreaking work, the album "ALKEBULAN," which has deeply resonated with both critics and audiences alike.” - Los Angeles Tribune
Performed for the FLOTUS, Dr. Jill Biden (2023)
Matt B performed for Dr. Jill Biden at a private event for the Biden-Harris Administration in Beverly Hills, CA.
AKADEMIA MUSIC AWARDS: 2023 HALL OF FAME Inductee
"The Akademia Board has unanimously voted to herby induct into the Hall of Fame MATT B: for a musical repertoire that is truly original and for talent, hard work and perseverance that have been deemed worthy of the highest lifetime recognition." - Akademia Music Awards
RANKS AFRICA ‘100 Most Influential People in Entertainment’ (2022)
“In recognition of your outstanding contribution to Tourism through entertainment, we celebrate you as one of 100 African creatives who raised global awareness of Africa's many potentials and values in tourism and hospitality in 2022.” - RANKS AFRICA
Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) 2024
Best Song: Short Film - 'NO WAHALA'
Global Music Awards 2024
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN II' (Gold Medal)
Best of Show - 'ALKEBULAN II' (Gold Medal)
Hollywood Independent Music Awards 2024
Best Afrobeats/Afropop - 'Need Some Wine' (Nominated)
Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) 2023
Best Music Video - 'GUNJALE'
MUSE Creative Awards 2023
Best Album - 'ALKEBULAN' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'GUNJALE' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'FREEDOM' (PLATINUM WINNER)
LIT Music Awards 2023
LIT of the Year - 'ALKEBULAN'
Best Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
InterContinental Music Awards 2023
Best African Pop - 'Gimme Love'
Best R&B - 'I'm Here With You'
Best R&B - 'Losing You' (Nominated)
East Africa Entertainment Awards 2023
People's Choice Collaboration/Music Video/Hit Project Of The Year (Global) - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Hollywood Independent Music Awards 2023
Best Male Vocalist - 'I'm Here With You' (Nominated)
Global Music Awards 2023
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN' (Silver Medal)
Best World Song - 'GUNJALE' (Silver Medal)
Best World Music Video - 'FREEDOM' (Silver Medal)
Oniros Film Awards 2023
GRAND JURY AWARD (Song) - 'GUNJALE'
Best Music Video - 'GUNJALE'
Akademia Music Awards 2023
Best World Beat Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
Clouzine International Music Awards 2023
Male Artist of the Year
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
International Songwriting Competition 2023
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
California Music Video Awards 2023
Best Duet Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Love Song - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best EDM/Dance - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Movement (Choreography) - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Fashion & Makeup - 'Gimme Love'
Best World Music - 'Gimme Love'
LA Under the Stars 2023
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Oniros Film Awards 2022
Best Song - 'Gimme Love'
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Indie Music Channel Awards 2022
Best Male R&B Artist
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best Male World Music Duo - Matt B, Eddy Kenzo (Nominated)
Best World Music Recording - ‘Gimme Love’ (Nominated)
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love’ (Nominated)
Best Music Video - 'Losing You' (Nominated)
Akademia Music Awards 2022
Best World Beat Song - 'Gimme Love'
Best World Beat Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
MUSE Creative Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Song - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
LIT Talent Awards 2022
Best Male Artist (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Male Vocalist (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Rhythm & Blues Artist (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'Losing You' (GOLD WINNER)
Best African Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Original Song - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Costume - 'Gimme Love' (GOLD WINNER)
International Songwriting Awards 2022
'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
HAPAwards 2022
Best Independent Male Artist
Best Independent Collaboration - 'Gimme Love'
Best Up & Coming Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
One Earth Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love'
New York International Film Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best Song - 'Gimme Love'
Festigious Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best Picture - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
CLOUZINE International Music Awards 2022
Best World Song - 'Gimme Love'
Global Music Awards 2022
Best Male Vocalist (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best R&B Song - 'I'm Here With You' (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best Emerging Artist (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best World Song - 'Gimme Love' (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best Duo - Matt B, Eddy Kenzo (Bronze Medal Winner)
World Songwriting Awards 2022
Best Music Collaboration - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
UK Songwriting Awards 2022
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Music Video - ' Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Los Angeles Film Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Music Video Awards 2022
Best Music Video: Wardrobe/Makeup - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
NOTABLE CHART HISTORY
Matt B has charted globally on several international charts. Below are some of his most notable charting moments.
BILLBOARD
#12 Billboard World Digital Song Sales - 'Gimme Love'
#36 Billboard US Afrobeat Songs - 'Gimme Love'
#39 R&B Albums, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
#82 Top Current Albums, Billboard United States - 'ALKEBULAN'
#96 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
#124 Heatseekers, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
#147 Digital Albums, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
STREAMING PLATFORMS
#1 World, iTunes Switzerland - 'One & Only'
#1 World, iTunes New Zealand - 'Gimme Love'
#1 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'Plain Girl'
#1 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'LOVE & WAR'
#1 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'DIVE'
#3 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'Tokyo Girl'
#3 R&B/Soul, iTunes United States - 'EDEN'
#5 R&B/Soul, iTunes Canada - 'EDEN'
#8 World, Apple Music Bhutan - 'One & Only'
#11 R&B/Soul, Apple Music Bhutan - 'Swipe'
#14 All Genres/Top 150 Albums, iTunes Japan - 'DIVE'
#30 Top 200, Spotify Latvia - 'Sometimes'
#30 Top Sale - Daily, Shazam Morocco - 'One & Only'
#35 All Genres Top 200, iTunes United States - 'EDEN'
#39 All Genres/Top 150 Albums, iTunes Japan - 'RISE'
#46 Top 100 Songs, Youtube Music Uganda - 'Gimme Love'
NOTABLE PRESS & MEDIA QUOTES
“[Matt B is] living proof that dreams come true.” — GRAMMY.com
“Matt embodies the ideals of a modern renaissance artist, delving through genres and styles to accumulate an individualistic interpretation of Afro-infused R&B and soul music…he is well on his way to becoming a superstar.” — Wonderland
“Matt is poised to break it big.” — WGN TV
“[Matt B’s] artistic journey feels like a movie script. Perhaps that’s the reason why we’re so drawn to
his music – it’s far from the conventional style of R&B and keeps expanding to unexpected directions.” — Aupium
“...enchanting vocals…” — RESPECT.
“…what is needed to get R&B music back on top is great vocals and storytelling atop a mean groove. [Matt B] offers up all that and more.” — SINGERSROOM
“Matt B is creating his own unique lane…[his] dedication to authenticity and artistry makes him stand out.” — EARMILK
“Matt B is the very embodiment of the musical soul of his city. A celebrated artist deeply rooted in Chicago's musical history...[he is] a local icon.” — EXTRAVAFRENCH
“...wickedly evocative voice…” — CelebMix
“Effortlessly addictive.” - Dancing About Architecture
“…melodic wit as powerful as an ocean tidal wave.” - Indie Pulse Music
"...all of Matt’s success so far has been more than warranted.” - Ark of Music