MISSION STATEMENT

PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

Matt B is a GRAMMY® Award–winning singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from Chicago whose global artistry has earned him acclaim across the U.S., Asia, and Africa. He first rose to prominence in Japan after signing with StarBase Records in 2014, where his debut album LOVE & WAR and its lead single “Plain Girl” both hit #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts. His follow-up album DIVE repeated that success, and multiple singles, including “Tokyo Girl” and “My Dreams,” continued his chart momentum. His breakout in Asia expanded further when “Color Blind” went viral in China, surpassing 158 million streams on NetEase.

Matt later partnered with Priority Records in 2017, releasing the EP RISE, produced by GRAMMY® winner Bryan-Michael Cox, and earning international chart placements with singles like “Ain’t Too Proud.” Alongside his recording career, he launched the annual Holiday Cheer Tour, visiting children’s hospitals across the U.S., and completed a nationwide Sofar Sounds tour before making his national TV debut at Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

In 2021, Matt released his debut U.S. album EDEN, which debuted in the Top 5 on the iTunes R&B/Soul Charts in the U.S. and Canada and entered multiple Billboard charts, including R&B Albums and Heatseekers. The project has amassed over 1M streams and features production by industry icons Bryan-Michael Cox and Tricky Stewart.

Matt achieved a global breakthrough with “Gimme Love,” the lead single from ALKEBULAN. The song landed in the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Top 50, generated over 5M worldwide streams, and earned Matt his first GRAMMY® nomination. The album went on to win more than 20 awards and secure major honors, including Best Album at the Global Music Awards, Best Music Video for 'GUNJALE' at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards,  ‘Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year’ by the Los Angeles Tribune, and earned Matt recognition as one of Ranks Africa’s 100 Most Influential People in Entertainment.

His 2024 release, ALKEBULAN II, solidified his place in global music. The album earned Matt his second GRAMMY® nomination and won the 67th GRAMMY Award® for Best Global Music Album—a historic milestone marking the first GRAMMY® win for East Africa (Uganda) and for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Its lead single 'NO WAHALA' also won Best Song – Short Film at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

Today, Matt B continues to expand his worldwide impact with a unique fusion of R&B, Afrobeats, and global influences—pushing culture forward while honoring the heritage that has shaped his sound.

CEO/CO-FOUNDER

Angela V. Benson is a GRAMMY® Award–winning producer, artist manager, filmmaker, and CEO of Vitae Records. She is best known for her work with GRAMMY® Award–winning recording artist Matt B, guiding his career from his Billboard-charting albums EDEN and

ALKEBULAN to his historic 2025 GRAMMY® win and two career nominations for “Gimme

Love” and ALKEBULAN II. Her creative and strategic leadership has been instrumental in building a foundation of longevity and global impact for Matt B.

In addition to her work as a producer and manager, Angela is a multi–award-winning director and a two-time Hollywood Music In Media Award (HMMA) recipient, most recently honored in 2024 for directing and producing “NO WAHALA” from ALKEBULAN II.

Born and raised in Chicago and now based in Los Angeles, Angela co-founded Vitae Records in 2014. Her mission is to champion rising talent within the underground music scene and emphasize the importance of true artist development in an increasingly competitive industry. Angela has served on multiple Recording Academy committees and remains deeply committed to advocacy, dedicating her time to protecting the rights of artists and creatives nationwide. She was invited by Ari Herstand—recognized by Forbes as the “poster child of DIY music”—to

serve as a Course Creator for Ari’s Take Academy, where she helps develop educational programs for independent musicians navigating today’s music business.

She has also served as Assistant Vice Chair of Events for the Chicago Chapter of Women In Music, helping design and execute initiatives that educate, empower, and expand opportunities for women across the music industry.