MISSION STATEMENT

PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

2x GRAMMY®-Nominated singer, songwriter, and producer ‘Matt B’ was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He released his Japanese debut album “LOVE & WAR” in September 2014, and it went #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts. His sophomore album “DIVE” released in January 2016 and also hit #1 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 with Priority Records in 2017 & had his nationwide television debut performing at the 2019 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.  Matt B's debut US album, EDEN, ranked #3 in the US and #5 in Canada on the iTunes R&B Albums Chart. It also debuted in the Top 40 for R&B Albums on Billboard. Following its release, Matt released his hit single ‘Gimme Love’. 'Gimme Love' peaked at #36 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Chart and has accrued more than 5M streams globally. Matt B secured a GRAMMY nomination for his record 'Gimme Love' in 2022. ‘ALKEBULAN’  released on August 18, 2023 and debuted on the Billboard Top Current Albums chart in the Top 100. 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.  In 2024, Matt B secured his second GRAMMY® Nomination for 'ALKEBULAN II'. 

CEO/CO-FOUNDER

Angela V. Benson is a business entrepreneur, artist manager, producer, and a Voting Member of the Recording Academy. She is most recognized for her work with 2x GRAMMY® nominated recording artist, Matt B. Born and raised in Chicago, Angela co-founded independent record label, Vitae Records, in 2014. Her ultimate goal with her label is to work with promising, rising talent in the underground music scene and highlight the importance of artist development when bringing new talent into competitive music markets. 

Angela has been instrumental in leading Matt B from the underground music scene into mainstream success. From working as a producer on Matt’s Billboard charting studio albums ’EDEN’ and ‘ALKEBULAN’ to his two GRAMMY® nominations for his critically acclaimed works ‘Gimme Love’ and ‘ALKEBULAN II’, she has set up a strong foundation for Matt B to have success and longevity throughout the course of his career in music. In addition to working as a producer and artist manager, Angela is also a multi-award winning director. She recently won a Hollywood Music In Media Award in 2023 for directing the music video ‘GUNJALE’ by Matt B.

Angela currently serves on the Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter Foundations Committee 2024/2025 and has served as a District Advocate alongside the Recording Academy since 2020. She also acted as a committee member for Chicago DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events), where she helped to plan and execute music events for 2020 in the city of Chicago. Additionally, Angela also opened Vitae Records for internship opportunities with Chicago universities. Students interested in the music business are able to intern with the label, receive a hands-on learning experience in the world of artist management and running a record label, and earn college credit while doing so. Columbia College Chicago was the first university to take advantage of the internship program. In January 2021, Angela was asked to serve as a Course Creator for Ari's Take Academy by Ari Herstand, who Forbes recognized as the "posterchild of DIY music". She currently aids their team in developing courses for independent musicians that will give them access to the tools they need to achieve success and navigate the music business. Angela has also served as the Assistant Vice Chair of Events for the Chicago Chapter of Women In Music. She helped to plan and execute events that aimed to educate, empower, and offer new opportunities for women across various aspects of the music industry.