Killah B


Brian Vincent Bates, also known as Killah B, is an American songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for co-writing Billboard Hot 100 number one single "Texas Hold 'Em" from 2024 Beyoncé album Cowboy Carter, as well as the title track from Ariana Grande album Positions which also went #1.

Early life

Adopted by his grandparents at a young age alongside his brother, Bates was placed into drumming and piano lessons when his grandfather noticed musical talent in him. From 6 until 14, he was classically-trained in piano and learned to play the drums. The family moved to New Mexico, where Bates began playing drums in a church with pastors who had also moved from Chicago, becoming their drummer when their previous drummer moved away.

Career

Several years later Bates moved to Atlanta, where he began to write and produce for Elijah Blake, Tinashe, Keyshia Cole, and Usher, before being signed as a pop songwriter to APG helmed by Mike Caren after an impromptu meeting at a party. He would later write for Ariana Grande and Beyoncé, earning two Billboard Hot 100 number one singles and 3 Grammy nominations.

Songwriting and production credits

Credits are courtesy of Discogs, Tidal, Apple Music, and AllMusic.
TitleYearArtistAlbum
"Translation"2017Sevyn StreeterGirl Disrupted
"Birthday"2018UsherA
"Hopscotch"2019TinasheSongs for You
"Touch & Go" 2019TinasheSongs for You
"Know Better"2019TinasheSongs for You
"Positions"2020Ariana GrandePositions
"Circus"2021Summer WalkerStill Over It
"I Don't Wanna Be in Love"2021Keyshia ColeTBA
"Talm'Bout"2022Chris BrownBreezy
"Letters"2023MonicaTBA
"Nu King"2024Jason DeruloNu King
"Texas Hold 'Em"2024BeyoncéCowboy Carter

Awards and nominations