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.
Title Year Artist Album"Translation"2017Sevyn StreeterGirl Disrupted"Birthday"2018UsherA"Hopscotch"2019TinasheSongs for You"Touch & Go" (Featuring 6lack)"Know Better""Positions"2020Ariana GrandePositions"Circus"2021Summer WalkerStill Over It"I Don't Wanna Be in Love"Keyshia ColeTBA"Talm'Bout"2022Chris BrownBreezy"Letters"2023MonicaTBA"Nu King"2024Jason DeruloNu King"Texas Hold 'Em"BeyoncéCowboy Carter
Awards and nominations Year Ceremony Award ResultRef 2024 ASCAP Country Music Awards Most Performed Country Songs (Texas Hold 'Em) 2025 67th Annual Grammy Awards Grammy Award for Record of the Year (Texas Hold 'Em) Grammy Award for Song of the Year (Texas Hold 'Em) Grammy Award for Best Country Song (Texas Hold 'Em) ASCAP Pop Music Awards Most Performed Songs (Texas Hold 'Em) ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards Winning R&B/Hip-Hop & Rap Songs (Texas Hold 'Em)
References