Matt B chatted about his 2025 Grammy win for “Best Global Music Album,” and he shared his future plans.
How did it feel to win the Grammy for “Best Global Album”?
It was an amazing feeling, and one of the most memorable moments in my career to date.
For any artist, the Grammys are like the Super Bowl. So to win one, it is a huge honor. I saw my entire career flash before my eyes, I even saw moments as a child. Every music memory came flooding in all at once.
Winning the Grammy reminded me of what I’ve been through, and the dedication I put in to achieve this monumental goal. I am extremely grateful to God and my entire team.
Can you tell us about the Dolby Atmos version of “ALKEBULAN II”? What can we expect?
The Dolby Atmos version of the album brings everything to the next level. Many of the sessions for the stereo version of ‘ALKEBULAN II’ had hundreds of tracks per song. It was extremely challenging to make space for all of those sounds across a stereo field.
Dolby Atmos opens up a new world of possibilities for the listener. It creates a lot more space and allows for more sounds to be highlighted in a way that they previously couldn’t.
It is an experience that allows the audience to be fully immersed and experience the world that we have created for ‘ALKEBULAN II’, and I’m very excited for my fans to hear it.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
Everyday life inspires my music. I was once told, “the song is in the conversation”. People are beautifully imperfect. We all have powerful stories worthy of being highlighted and unpacked.
I’m honored that, as an artist, I have the opportunity to put all of these time capsules of life and emotions into song form. This allows those feelings and moments to live forever and take on a new, repurposed life.
I think this is one of the things that helps to make my music relatable to my fans.
What do your plans for the future include?
I want to touch the hearts of as many people as possible through my music. My overall goal in my career is impact. If I can impact the lives of even a few in a positive way, then I have done my job as an artist. Long term industry goals, I have my eyes set on earning EGOT status.
I would also love to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually grow to touring worldwide in stadiums. There’s a powerful acronym that I learned last year called “S.P.E.C”, which stands for ‘select’, ‘project’, ‘expect’, and ‘collect.’
I believe in the power of prayer, manifestation, and putting good energy into my world. If I can visualize it in my mind and set my efforts toward success, I know that it can become reality.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
The digital age has its ups and downs and presents new challenges daily. I grew up with the internet, which really grants us all unlimited freedom of opportunity. It allows us the ability to carve out our own lane without worrying so much about industry gatekeepers.
Many people will often reflect on the pre-digital age of the music industry and wish things would go back to how they were. But in my opinion, digital age or not, nothing is ever simple.
Every generation is presented with their own personal challenges, and they have to put in the time and work to accomplish their goals. Those who decide to embrace the challenges of the times will inevitably win at life.
Which artists would you like to do a dream duet with someday?
I’d love to do something with Maroon 5, they are a legendary group and I always enjoyed listening to their music.
A writing session with Smokey Robinson would be life changing. Max Martin is also someone I’d love to work with.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
This is such an interesting question. I find that my answer changes depending on where I am in my career and what I’ve experienced in life up to the present moment. At the moment, success looks like freedom.
The freedom of creativity, and not being bound to someone else’s ideas, timelines, or projections of what I should be. My first GRAMMY win is a testament of that creative freedom.
This album was my most personal body of work to date, I had the freedom to create, write, and express myself in every aspect of the production.
The ultimate results gave me the confirmation and confidence I needed as an artist. It helped me to realize that what creates connection is authenticity.
What would you like to tell our readers about the Dolby Atmos version of the CD? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)?
I’m hoping that the Dolby Atmos version of ‘ALKEBULAN II’ allows listeners to dive in and step into my mind. I want them to feel and hear what I heard in my head as I created this album.
I really hope that this immersive experience hits my audience in their spirit and allows them to feel a deeper connection with the Motherland and our ancestors.
The ‘ALKEBULAN’ series that we have been creating is all about connection and bridging the gap, and this is me doing my small part.
His Grammy-winning album is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
