Melissa B.

Melissa B. is an Afro-Latina singer, songwriter, recording artist, author and network engineer whose career connects music, technology and independent entrepreneurship. Born in South Carolina, she has built an international body of work rooted in R&B and soul, with recordings that move through house, electronic music and Afro-influenced rhythms.

Her music pairs emotionally direct songwriting with intimate vocals and contemporary production. From the energy of the dance floor to the atmosphere of late-night R&B, Melissa approaches each recording as a distinct creative world. Independence and creative ownership remain central to the way she writes, collaborates and develops her catalog.

In 2017, Juan Cristiani’s “Dancing in the Rain,” featuring Melissa B., reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales chart. Her solo recording “Physical” reached No. 13 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart in 2022. The record was produced by B. Howard and Kyle Beatz and engineered by Michael Ashby. In 2026, “One Up” earned an InterContinental Music Award in R&B, Best of North America.

Melissa’s collaborators include B. Howard, Michael Ashby and DJ Spen. Her work also extends into jazz through “Velvet Crime,” which she wrote and performed for trumpeter Syreeta Thompson’s album Legacy In Motion. A Recording Academy Voting Member, Melissa is credited as a guest artist on Chris Redding’s Grammy-nominated album The Colors In My Mind.

As the author of Digitally Independent, Melissa shares practical knowledge about building an independent music career. The expanded second edition explores branding, distribution, marketing, artist development and the role of technology and AI in today’s music business. The book reflects her belief that artists should understand the business supporting their creative work.

Alongside music, Melissa has built a professional career in technology and network engineering. She founded Girl Geek Dinners NYC to encourage women and girls interested in technology and computer science. That experience informs her approach to music: understand the tools, stay curious and create opportunities with purpose.

Her focus remains global, connecting with listeners, DJs, radio programmers and creative communities across borders. Through her recordings, collaborations and writing, Melissa B. continues to build a career shaped by her own voice, her technical knowledge and a lasting commitment to independent artistry.