Vincent Berry is an American songwriter and producer, best known for writing "Sandcastles" from Beyoncé's 2016 album Lemonade, as well as various songs for Mary J. Blige and Tamar Braxton, among others.
Berry, a Morehouse College student who dropped out in his senior year to pursue songwriting, was homeless at the time he penned what was initially titled "We Built Sandcastles That Washed Away", a song about the end of a decade-long relationship. After several re-writes with the help of additional co-writers Midian Mathers, Malik Yusef, and Beyoncé Knowles, as well as a "tear-filled" pitching session with Parkwood Entertainment A&R executive Teresa LaBarbera Whites, the song was placed onto Knowles' Grammy-winning album with a "more hopeful" ending than was originally created. Berry avoided signing a traditional co-publishing deal for the song, and consequently shares ownership. He has since co-written "Blind", a Tamar Braxton single from her 2017 album Bluebird of Happiness that reached the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay charts.
Songwriting, guitar and production credits Credits are courtesy of Discogs, Tidal, Spotify, and AllMusic.
Title Year Artist Album"Kill The Dragon"2014Kierra SheardGraceland"Our Love"2015Nico & VinzCornerstone"Sandcastles"2016BeyoncéLemonade "Blind" 2017 Tamar Braxton Bluebird of Happiness "How I Feel" "Empty Boxes""Find the Love"Mary J. BligeStrength of a Woman"Body" (Featuring Migos)Sean PaulMad Love the Prequel"Don't Let Go" (Featuring Rico Love)Bone ThugsNew Waves"Simple Song" (With Jussie Smollett & Rumer Willis)Empire Cast"All to Myself"2019Baby RoseTo Myself"Lolita"Take 3Star: Original Soundtrack From Season 3"Mehr Als Mich"2020GentlemanBlaue Stunde"No Restrictions"2024Jordin SparksNo Restrictions "A.S.A.P." (solo or featuring 21 Savage) 2026 Mya Retrospect "No Pressure" (featuring Snoop Dogg) "Life Is What You Make It"
Awards and nominations Year Ceremony Award ResultRef 2017 59th Annual Grammy Awards Grammy Award for Album of the Year (Lemonade)
References