Teyana Taylor#Mixtapes

Teyana Taylor was born on December 10, 1990, to Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith, in Harlem, New York City. She is of African American and Trinidadian descent. Teyana is her mother's only child, while her father has two sons and another daughter from a different relationship. She grew up with her mother; her mother is her manager.{{Cite web|url=http://urbannewsroom.com/2010/05/12/blog-get-to-know-teyana-taylor/|title=Early Life 1|website=Urbannewsroom.com|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-date=June 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623135053/http://urbannewsroom.com/2010/05/12/blog-get-to-know-teyana-taylor/|url-status=live}}

File:Teyana Taylor Wikipedia.jpg

In September 2006, 15-year-old Teyana Taylor was credited as the choreographer on the music video for American entertainer Beyoncé's hit single, "Ring the Alarm".{{cite web|url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/news/a63416/teyana-taylor-facts-kanye-west-fade-music-video/|title=13 Things to Know About Teyana Taylor, the Star of Kanye West's New Music Video for "Fade"|date=August 29, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916201136/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/news/a63416/teyana-taylor-facts-kanye-west-fade-music-video/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://imvdb.com/n/teyana-taylor/videography-by-position/chor|title=Teyana Taylor Music Videos as Choreographer – IMVDb|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919083647/https://imvdb.com/n/teyana-taylor/videography-by-position/chor|url-status=live}} In January 2007, Taylor was offered a contract to join Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment label, through Interscope Records.{{cite web |url=http://music.aol.com/artist/teyana-taylor#bio |title=Teyana Taylor Biography – AOL Music |publisher=Music.aol.com |date=December 31, 1969 |access-date=February 29, 2012 |archive-date=March 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318175630/http://music.aol.com/artist/teyana-taylor#bio |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.skopemag.com/2008/03/31/teyana-taylor-drops-her-debut-album-from-a-planet-called-harlem-in-mayo |title=TEYANA TAYLOR DROPS HER DEBUT ALBUM, 'FROM A PLANET CALLED HARLEM' IN MAY |publisher=Skope Entertainment Inc. |work=Skope Magazine |date=March 31, 2008 |access-date=June 10, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=http://radio.com/2014/10/17/new-music-to-know-teyana-taylor-interveiw/|title=New Music To Know: Teyana Taylor is the Young R&B Diva, Seven Years in the Making|access-date=June 14, 2015|archive-date=July 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704023307/http://radio.com/2014/10/17/new-music-to-know-teyana-taylor-interveiw/|url-status=live}} In February 2007, Taylor first entered into the public sphere through an episode on MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen, a show depicting over-the-top birthday parties for rich—and typically “spoiled” and confrontational—teenagers. In 2007, Taylor appeared in the music video for Jay-Z's single, "Blue Magic", where she can be seen dancing and popping.

In February 2008, Taylor released her commercial debut single, "Google Me".{{cite web|title=Google Me – Single by Teyana Taylor|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/google-me-single/272737178|website=iTunes|date=January 2008|access-date=December 17, 2010|archive-date=September 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904192501/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/google-me-single/id272737178|url-status=live}} The song was released as the lead single from her full-length debut mixtape, titled From a Planet Called Harlem. The mixtape, released August 16, 2009, features production from Jazze Pha, Pharrell, Mad Scientist, Frost, Shondre and Hit-Boy, among others. Sing365 says that the record's "…[a] mix of throwback break beats, futuristic boom bap, and melodic renderings is the perfect backdrop for the starlet's musical mayhem."{{Cite web|url=http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Teyana-Taylor-Biography/250B48FC185B3B2D48257A30004E111A|title=Career 2|website=Sing365.com|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-date=September 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901101609/http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Teyana-Taylor-Biography/250B48FC185B3B2D48257A30004E111A|url-status=live}} "Google Me" debuted at number 90 on US Billboard{{'s}} Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The mixtape was also released for free download, billed as "the mixtape before her debut album".{{cite web|url=http://www.datpiff.com/Teyana-Taylor-Star-Trak-Presentsfrom-A-Planet-Called-Harlem-mixtape.61371.html|title=Teyana Taylor – Star Trak Presents.....From A Planet Called Harlem // Free Mixtape|work=DatPiff|publisher=Idle Media Inc|date=August 16, 2009|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004225356/http://www.datpiff.com/Teyana-Taylor-Star-Trak-Presentsfrom-A-Planet-Called-Harlem-mixtape.61371.html|url-status=live}} In August 2010, Taylor expanded her career into acting, appearing in the sequel to Stomp the Yard, Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1533817/|title=Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming (2010)|author= |date=n.d.|website=IMDb|access-date=September 28, 2024|archive-date=June 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612095505/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1533817/|url-status=live}} She also appeared on the debut episode of House of Glam on Oxygen in October 2010.

In 2010, just hours before Kanye West's fifth album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was due to be turned in, West called Taylor into the studio to look over some of her fashion pieces. While in the studio, Taylor was determined to make an appearance on West's album. She purposely hummed along with the tracks he played for her, to get his attention. He eventually took notice, and asked to put her vocals on a few tracks, notably "Dark Fantasy" and "Hell of a Life". Upon recalling the experience of recording "Dark Fantasy", Taylor stated that "at the time it was pretty empty, just verses." She remembers that West "put [her] in another room by [herself] and said, 'Go'." Taylor came back with the "intro and chorus," and "did all the scratches and the cuts [herself]." She admitted that she was nervous upon letting West hear her contributions to the tracks, trying to cover her nervousness by stating that she "hadn't been in the studio for so long."{{cite web|last=Wete|first=Brad|title=Interview: Teyana Taylor Talks Joining G.O.O.D. Music, Influencing Fashion & Being Doubted|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/08/interview-teyana-taylor-talks-joining-good-music-influencing-fas|website=Complex.com|date=August 3, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 2010, Taylor contributed on one of GOOD Music's GOOD Friday tracks, "Christmas In Harlem". The track was released as a shortened version of the single to the iTunes Store on December 17, 2010, and features guest appearances from American rapper Cyhi the Prynce as well as Kanye West.{{cite web|title=Christmas In Harlem – Single|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-harlem-single/411137505|website=iTunes|date=January 2010|access-date=December 17, 2010|archive-date=September 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904201030/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-harlem-single/id411137505|url-status=live}} In 2010, Taylor, alongside fellow rapper Bow Wow, were offered roles for Tyler Perry's play-turned-film Madea's Big Happy Family, the fifth installment in Perry's series. The film was released on April 22, 2011.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2011/02/26/trailer-teyana-taylor-bow-wow-star-in-madeas-big-happy-family/|title=Trailer: Teyana Taylor, Bow Wow Star in 'Madea's Big Happy Family'|website=Rap-Up.com|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611123424/https://www.rap-up.com/2011/02/26/trailer-teyana-taylor-bow-wow-star-in-madeas-big-happy-family/|url-status=live}} Taylor soon delved back into music, and was featured on the hook of "Party Tonight" alongside fellow rappers Randyn Julius, Jim Jones and Cam'ron.{{Cite web|url=https://theneptunes.org/2011/08/randyn-julius-party-tonight-feat-jim-jones-camron-teyana-taylor-alphared-duane-darock/|title=Randyn Julius – Party Tonight feat. Jim Jones, Cam'Ron, Teyana Taylor & Alphared (Duane DaRock) | The Neptunes #1 fan site, all about Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo|website=Theneptunes.org|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611122507/https://theneptunes.org/2011/08/randyn-julius-party-tonight-feat-jim-jones-camron-teyana-taylor-alphared-duane-darock/|url-status=live}} Randyn Julius was later enlisted by Junior Reid to do his bars for the remix of the track.[http://www.hiphopdx.com/m/index.php?s=singles&id=20084/ Hip Hop Singles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018055651/https://hiphopdx.com/m/index.php?s=singles&id=20084 |date=October 18, 2023 }}. Hiphopdx.com

In January 2012, it was announced Taylor would be granted her release from the contract with Interscope and Star Trak.{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/01/17/teyana-taylor-released-from-star-trak-interscope-readies-free-ep/ |title=Teyana Taylor Released from Star Trak/Interscope, Readies Free EP |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=January 17, 2012 |access-date=February 29, 2012 |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219183126/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/01/17/teyana-taylor-released-from-star-trak-interscope-readies-free-ep/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://singersroom.com/content/2012-01-17/Teyana-Taylor-Officially-Released-from-Pharrells-Star-Trak-Label/|title=News – Teyana Taylor Officially Released from Pharrell's Star Trak Label – Singersroom.com|work=Singersroom|date=January 17, 2012|access-date=June 14, 2015|archive-date=January 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106104417/http://singersroom.com/content/2012-01-17/Teyana-Taylor-Officially-Released-from-Pharrells-Star-Trak-Label/|url-status=live}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3twFUcxMbA|title=Teyana Taylor explains why she asked to be released from Pharrell's Star Trak|date=May 2, 2012|work=YouTube|access-date=June 14, 2015|archive-date=June 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605015327/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3twFUcxMbA&feature=relmfu|url-status=live}} Taylor has stated that she and Star Trak founder Pharrell Williams have remained amicable since the end of their business relationship. She has credited him as a "big brother", and sees her early signing to Star Trak as a "blessing."{{cite web|last=Universe|first=Sway|title=Teyana Taylor explains why she asked to be released from Pharrell's|date=May 2, 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3twFUcxMbA|publisher=YouTube.com|access-date=May 2, 2012|archive-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624091451/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3twFUcxMbA&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} Taylor has stated on many occasions that her release from the label was necessary, as she wanted to have a feeling of independence in the music industry. In an interview with DJ Skee, Taylor mentioned that “when [she] was signed for six years, [she] felt like she couldn't do [anything]”, “couldn't prove to [her] fans that [she] had the talent”, and “couldn't sing from [her] heart.”{{cite web|last=Skee|first=DJ|title=Interview: Teyana Taylor Talks Star Trak, Wale, Meek Mill & More with DJ Skee|date=January 16, 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WdjO6MbS54|publisher=YouTube.com|access-date=January 16, 2012|archive-date=January 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118125818/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WdjO6MbS54&feature=relmfu|url-status=live}}

As an independent artist upon her release, she had begun preparing her second record, a mixtape titled The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor. The mixtape drew influences from 1990s R&B legends like Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige.{{cite web|last=Wete|first=Brad|title=Interview: Teyana Taylor Talks Joining G.O.O.D. Music, Influencing Fashion & Being Doubted|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/08/interview-teyana-taylor-talks-joining-good-music-influencing-fashion-being-doubted/page/2|publisher=complex.com/music/|access-date=August 3, 2012|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811075550/http://www.complex.com/music/2012/08/interview-teyana-taylor-talks-joining-good-music-influencing-fashion-being-doubted/page/2|url-status=live}} The mixtape was released in early 2012, and was preceded by the release of "Make Your Move", featuring rapper Wale,{{cite web |url=http://underthegunreview.net/2012/02/25/streamdownload-teyana-taylor-ft-fabolous-jadakiss-d-u-i/ |title=STREAM/DOWNLOAD: Teyana Taylor ft. Fabolous & Jadakiss – D.U.I. |publisher=Under the Gun Review |date=February 25, 2012 |access-date=February 29, 2012 |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606025515/http://www.underthegunreview.net/2012/02/25/streamdownload-teyana-taylor-ft-fabolous-jadakiss-d-u-i/ |url-status=live }} and "D.U.I.", featuring Jadakiss & Fabolous, which was released on February 25, 2012. More positive reviews of the latter track noted that "The Harlem songstress channels Janet Jackson as she glides over the smooth Hit-Boy-produced beat with her airy vocals, while fellow New Yorkers Fabolous and Jadakiss ride shotgun".{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/02/25/new-music-teyana-taylor-f-fabolous-jadakiss-dui/#more-114599 |title=New Music: Teyana Taylor f/ Fabolous & Jadakiss – 'D.U.I.' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=February 25, 2012 |access-date=February 29, 2012 |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229084528/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/02/25/new-music-teyana-taylor-f-fabolous-jadakiss-dui/#more-114599 |url-status=live }}

After taking some time to find herself as an independent artist, Taylor signed a joint-venture deal with Kanye West's label GOOD Music through Island-Def Jam on June 14, 2012. As part of GOOD Music, Taylor appeared on the GOOD Music compilation album Cruel Summer, released September 18, 2012.{{cite web|last=Alexis|first=Nadeska|title=Teyana Taylor Is G.O.O.D. Music's 'Spoiled Brat'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685269/teyana-taylor-good-music-brat.jhtml|publisher=MTV.com|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-date=May 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520044546/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1685269/teyana-taylor-good-music-brat.jhtml|url-status=dead}} She provides vocals for the opening track "To the World", with Kanye West and R. Kelly, provides the hook and chorus for "Sin City", which features John Legend, Cyhi the Prynce, Malik Yusef and Travis Scott, and also duets with John Legend on a song titled "Bliss".{{cite web|title=Kanye West Presents Good Music Cruel Summer|url=http://apple.com/itunes/|publisher=apple.com|access-date=September 11, 2012|archive-date=August 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811235455/http://www.apple.com/itunes/|url-status=live}} Taylor and Legend's duet on the album was highly praised, with Erika Ramirez of Billboard noting that "Taylor's beautifully brash voice ... illuminates in the electric-guitar heavy, Hudson Mohawke-produced 'Bliss'."{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Erika|title=G.O.O.D. Music, 'Cruel Summer': Track-By-Track Review|date=September 18, 2012|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/475043/good-music-cruel-summer-track-by-track-review|publisher=billboard.com|access-date=September 18, 2012|archive-date=October 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008202632/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/475043/good-music-cruel-summer-track-by-track-review|url-status=live}}

In addition to being featured on the Cruel Summer compilation, Taylor soon began the process of recording her major-label debut album, to be released eventually through GOOD Music and Island Def Jam.{{cite web|last=McGloster|first=Niki|title=Teyana Taylor: G.O.O.D. Girl, Urban Chic|url=http://www.vibevixen.com/2012/09/teyana-taylor-g-o-o-d-girl-ghetto-chic/4/|publisher=vibevixen.com|access-date=September 11, 2012|archive-date=September 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914024233/http://www.vibevixen.com/2012/09/teyana-taylor-g-o-o-d-girl-ghetto-chic/4/|url-status=live}} On July 27, 2014, via Twitter, Taylor announced the title of her debut studio album to be VII, and revealed it would be released on November 4, through Def Jam and GOOD Music.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TEYANATAYLOR/status/493509726056247296|title=TEYANA M.J. TAYLOR on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=June 14, 2015|archive-date=October 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028164526/https://twitter.com/TEYANATAYLOR/status/493509726056247296|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/GOODMusicInfo/status/510468960824090625|title=GOOD Music News on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=June 14, 2015|archive-date=February 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217153933/https://twitter.com/GOODMusicInfo/status/510468960824090625|url-status=live}} The album debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200, selling 16,000 copies in the United States in its first week, while topping the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6319567/teyena-taylor-top-rb-hip-hop-albums |title=Teyana Taylor Debuts at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |last=Mendizabal |first=Amaya |magazine=Billboard |date=November 13, 2014 |access-date=November 14, 2014 |archive-date=November 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117144512/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6319567/teyena-taylor-top-rb-hip-hop-albums? |url-status=live }}

Taylor was set to be a judge on the eighth season of the American competitive dance reality show America's Best Dance Crew, with its series debut on July 29, 2015, on MTV.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2205536/americas-best-dance-crew-all-stars-road-vmas/?fb_ref=fbshare_web |title=Meet The Six All-Star Crews Vying To Be 'America's Best Dance Crew' |publisher=MTV.com |access-date=July 7, 2015 |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710171221/http://www.mtv.com/news/2205536/americas-best-dance-crew-all-stars-road-vmas/?fb_ref=fbshare_web |url-status=dead }} On August 25, Taylor released The Cassette Tape 1994, paying tribute to the iconic 90s sound in music by including many samples from 90s hits.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2015/08/25/stream-teyana-taylor-cassette-tape|title=Stream Teyana Taylor's Cassette Tape 1994 EP|work=The FADER|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=September 4, 2015|first=Elias|last=Leight|archive-date=August 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828011831/http://www.thefader.com/2015/08/25/stream-teyana-taylor-cassette-tape?|url-status=live}}

On June 17, 2016, Taylor released her single "Freak On", featuring guest vocals from Chris Brown and production by DJ Mustard. It samples "Freak Like Me" by Adina Howard.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/06/18/teyana-taylor-chris-brown-freak-on|title=Teyana Taylor And Chris Brown Throw It Back With "Freak On"|website=Thefader.com|date=May 2, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611131203/https://www.thefader.com/2016/06/18/teyana-taylor-chris-brown-freak-on|url-status=live}} Taylor announced that it would be the lead single from her upcoming second studio album. On August 28, 2016, at the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West debuted the music video for his new single "Fade", which featured a sweat-dripping, athletic Taylor performing a rigorous solo dance routine, in nothing more than short shorts and a simple top; the dynamic and detailed choreography drew considerable praise, and comparisons were made to Jennifer Beals’ iconic dance scene from the film Flashdance (1983). A year later, in 2017, Taylor’s dancing in the music video would go on to earn her the “Best Choreography” award at the same ceremony.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2925313/teyana-taylor-kanye-west-fade-my-super-sweet-sixteen-vmas-2016/|title=Teyana Taylor, The Girl In Kanye's Racy 'Fade' Video, Was An Early MTV Star|website=MTV|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=September 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913220746/http://www.mtv.com/news/2925313/teyana-taylor-kanye-west-fade-my-super-sweet-sixteen-vmas-2016/|url-status=dead}} The video, directed by Eli Russell Linnetz, also featured an appearance by Taylor's husband, Iman Shumpert.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2924458/kanye-west-2016-vmas/|title=Kanye West Just Surprise-Dropped His New 'Fade' Video At The VMAs|website=MTV|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007052159/http://www.mtv.com/news/2924458/kanye-west-2016-vmas/|url-status=dead}}

Taylor's album K.T.S.E., an acronym for "keep that same energy," was the last of G.O.O.D. Music's seven-song album rollout and was released on June 22, 2018.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.thefader.com/2018/06/22/teyana-taylor-album-release-party|title=Stream Teyana Taylor's KTSE album release party|last=Maicki|first=Salvatore|date=June 22, 2018|magazine=The FADER|access-date=June 22, 2018|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140449/http://www.thefader.com/2018/06/22/teyana-taylor-album-release-party|url-status=live}} An updated version of the album was supposed to be released, but Taylor announced that plans were canceled for it.{{cite news |title=Teyana Taylor Says There Will Not Be a New Version of Her Album 'K.T.S.E.' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8463669/teyana-taylor-ktse-album-no-new-version |magazine=Billboard, LLC |date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=June 19, 2020 |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619175448/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8463669/teyana-taylor-ktse-album-no-new-version |url-status=live }}

Taylor released a collaboration single, "Morning", with fellow R&B singer Kehlani in November 2019.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8541793/teyana-taylor-morning-feat-kehlani-song-music-video|title=Teyana Taylor and Kehlani Seduce Each Other 'Til the 'Morning' in Sexy New Track and Visual: Watch|magazine=Billboard|date=November 2019|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101223145/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8541793/teyana-taylor-morning-feat-kehlani-song-music-video|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/11/teyana-taylor-kehlani-morning-video|title=Teyana Taylor Drops Sensual Video for Kehlani-Assisted Track "Morning"|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=November 1, 2019|archive-date=November 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101223145/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/11/teyana-taylor-kehlani-morning-video|url-status=live}} On December 6, 2019, Taylor released the single "We Got Love".{{Cite magazine|title=Teyana Taylor Compares Her Family to the Obamas on 'We Got Love'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/teyana-taylor-we-got-love-new-song-923221/|last=Spanos|first=Brittany |date=December 6, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=May 13, 2020|archive-date=May 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508050423/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/teyana-taylor-we-got-love-new-song-923221/|url-status=live}} On May 7, 2020, Taylor announced that her third studio album is titled The Album and would be released sometime in June 2020.{{Cite web|title=The Album – June 2020 @TEYANATAYLOR third album features the one and only @fatbellybella. Stay tune for morepic.twitter.com/4la4hlSje3|url=https://twitter.com/TeyanaSkyrock/status/1258929489331064832|last=Taylor|first=Teyana|date=May 8, 2020|website=@TeyanaSkyrock|language=en|access-date=May 13, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513005253/https://twitter.com/TeyanaSkyrock/status/1258929489331064832|url-status=live}} It was released on June 19, with the 23-track album featuring guest appearances by Erykah Badu, Kehlani, Lauryn Hill, Future, Rick Ross, Quavo, and Missy Elliott.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/teyana-taylor-releasing-new-album-this-week-ft-erykah-badu-missy-elliott-more/|title=Listen to Teyana Taylor's New Album Ft. Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, More|first=Allison|last=Hussey|website=Pitchfork|date=June 16, 2020|access-date=June 19, 2020|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620140947/https://pitchfork.com/news/teyana-taylor-releasing-new-album-this-week-ft-erykah-badu-missy-elliott-more/|url-status=live}} It debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200, earning Taylor her first top 10 album.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9410629/lil-baby-my-turn-number-1-billboard-200-fourth-week|title=Lil Baby's 'My Turn' Clocks in a Fourth Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=June 28, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=June 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628212846/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9410629/lil-baby-my-turn-number-1-billboard-200-fourth-week|url-status=live}}

On December 4, 2020, Taylor seemingly announced her retirement from making music via her Instagram page. A few days later, she explained the post was directed at her record label as she continued clarifying her frustration with their lack of support, "Baby, I gotta do it for my mental health. I have to do it for my emotional health. I have to do it for my kids, so I can stay alive for my kids. Until I'm free, until I can get [Def Jam] to release me, yes I want to retire."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9494974/teyana-taylor-confirms-music-retirement-comments/|title=Teyana Taylor Confirms Comments About Her Retirement From Music: 'I Don't Want To Do This Anymore'|magazine=Billboard|last=Peters|first=Mitchell|date=December 6, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=December 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206232550/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9494974/teyana-taylor-confirms-music-retirement-comments/|url-status=live}} She later said that much of the frustration leading to retirement could be traced back to her label undervaluing her, but she would not be retiring for good.{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/teyana-taylor-explains-why-she-decided-to-announce-retirement-from-music-cites-frustration-with-record-label|title=Teyana Taylor Explains Why She Decided to Announce Retirement From Music, Cites Frustrations With Label|publisher=Complex|access-date=May 6, 2021|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506164957/https://www.complex.com/music/teyana-taylor-explains-why-she-decided-to-announce-retirement-from-music-cites-frustration-with-record-label|url-status=live}}

In March 2025, Will Smith announced his album Based on a True Story, with Taylor set to appear on it.{{Cite news |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=March 15, 2025 |title=Will Smith Announces Release Date for Based on a True Story, His First Album in 20 Years |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/will-smith-based-on-a-true-story-album-release-date-1235922911/ |access-date=March 15, 2025 |work=Billboard}}

In 2013, Taylor signed a deal to design and release two pairs of sneakers with Adidas. The first pair released were the Harlem GLC's which hit stores February 16 the same year. According to Adidas Global Director of Entertainment and Influence Marketing, Jonathan Wexler, Taylor currently holds the record for fastest selling sneakers in Adidas Originals history.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/wex1200/status/302896082386554880 |title=Jonathan Wexler twitter |publisher=Twitter |date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055101/https://twitter.com/wex1200/status/302896082386554880 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |url-status=live }} [http://www.cottenkandi.com/2013/02/17/teyana-taylor-break-record-sales-with-adidas-harlem-glc-sneaker-release Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221030721/http://www.cottenkandi.com/2013/02/17/teyana-taylor-break-record-sales-with-adidas-harlem-glc-sneaker-release/ |date=February 21, 2013 }} She is currently focused on designing and releasing her second pair of sneakers with the brand.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} In March 2017, Teyana Taylor launched her "Fade 2 Fit" Workout Program, a ninety-day workout which centers around dance and fitness routines. The inspiration for this program and the incorporated dance elements come from her work in the music video for Kanye West's "Fade". She released a line of workout apparel, also called Fade2Fit. In May 2019, Taylor featured and directed the music video for Lil Durk's remix of Home Body in his new album Signed to the Streets 3.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flaunt.com/content/lil-durk-teyana-taylor|title=Lil Durk "Home Body" (Remix) Directed by Teyana Taylor|website=Flaunt Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=May 2, 2019|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502013224/https://www.flaunt.com/content/lil-durk-teyana-taylor|url-status=dead}}

In 2022, Taylor competed in season seven of The Masked Singer as "Firefly" of Team Good. During the finals, Taylor was declared the winner. At 31 years old, she became the youngest "winner" in the show's history, before being surpassed by Bishop Briggs, who competed as “Medusa” in season 9.{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2022 |title='The Masked Singer' Finale: Fans Think They Know Who's Behind Firefly |url=https://theblast.com/238658/tms-s7finale-firefly-guess/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=The Blast |language=en-US |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518230442/https://theblast.com/238658/tms-s7finale-firefly-guess/ |url-status=live }}

{{cite news |title=Teyana Taylor Praises Aaron Pierre As ‘One of One’ While Confirming Relationship |url=https://bollywoodnewsflash.com/teyana-taylor-praises-aaron-pierre-as-one-of-one-while-confirming-relationship/ |access-date=16 June 2025}}

Taylor began dating basketball player Iman Shumpert circa 2013.{{Cite web |last=Finn |first=Natalie|title=Inside Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert's Dream Team Love Story|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1311884/inside-teyana-taylor-and-iman-shumperts-dream-team-love-story|access-date=January 30, 2022|website=eonline.com|language=en}} In 2015, after she went into early labor, Shumpert assisted in her delivery of their baby girl.{{cite news|last1=Dwyer|first1=Kelly|title=Iman Shumpert delivered his daughter all on his own.|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/iman-shumpert-delivered-his-daughter-with-his-bare-hands-000717835.html|access-date=December 17, 2015|work=Yahoo.com|date=December 17, 2015|archive-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920093724/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/iman-shumpert-delivered-his-daughter-with-his-bare-hands-000717835.html|url-status=live}} On September 20, 2016, on The Wendy Williams Show, Taylor implied that she and Shumpert had "maybe" married secretly, but the wedding was not until October 1, 2016, approximately two weeks after the interview.{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/teyana-taylor-reveals-shes-married-to-iman-shumpert-w441458|title=Teyana Taylor Reveals She's Married To Iman Shumpert|author=French, Megan|publisher=Usmagazine.com.|date=September 21, 2016|access-date=October 1, 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828171606/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/teyana-taylor-reveals-shes-married-to-iman-shumpert-w441458/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/198689_teyana_taylor_reveals_she_already_married_to_iman_shumpert/|title=Teyana Taylor Reveals She's Already Married To Iman Shumpert|author=Muhammad, Latifah|publisher=Etonline.com.|date=September 21, 2016|access-date=October 1, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424224749/http://www.etonline.com/news/198689_teyana_taylor_reveals_she_already_married_to_iman_shumpert|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/teyana-taylor-confirms-separation-from-iman-shumpert-after-7-years-of-marriage-211509 |title=Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert Separated After 7 Years of Marriage |access-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918143116/https://www.etonline.com/teyana-taylor-confirms-separation-from-iman-shumpert-after-7-years-of-marriage-211509 |url-status=live }}

On June 12, 2020, Taylor confirmed her second pregnancy in the music video for her single "Wake Up Love".{{cite news |last1=Elassar |first1=Alaa |title=Teyana Taylor reveals pregnancy in a new music video |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/13/entertainment/teyana-taylor-pregnant-music-video-trnd/index.html#:~:text=The%2029%2Dyear%2Dold%20singer,the%20couple's%20second%20child%20together. |work=CNN |publisher=CNN.com |date=June 13, 2020 |access-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627061937/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/13/entertainment/teyana-taylor-pregnant-music-video-trnd/index.html#:~:text=The%2029%2Dyear%2Dold%20singer,the%20couple's%20second%20child%20together. |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Tracy |first1=Brianne |title=Teyana Taylor and Husband Iman Shumpert Expecting Second Daughter: 'We're Very Excited' |url=https://people.com/parents/teyana-taylor-pregnant-expecting-second-child-daughter-iman-shumpert-exclusive/ |magazine=People |date=June 12, 2020 |access-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622022655/https://people.com/parents/teyana-taylor-pregnant-expecting-second-child-daughter-iman-shumpert-exclusive/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Teyana Taylor pregnant: Singer confirms baby news and reveals gender |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/is-teyana-taylor-pregnant-daughter-junie-kids/ |website=Capital Xtra |access-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617125145/https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/is-teyana-taylor-pregnant-daughter-junie-kids/ |url-status=live }} On September 17, 2023, Taylor and Shumpert announced their separation, with Taylor revealing via Instagram that she and Iman had been separated for months.{{Cite web |last=Lee|first=Tionah|title=Teyana Taylor Confirms Separation from Iman Shumpert After 7 Years of Marriage|url=https://www.etonline.com/teyana-taylor-confirms-separation-from-iman-shumpert-after-7-years-of-marriage-211509|access-date=August 18, 2024|website=etonline.com |language=en}} In 2024, Taylor’s divorce from Shumpert was finalized.{{Cite web |last=Corrine |first=Amber|title=Teyana Taylor And Iman Shumpert Finalize Divorce|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/teyana-taylor-iman-shumpert-finalize-divorce-1234888887/|access-date=August 18, 2024|website=Vibe|language=en}}

In 2025, Taylor was rumored to be dating English Actor Aaron Stone Pierre. This was confirmed with a kiss between the two on June 8, 2025 .{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Tamamtha|title= Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre confirm romance with a kiss while celebrating his 31st birthday |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/teyana-taylor-gives-flirty-shoutout-201254752/|access-date=June 8, 2025|website=Page Six|language=en}}

{{Main|Teyana Taylor discography}}

• VII (2014)
• K.T.S.E. (2018)
• The Album (2020)
• Escape Room (2025)

{{reflist}}

{{notelist-ua}}

• {{IMDb name|nm3692520|Teyana Taylor}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p1022208}}
• [https://www.myspace.com/rockstarteyana Teyana Taylor] on MySpace
• [http://prettystatus.com/teyana-taylor-slays-at-fashion-week/ Teyana Taylor at Fashion Week]

{{Teyana Taylor|state=expanded}}

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|title = Awards for Teyana Taylor

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{{BET Award for Video Director of the Year}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography}}

{{National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Performance}}

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Category:1990 births

Category:21st-century African-American women singers

Category:21st-century American women singers

Category:African-American female dancers

Category:Musicians from Manhattan

Category:People from Harlem

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Category:Rappers from Manhattan

Category:GOOD Music artists

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Category:Def Jam Recordings artists

Category:Masked Singer winners

Category:MTV Video Music Award winners

Category:American women pop singers

Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters

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Category:Dancers from New York (state)

Category:Singer-songwriters from New York (state)

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Category:American contemporary R&B singers

Category:Interscope Records artists

Category:American people of Trinidad and Tobago descent

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