50 Facts About Teyana Taylor

Early Life and Career

Teyana Taylor's journey from Harlem to stardom is a testament to her talent and determination. Let's explore the early stages of her career and how she made her mark in the entertainment industry.

1. Birth and Upbringing: Born on December 10, 1990, in Harlem, New York City, Teyana Taylor is the daughter of Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith. She is her mother's only child, while her father has two sons and another daughter from a different relationship.

2. Influence of Multicultural Neighborhood: Growing up in a diverse neighborhood exposed Taylor to various cultures and styles, which she later incorporated into her work.

3. Early Interest in Dance: Taylor's passion for dance began at a young age, leading her to choreograph music videos and perform in various shows, including MTV's My Super Sweet 16.

4. Choreographer at 15: At just 15 years old, Taylor choreographed the music video for Beyoncé's hit single, "Ring the Alarm," showcasing her early talent.

5. Signing with Star Trak Entertainment: In January 2007, Taylor joined Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment label through Interscope Records.

6. MTV's My Super Sweet 16 Appearance: Taylor first entered the public eye through an episode on MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen in February 2007.

7. Music Video Appearance: In 2007, Taylor appeared in the music video for Jay-Z's single, "Blue Magic," where she can be seen dancing and popping.

8. Debut Single "Google Me": Taylor released her commercial debut single, "Google Me," in February 2008, which was the lead single from her full-length debut mixtape, Cruel Summer compilation.

Rise to Fame

Teyana Taylor's rise to fame was marked by significant milestones and collaborations with renowned artists. Here are some key moments that propelled her to stardom.

9. Guest Performances on Kanye West's Songs: Despite "Google Me" not charting, Taylor gained attention for her uncredited guest performances on Kanye West's 2010 songs "Dark Fantasy" and "Hell of a Life" from his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

10. Film Debut in Stomp the Yard: Homecoming: Taylor made her film debut in the 2010 dance drama Stomp the Yard: Homecoming.

11. Role in Madea's Big Happy Family: The following year, she appeared in the Tyler Perry film Madea's Big Happy Family.

12. Breakthrough Role in Kanye West's "Fade" Video: Taylor's breakthrough role came when she appeared in Kanye West’s music video for “Fade,” showcasing her incredible dance skills and propelling her to stardom.

13. Collaborations with Renowned Artists: She has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Chris Brown, Pusha T, and Pharrell Williams, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

14. Debut Studio Album “VII”: In 2014, Taylor released her debut studio album, “VII,” which received critical acclaim for its soulful sound and honest lyrics.

15. Chart Performance: 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.

16. Judge on America's Best Dance Crew: Taylor was set to be a judge on the eighth season of the American competitive dance reality show America's Best Dance Crew, which debuted on MTV in July 2015.

17. Release of The Cassette Tape 1994: On August 25, 2015, Taylor released The Cassette Tape 1994, paying tribute to the iconic 90s sound in music by including many samples from 90s hits.

Fashion and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Teyana Taylor's influence extends beyond music and dance. She has made significant strides in fashion and entrepreneurship, showcasing her versatility and business acumen.

18. Adidas Sneaker Deal: 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 on February 16, 2013. 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.

19. Fade 2 Fit Workout Program: In March 2017, 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”.

20. Workout Apparel Line: She also released a line of workout apparel, also called Fade2Fit, which aligns with her fitness program.

21. Music Video Direction: 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.

22. Fashion Icon: Taylor is a trendsetter in the fashion industry. Her bold fashion choices and ability to effortlessly pull off daring looks have made her a style icon.

23. Magazine Covers: She has graced the covers of esteemed publications like Vogue, showcasing her influence in the fashion world.

Acting Career

Teyana Taylor has also made a name for herself in the acting world, taking on various roles in films and TV shows. Let's dive into her acting achievements.

24. Role in Coming 2 America: Taylor appeared in the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America, which came in at No. 1 in streams its opening weekend. She played the iconic role of Bopoto Izzi, a reimagining of the '80s classic Imani Izzi character played by Black Hollywood royalty Vanessa Bell Calloway.

25. Role in Madea's Big Happy Family: She also appeared in the Tyler Perry film Madea's Big Happy Family, which was a $25 million hit that wouldn't have been the same without her unforgettable performance.

26. TV Series Star: Taylor had roles in two seasons of the Lee Daniels television series Star (2017–18).

27. Reality TV Series Teyana and Iman: She and Iman Shumpert, her husband at the time, were given the reality television series Teyana and Iman by VH1, which aired from 2020 until 2023.

28. Film A Thousand and One: Taylor received critical acclaim and Oscar buzz for her starring performance in the 2023 film A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell and co-produced by Lena Waithe.

Music Videos and Directing

Taylor's talents extend to directing music videos, where she has made a significant impact. Here are some highlights of her work behind the camera.

29. Choreographer for Beyoncé's "Ring the Alarm": Before becoming a performer, Taylor was a choreographer. She choreographed the video for Beyoncé's 2006 single "Ring the Alarm".

30. Music Video Director: Taylor has been credited with music video directing under the name "Spike Tee." She has done so for artists including herself, Diddy, Schoolboy Q, and Queen Naija.

31. BET Award for Video Director of the Year: Taylor won the BET Award for Video Director of the Year in 2020 and 2023.

Personal Life

Teyana Taylor's personal life is as dynamic as her career. Let's take a closer look at her family, fitness journey, and reality TV show.

32. Marriage to Iman Shumpert: Taylor is married to NBA player Iman Shumpert. The couple has a daughter named Junie, who often inspires her creative endeavors.

33. Fitness and Wellness: Taylor is passionate about fitness and often shares her workout routines and healthy lifestyle tips, inspiring her fans to prioritize their well-being.

34. Reality TV Show: She has her own reality television show, Teyana & Iman, which offers a glimpse into her personal life and showcases her dynamic relationship with her husband.

35. Self-Expression and Authenticity: Taylor has a strong sense of self-expression. She uses her artistry to convey important messages and express her authentic self.

Recent Achievements

Despite announcing her retirement from music, Teyana Taylor continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. Here are some of her recent accomplishments.

36. The Last Rose Petal Tour: After announcing her retirement from music in 2020, Taylor reemerged on stages in 2021 with "The Last Rose Petal" tour and in 2022 with "The Last Rose Petal 2" run. The shows sold out, and Janet Jackson surprised her with an appearance at the London stop.

37. Collaborations with Top Artists: Taylor has been working on various creative projects, including collaborations with top artists like Latto, Summer Walker, and Lola Brooke.

38. Jordan Brand Collaboration: She has collaborated with Jordan (a brand that has reportedly earned Nike $19 billion), showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to make her business dreams a reality.

39. Sundance Grand Jury Prize-Winning Film: Taylor starred in a Sundance grand jury prize-wowing film helmed by two powerful Black women (A.V. Rockwell as writer and director, and Lena Waithe as co-producer).

40. Red Carpet Slaying: Her continued slaying of red carpets proves that she's in it to win it, solidifying her status as a fashion icon and a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

41. Maxim’s First Black ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’: Teyana Taylor is Maxim’s first Black ‘Sexiest Woman Alive,’ a testament to her allure and charm.

42. Inspiration from Daughter Junie: Taylor shares how her daughter Junie inspires her as a woman, highlighting the importance of motherhood and family in her life.

43. Impact on R&B Music: Her music is a blend of various genres, effortlessly merging R&B, hip hop, soul, and pop influences, creating a unique and captivating sound that has made her one of today’s generation of R&B’s best debut albums.

44. Iconic Dance Moves: Taylor is known for her iconic dance moves. Her choreography in music videos and live performances reflects her passion for dance and showcases her incredible skills.

45. Strong Work Ethic: She consistently pushes herself to evolve as an artist and deliver exceptional performances for her audience, demonstrating a strong work ethic that has contributed to her longevity and growth in the industry.

46. Fashion Runway and Brand Collaborations: From the Met Gala to global fashion weeks, Taylor always adds a touch of glamorous urban spin to haute couture, representing all that is multifaceted and golden about being a Black woman.

47. Online Feud with Rihanna: Despite facing challenges, including an infamous online feud with Rihanna and the subsequent news of Adidas dropping her from a sneaker deal back in 2013, Taylor has pushed through and continued to thrive in her career.

48. Public Acknowledgment of Career Disappointments: She publicly acknowledged the impact of career disappointments when, citing feelings of being "unappreciated," she announced her retirement from music in 2020.

49. Continued Success in Acting and Music: Taylor has shifted her focus to honing her acting craft and working on other creative projects, while also continuing to make waves in the music industry with her recent collaborations and performances.

50. Continued Evolution and Growth: As Teyana continues to evolve and make her mark in the industry, it’s evident that her star power is only going to grow. Her unique style, powerful vocals, and raw talent have carved a niche for her in the world of music and beyond, inspiring self-love and making a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Teyana Taylor: A Multifaceted Star

Teyana Taylor's journey from Harlem to global stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Her talents span across music, dance, acting, and fashion, making her a true Renaissance woman. From choreographing Beyoncé's "Ring the Alarm" at 15 to starring in critically acclaimed films like A Thousand and One, Taylor's versatility knows no bounds. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her successful ventures in fitness and fashion, including her record-breaking Adidas sneaker deal. Despite facing challenges, like her public feud with Rihanna, Taylor's resilience and dedication have kept her in the spotlight. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, inspiring fans with her authenticity and strong work ethic. As she continues to evolve, Teyana Taylor remains a powerful force, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, and staying true to oneself.