Teyana Taylor

Early Life

Teyana Me Shay Jacqueline Taylor was born on December 10, 1990, in Harlem, New York City, to Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith. As her mother's only child, Teyana was raised in a creative environment, with her mother also serving as her manager. Teyana's heritage includes African American and Trinidadian roots, which have influenced her artistic expression throughout her career.

Career

Teyana Taylor's career began at a young age when she showcased her talent as a choreographer for Beyoncé's music video "Ring the Alarm" in 2006. By 2007, she signed with Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment and gained public attention through her appearance on MTV's "My Super Sweet Sixteen." Her debut single, "Google Me," was released in 2008, followed by her mixtape "From a Planet Called Harlem" in 2009. Teyana's artistic journey expanded into acting with roles in films like "Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming" and her acclaimed performance in "A Thousand and One" (2023), which earned her several nominations and awards.

Throughout her music career, Teyana has released several albums, including "VII," "K.T.S.E.," and "The Album," showcasing her versatility in contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and pop music. She has also made a name for herself as a music video director, winning accolades for her choreography and direction, including the BET Award for Video Director of the Year.

Personal Life

Teyana's personal life has been as dynamic as her career. She was engaged to basketball player Brandon Jennings in 2011, but the couple split in 2013. Teyana later married fellow basketball player Iman Shumpert on October 1, 2016, and they share two daughters. However, in September 2023, Teyana announced their separation, which was finalized in 2024. In 2025, she began culinary studies and underwent surgery to remove a noncancerous growth on her vocal cords, demonstrating her commitment to both her artistic and personal growth.