We first met Teyana Taylor when she was just 16 years old. She has one of the most legendary episodes of MTV’s “My Sweet Sixteen.” Since the 2007 episode, Taylor has entered several lanes. The artist has reached high acclaim for creative direction, fashion, dancing/choreography, music, and acting. Teyana Taylor’s artistry is one of a kind. In fact, she is considered one of the most talented people of the millennial generation.
Although she has been a part of the industry since she was a teenager, Taylor catapulted to fame in 2016. After starring in Kanye West’s music video “Fade,” her name was on everyone’s lips. Her technical dance skill, matched with her relentless sex appeal, has always intrigued viewers. The music video had everyone asking, “Who is Teyana Taylor?“
Teyana Taylor has provided many iconic moments over the years. Here are six times Teyana Taylor proved that her artistry is unmatched!
1. K.T.S.E.
In 2018, Taylor dropped her second studio album, K.T.S.E. (Keep That Same Energy). Produced under Kanye West’s label, G.O.O.D. Music, the eight-song project embodies Taylor’s husky, soulful voice. The album was considered a huge success and solidified her singing career despite issues with the rollout. Nevertheless, the album received positive reviews.
“She is deft at performing modernist soul with the genre’s forebears as her backdrop,” Pitchfork stated. “Her singing sounds luxurious but effortless; even when she adopts a Migos-type flow on opener ‘No Manners,’ it’s sticky and seductive.”
In 2020, Taylor announced her retirement from music, but she teased new music in January 2024, which means we may be getting a Teyana Taylor return soon.
2. “A Thousand and One”
In 2023, Taylor’s artistry furthered when she starred in the independent film, “A Thousand and One.” The film tells the story of Inez de la Paz, a mother and convicted felon. She lost her son to the foster care system but is determined to get him back. She is so determined that she kidnaps her son from his current foster home.
The movie is named a Critic’s Pick by The New York Times. Taylor won the Breakout Performance Award from the National Board of Review. The same organization also named the film one of 2023’s Top 10 independent films.
3. Choreography
Not only does she choreograph her dance routines, the 33-year-old has been a choreographer to the stars. When she was just 16 years old, Taylor assisted in the choreography for Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” music video. This became her first significant choreography credit. She also helped to popularize the “Chicken Noodle Soup” dance in 2007.
4. The Aunties Inc.
Aside from dancing, singing, and acting, Taylor is making a name for herself in creative direction. She co-founded a production company, The Aunties Inc., with her longtime friend, CoCo Gilbert. The company focuses on creatives and giving them the space they need to put their talents to use. Through The Aunties Inc., Taylor has provided creative direction for acts like Summer Walker and Lil Baby.
5. Fashion
Since she entered the spotlight, Taylor has been a trendsetter in the fashion industry. Her eclectic yet sexy style has garnered her much praise. She also has a unique ability to feminize masculine clothing, serving androgyny at its finest. Any time the fashion icon leaves the house, fans look to see what she will wear. She has never disappointed.
6. Dionne Warwick Biopic
Teyana Taylor and Dionne Warwick have received many comparisons about their looks. In fact, their similar facial structure and features have prompted people to say that Taylor should play Warwick in a biopic. It looks like that theory has come to fruition! In 2023, Taylor revealed she would take on the role while visiting the “Tamron Hall Show.”
On Jan. 24, 2024, Warwick’s son, Damon Elliot, announced that the movie is funded with a set shoot date. Elliot shared this on his Instagram, followed by a repost from Taylor herself. The title of the biopic and the release date have yet to be announced.
Taylor has long cemented herself in the industry as an icon. Taylor has accomplished things most people have yet to achieve. So, it’s safe to say that the talent will continue to reset the standard.
What is your favorite Teyana Taylor moment? Let us know in the comments below.
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