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When it comes to the most talented and creative artists in the industry, Teyana Taylor has to be one of the first names that comes to mind. Today (December 10th), the singer, songwriter, actress, model, dancer, choreographer, and music video director celebrates her 34th birthday! Continue reading to check out a gallery of some of our favorite photos of her over the years that prove she’s only getting finer.
Teyana Me Shay Jacqueli was born in Harlem, New York City to Nikki and Taylor and Tito Smith. Taylor grew up in a music-loving household. Nikki became Teyana’s manager very early on and if often credited with keeping her daughter focused on her goals. Although she was young, Teyana’s love for music and dance led her to performing at talent shows. In 2006, 15 year-old Teyana was credited as the choreographer for Beyoncé’s hit single ‘Ring The Alarm.’ A few months later, Teyana signed to Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment through Interscope Records. She would formally be introduced to the world when she appeared on the MTV series My Super Sweet 16. She then released her commercial debut single, “Google Me.” Over the next couple of years, Taylor would continue to work on music (her own and she contributed to Kanye West’s My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy) and start to dabble in acting. Stomp The Yard 2: Homecoming was released on September 21st, 2010 and Madea’s Big Happy Family was released on April 22nd, 2011. Both appearances helped raised Teyana’s ever growing stock.
In January 2012, Teyana was granted a release from her contract with Interscope and Star Trak. After taking some time to find herself as an independent artist, she eventually signed a joint-venture deal with Kanye West’s label GOOD Music through Island-Def Jam on June 14, 2012. She was featured on her new label’s compilation album Cruel Summer shortly after signing. In addition, she also began to work on her debut studio album. VII dropped on November 4th of 2014 and debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200. At the 2016 MTV Music Video Awards, Kanye West debuted the music video for his new single ‘Fade.’ Teyana easily stole the show with her solo dance routine. She was recognized for her work as Taylor’s viral dancing in the music video would go on to earn her the “Best Choreography” award at the following year’s ceremony. The appearance reintroduced her as a star to mainstream audiences. Taylor went on to release her second album, K.T.S.E. in June 2018 and The Album in 2020. The latter debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200, earning Taylor her first top 10 album.
Since The Album‘s release, Teyana has stepped away from making her own music. She has still been very active in the culture though and has seemingly reinvented herself. Under the moniker ‘Spike Tee,’ Teyana has branched out into directing music videos (for the likes of Diddy, Monica, and Lil Durk) and she’s provided creative direction for numerous artists such as Lil Baby, Latto and Summer Walker. Her love for dance is still very prevalent, as she still dips into choreographing too. She has further solidified herself as a fashion icon due to her evolving style, her frequent appearances at fashion weeks, and her extensive number of fashion-related ventures (including her workout apparel line Fade2Fit and designing/releasing sneakers with Adidas). We’ve also become accustomed to seeing Teyana on our screens as she’s expanded her acting career. Just last year, she starred in White Men Can’t Jump, The Book of Clarence and A Thousand and One, with the last earning her critical praise for her dynamic lead performance.
Although Teyana wears many hats, none are more important to her than the one of a mother. No matter what she has going on, Junie and Rue are always her top priority. We love a well rounded Queen! That is exactly what Teyana is. To celebrate her on her special day, check out a gallery of some of our favorite photos of her over the years. HAPPY 34TH TO TEYANA TAYLOR!!!
