Teyana Taylor, a multi-talented American singer, actress, model, dancer, and choreographer, was born on December 10, 1990. Teyana Taylor parents, Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith, played significant roles in her upbringing and career development. As the only child of her mother Nikki, Teyana was raised in a creative and inspiring environment, which fostered her passion and love for music and fashion.
Nikki Taylor, a major figure in the fashion industry, is known for her expertise in celebrity styling and her numerous industry connections. In addition to being a supportive mother, Nikki also took on the role of Teyana’s manager, guiding her career and helping her navigate the entertainment industry. On the other hand, Teyana’s father, Tito Smith, has two sons and another daughter from a different relationship. Although Tito’s involvement in her life may not be as prominent, he still played a part in shaping who Teyana is today.
Teyana’s upbringing, surrounded by her parents’ influence and exposure to various facets of the entertainment world, paved the way for her successful career. From signing a record deal with Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment to choreographing Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” music video, Teyana Taylor has made a name for herself in the industry, with her parents always by her side.
Family Background
Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith
Teyana Taylor was born on December 10, 1990, to her parents Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith. Nikki Taylor, Teyana’s mother, has played a significant role in her life, supporting her music career and even serving as her manager. Tito Smith, Teyana’s biological father, has two sons and another daughter from a different relationship.
Harlem and New York Upbringing
Raised in New York, Teyana spent her childhood in Harlem, where her mother nurtured and encouraged her love for music. Nikki Taylor often played classic hits, which had a considerable influence on Teyana’s music style and taste. Growing up in such a vibrant and culturally rich environment had a significant impact on Teyana’s artistic growth, as it exposed her to a wide range of musical genres and styles.
Trinidadian Heritage
In addition to her Harlem roots, Teyana also possesses Trinidadian heritage, which offers a blend of diverse cultural influences to her music and personality. This rich background not only contributes to her unique style but also provides a broader perspective on art, creativity, and life in general.
Overall, Teyana Taylor’s family background, upbringing in Harlem, and Trinidadian heritage have played a crucial role in shaping her career, music, and identity.
Teyana Taylor Parents’ Influence and Guidance
Role of Parents in Career
Teyana Taylors parents, Tito Smith and Nikki Taylor, have played an instrumental role in her career. Tito, her father, and Nikki, her mother and a celebrity stylist, have nurtured Teyana’s talents from a young age. Growing up around her mother’s work in the fashion industry exposed Teyana to the world of entertainment early on, helping her understand the various facets of the business.
Managerial Support
Nikki Taylor not only provided motherly guidance but also actively participated in Teyana’s career as her manager. Her experience in the industry allowed her to propel Teyana’s career forward, offering insights and connections. This strong bond between mother and daughter translates into a professional and supportive relationship that has contributed to Teyana’s success.
Inspiration and Lessons
The interest and passion for music that Teyana possesses come from her exposure to various artists and genres through her parents. Her mom played tracks from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, and Janet Jackson in Teyana’s early life, inspiring her love for music. In addition to her mother’s musical influence, her father’s presence in her life provided the essential balance that played a significant role in shaping who Teyana is today.
In conclusion, the influence and guidance of Teyana Taylor’s parents have been crucial in her career development. Their unwavering support, valuable connections, and constant inspiration have contributed to the multi-talented artist’s success.
Musical Journey
Early Career
Teyana Taylor began her music career at a young age with connections to the entertainment industry through her parents. Known for her passion for singing, Teyana made her first major public appearance on the MTV reality show “My Super Sweet 16” in 2007. This appearance helped launch her career as she caught the attention of music executives, leading to the release of her debut single “Google Me” in 2008.
Successful Albums
Teyana continued to work on her music, releasing her debut album “VII” in 2014, which showcased her vocal skills and R&B style. The album was well-received and included the hit single “Maybe.” Her next album, “K.T.S.E.,” released in 2018, demonstrated her growth as an artist, featuring tracks like “Gonna Love Me” and “Rose in Harlem.” Throughout her career, Teyana has released several successful albums that showcase her unique sound and impressive vocal range.
Collaboration with Kanye West and Star Trak Entertainment
Teyana’s career reached new heights as she collaborated with influential artists and producers such as Kanye West and Star Trak Entertainment. In 2010, she signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, resulting in her feature on the track “Dark Fantasy” from Kanye’s acclaimed album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” This partnership opened doors for Teyana, enabling further collaborations with high-profile artists in the industry.
In addition to her work with Kanye West, Teyana’s collaboration with Star Trak Entertainment, a record label founded by Pharrell Williams, played a critical role in her career development. This partnership exposed her to new creative avenues and opportunities, allowing her to expand her musical repertoire and cultivate a distinct sound.
Throughout her musical journey, Teyana Taylor has proven to be a force in the industry, continuously evolving her style and collaborating with prominent artists and producers. As she continues to make waves in the world of music, Teyana remains true to her artistry and passion, ensuring her star continues to shine brightly.
Cinematic Endeavors
Acting Debut
Teyana Taylor, daughter of Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith, showcased her talents not only in music but also in the world of acting. She made her acting debut on popular television networks like MTV and VH1. Her natural ability to portray various characters enabled her to establish a solid foundation in the entertainment industry and become a versatile actress.
Impact and Achievements in Acting
Throughout her acting career, Teyana has attracted significant acclaim for her roles, demonstrating her ability to take on diverse roles and excel in each one. Some of her major achievements in acting include appearances in hit shows and movies, making her a recognizable name in the world of cinema. Her involvement in various acting projects illustrates her dedication to her craft, contributing to the industry’s growth and enriching the quality of content available to viewers.
Dancing and Choreography
Passion for Dancing
Teyana Taylor has always had a strong passion for dancing. Her natural talent and dedication to the craft have led her to become an accomplished dancer and choreographer. Growing up, Teyana’s mom fostered her love for music, playing classic hits that would later inspire her dance moves. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills and showcased her edgy, expressive style on various platforms, ranging from music videos to television.
Choreographic Skills
Teyana’s choreographic skills truly came to the forefront when she choreographed the music video for Beyoncé’s hit song, “Ring the Alarm.” Her impressive work in this project helped to establish her as a formidable force in the dance industry. Later on, she worked on other music videos, demonstrating her versatility as a choreographer. One of her most notable projects was the video for Kanye West’s “Fade,” where she showcased her unique dance moves and sultry energy. In these productions, Teyana proved that she’s not only a talented dancer but also a creative, skilled choreographer who has an innate ability to captivate audiences.
Modelling and Fashion
Entry into the Fashion World
Teyana Taylor’s mother, Nikki Taylor, is a key figure in the fashion industry. As a celebrity stylist and fashion guru, she played an instrumental role in introducing Teyana to the world of modelling and fashion. Thanks to her mother’s connections and influence, Teyana quickly gained exposure and opportunities to work as a model from a young age. This allowed her to develop a keen eye for style and trends, which would serve her well in her career.
Collaboration with Adidas
Teyana’s passion for fashion soon led her to collaborate with major brands like Adidas. In 2013, she partnered with the renowned sportswear company to design and release her own line of sneakers. The collaboration was a massive success, with her unique designs and creative vision earning praise from both fans and fashion critics alike. This partnership further solidified her status in the industry and showcased her talent for more than just music.
Celebrity Styling
Thanks to her mother’s influence and her own work in the fashion industry, Teyana Taylor has also been involved in celebrity styling. She has worked with a number of high-profile clients, using her knowledge and expertise to create memorable and visually stunning outfits. Her unique approach to style and her ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the fashion world have made her a sought-after stylist for many of today’s top celebrities. Overall, Teyana Taylor’s parents, especially her mother Nikki Taylor, have played a significant role in shaping her fashion and modelling career, allowing her to navigate the industry with confidence and finesse.
Personal Life
Marriage to Iman Shumpert
Teyana Taylor married NBA player Iman Shumpert in October 2016. The couple had been dating since 2014, and their relationship blossomed into a loving and supportive partnership. Iman, who is also a musician, has been an immense support to Teyana in her career and personal life.
Children
Teyana and Iman have two beautiful children together. Their first child, Iman Tayla Shumpert Jr., nicknamed Junie, was born on December 16, 2015. The couple welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Rue Rose Shumpert, on September 6, 2020. Both children have brought immense joy and love to the family, with Teyana embracing her role as a devoted mother.
Instagram Fame
Teyana’s personal life is well-documented on her Instagram account, where she shares glimpses of her family, career, and style with her 11.3 million followers. The social media platform has become a powerful tool for Teyana to connect with her fans and showcase her various talents. Both Teyana and Iman utilize Instagram to share updates about their lives, promote their work, and engage with their fans in an authentic and sincere manner.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on Upcoming Artists
Teyana Taylor’s parents, Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith, have played influential roles in her life. Their support and guidance have not only shaped Teyana’s success, but also inspired other aspiring artists. Nikki, who has served as Teyana’s manager, has helped her daughter navigate the complexities of the music industry. As an African-American singer and musician, Teyana has broken barriers and inspired other artists to follow in her footsteps.
Reputation in Music Industry
Nikki and Tito’s parenting and support have contributed to Teyana’s reputation as a respected musician in the industry. Their emphasis on discipline and professionalism has allowed Teyana to build industry connections and cultivate an image as a dedicated artist. Many people consider Nikki the “perfect mom” and business partner, always championing for her daughter’s success.
Their impact goes beyond just their daughter, as Teyana’s success has also shone a light on the importance of strong parental figures in the careers of musicians, particularly in the African-American community. Teyana’s talent, combined with her parents’ unwavering support, has made her a winner in the music business, creating a lasting legacy and impact for future generations of artists.