Teyana Taylor Shares Beyoncé’s Insight on Navigating Loneliness in the Music Industry

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When Teyana Taylor was just 15 years old, her career took a significant turn. Beyoncé enlisted her to choreograph the music video for “Ring the Alarm” in 2006. This collaboration blossomed into a friendship, with Taylor citing the invaluable advice she received from the iconic singer throughout her journey in the industry.

In a recent interview with People, published on January 28, Taylor reflected on the wisdom that Beyoncé imparted to her early in her career. “I definitely came in the business at a time where I went into everything with my heart, and I didn’t understand certain things, and I would go to her, and she’s just like, ‘Don’t take it personal,’” Taylor shared.

Taylor elaborated on the challenges she faced, explaining, “I didn’t know that certain things would be isolating where you would feel like, ‘Oh sh–, in order for it to be done the way I see it in my head, I’m going to have to do this sh– myself.’”

Beyoncé also encouraged Taylor to “invest in yourself,” emphasizing that significant portions of her earnings would go to others involved in bringing her artistic vision to life. “Every single check ain’t going to hit your pocket, and that’s only if you truly believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is investing in yourself — and she taught me that,” Taylor remarked. She added that Beyoncé’s “gracious and humble” demeanor inspired her to adopt a similar approach. “If the Beyoncé is this way and she’s so grounded… this is the way I need to be,” she noted.

This interview comes just ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards set for February 1, where Taylor is nominated for Best R&B Album for her work, Escape Room. Last year, Beyoncé made history by elevating her Grammy count to 35, winning Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter among a series of accolades.

In 2024, Taylor and Victoria Monét honored Beyoncé at the BET Awards by recreating her legendary 2004 performance with Usher at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot. Beyoncé acknowledged the tribute by sharing the performance on her Instagram Stories, leading Taylor to express her excitement with the comments, “& DATS ON QUEEN BEYYYYYYYYYYYY” and “I’m GAGGGGINGGGGGGGI!!!!”