Teyana Taylor Shares Why She Stepped Away from Music After Feeling Overlooked
Trending on Billboard
Teyana Taylor, who stepped away from music in 2020, is making a return with her new album, Escape Room, set for release in 2025. She opened up about her journey in a recent interview with TIME, highlighting the reasons behind her initial departure from the industry.
During the interview, Taylor candidly reflected on her decision to step back, citing feelings of being unappreciated in the music world and her desire to pursue opportunities beyond music. This shift ultimately led to her acclaimed performance in One Battle After Another, for which she won a Golden Globe.
“Everybody told me it was dumb,” she said of her choice to leave music. “And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’”
After focusing on acting for several years, Taylor returned to music, realizing she had personal stories to share. “I had something to talk about,” she said. “I had experienced love. I had experienced heartbreak. I had experienced healing.”
Taylor’s personal life underwent significant changes, including a divorce in 2023 after eight years of marriage to Iman Shumpert, with whom she has two children, as well as a new relationship with Aaron Pierre in 2025. These experiences culminated in her latest album, Escape Room, which was released on August 22 and debuted at No. 67 on the Billboard 200. The album also received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album but ultimately lost to Leon Thomas’ Mutt during the February 1 awards.
Looking ahead, Taylor expressed her ambitions, saying, “I would love the EGOT. And if I don’t get that Tony, guess what that T is gonna stand for? Teyana.”
Taylor is featured on the cover of TIME, highlighting her multifaceted career.
