Teyana Taylor

Taylor admits that she and Star Trak referee Pharrell Williams have remained amiable since the formal end of their business relationship. She credits him as a "big brother" and sees her early signing to Star Trak as a "blessing." Taylor has stated on many occasions, though, just how necessary her release from the label was, as well as how necessary it was for her to have a level of independence in the music industry for some time. In an interview with DJ Skee, Teyana mentioned that "when she was signed for six years, she felt like she couldn't do anything," and that she "couldn't prove to her fans that she had the talent" and "couldn't sing from her heart."

As an independent artist at the time of her release, she had begun preparing her first mixtape, The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor, to be released to her fans for free. The tape draws notable influences from 90s R&B/Soul legends like Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige. The tape was released the tape in the first half of 2012, and has spawned two singles thus far, "Make Your Move (feat. Wale)" and "D.U.I. (feat. Jadakiss & Fabolous)," which was released on February 25, 2012. Reviews of the latter track noted that "The Harlem songstress channels Janet Jackson as she glides over the smooth Hit-Boy-produced beat with her airy vocals, while fellow New Yorkers Fabolous and Jadakiss ride shotgun". Read Less

She provides vocals for the opening track "To the World," with Kanye West and R. Kelly, provides the hook and chorus for "Sin City," which also features John Legend, Cyhi the Prynce, Malik Yusef, and Travis Scott, and also duets with John Legend on a track called "Bliss." Of Taylor and Legend's duet on the album, Erika Ramirez of Billboard.com notes that "Teyana Taylor's beautifully brash voice... illuminates in the electric-guitar heavy, Hudson Mohawke-produced 'Bliss'." Trent Fitzgerald of Popcrush.com also complimented the duet, saying that he hoped to "hear more soulful duets from and Legend."

In addition to featuring on Cruel Summer, Teyana is currently in the process of recording her first major label debut album, to be released eventually through G.O.O.D. Music and The Island Def Jam Music Group. Read Less