This is Teyana Taylor’s first time, but it seems as if she has been here forever. She will finally release her debut album, VII, but there is nothing that would suggest that Taylor is a rookie in the entertainment industry.
It was obvious while on the set of our cover shoot in Brooklyn, New York. Taylor seeks to maintain control over every aspect of her signature image, which shifts from tomboy chic to bold and sexy.
In fact, her keen sense of style was vital in keeping her in the public’s eye as she figured out her identity in music. Taylor became a staple within the urban blog community, which often fawned over her elaborate sneaker game or bodacious bikini body.
But captivating images on blogs and thousands of “likes” on Instagram will never lead to longevity.
Indeed, it was time for her to prove she wasn’t just another socialite who was famous for being famous. Through her music, she needed to showcase the talent that garnered a cosign from legendary artists Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.
Seven years after Taylor signed her initial deal with Williams’ Star Trek label, she gets a chance to make a mark with a major label project. Backed by West’s G.O.O.D Music and Def Jam, VII is her reintroduction.
Meet 23-year-old Harlem native Teyana Taylor.