Entertainment industry welcomes another young family as Empire actress and Brooklyn rapper begin parenthood journey
The entertainment world has another reason to celebrate as actress Serayah McNeill and rapper Joey Bada$$ have officially entered parenthood with the birth of their first child, a son. The milestone represents a significant moment for both performers, who have built successful careers in their respective fields while maintaining a relatively private relationship.
Serayah, widely recognized for her portrayal of singer Tiana Brown on the Fox musical drama series Empire, shared the news through social media, posting an intimate photograph featuring her newborn’s small foot. The image, shared on Snapchat, provided fans with their first glimpse of the couple’s newest family member while maintaining the privacy they have consistently sought throughout their relationship.
The couple’s journey to parenthood
The path to parenthood began publicly in February 2025 when the couple announced their pregnancy. The news came as a delightful surprise to many followers who had been tracking their relationship since it became public knowledge in 2023. However, the foundation of their connection traces back to 2021, when mutual acquaintances introduced the two artists.
Their relationship developed gradually, with both individuals maintaining focus on their professional commitments while nurturing their personal bond. Serayah continued her acting pursuits following Empire’s conclusion, while Joey Bada$$, born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, sustained his position as a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop through his work with the Pro Era collective and solo projects.
The announcement of their pregnancy in early 2025 marked a turning point for the couple, who had previously kept many aspects of their relationship away from public scrutiny. Their approach to sharing personal milestones has consistently balanced transparency with privacy, allowing fans to celebrate their journey while respecting their boundaries.
Professional achievements and public presence
Serayah‘s career trajectory gained significant momentum through her Empire role, where she portrayed an aspiring singer navigating the competitive music industry. The character’s storylines often reflected real-world challenges faced by young artists, providing Serayah with opportunities to showcase both her acting and musical abilities. Her performance on the series, which ran from 2015 to 2020, established her as a recognizable face in contemporary television.
Beyond Empire, Serayah has pursued various entertainment ventures, including music releases and appearances in other television productions. Her social media presence has grown substantially, with followers appreciating her fashion sense, lifestyle content, and occasional glimpses into her personal life.
Joey Bada$$‘s musical career began in his teenage years when he co-founded the hip-hop collective Pro Era alongside fellow Brooklyn-based artists. His debut mixtape, released in 2012, garnered critical acclaim and established him as a notable voice in East Coast hip-hop. Subsequent projects have reinforced his reputation as a thoughtful lyricist who addresses social issues while maintaining street credibility.
The rapper’s artistic output has consistently reflected his Brooklyn roots and experiences growing up in New York City. His music often incorporates elements of classic East Coast hip-hop while addressing contemporary social and political issues, earning respect from both critics and peers within the industry.
Impact on representation and community
The couple’s journey into parenthood carries significance beyond their personal lives, contributing to broader conversations about representation in entertainment and media. Young Black families in the public eye provide important visibility for communities that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream media narratives.
Their relationship and growing family offer audiences authentic examples of successful young professionals building lives together while maintaining individual career ambitions. This representation becomes particularly meaningful in an era where diverse family structures and relationship dynamics receive increased attention and celebration.
The entertainment industry has witnessed growing emphasis on authentic storytelling and representation across various platforms. Celebrity couples like Serayah and Joey Bada$$ contribute to this evolution by sharing their experiences while maintaining agency over their narratives.
Looking toward the future
As the couple transitions into their roles as parents, questions arise about how they will balance professional commitments with family responsibilities. Both individuals have demonstrated dedication to their respective crafts while building their relationship, suggesting they will approach parenthood with similar intentionality.
The entertainment industry’s demanding schedules and travel requirements present unique challenges for working parents, particularly those in music and television. However, many successful artists have navigated these challenges while maintaining thriving careers and family lives.
Their son’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter that will likely influence both artists’ future projects and public presence. Many performers have found that parenthood provides fresh inspiration for their creative work, leading to projects that explore themes of family, legacy, and personal growth.
The couple’s approach to sharing their parenthood journey will likely continue reflecting their preference for selective privacy. Their ability to maintain boundaries while engaging with fans has characterized their relationship from its early public stages.
This newest addition to their family represents not only personal fulfillment but also continuation of their individual legacies through the next generation. As they navigate the joys and challenges of raising their son, their experiences will undoubtedly resonate with other young parents facing similar transitions.
The birth of their child stands as a testament to love, commitment, and the building of family in the public eye while maintaining authenticity and personal values.
