Teyana Taylor is a true force to be reckoned with. At 34 years old in 2025, she has made her mark as a singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, choreographer, director, and entrepreneur. With a net worth of $5 million, she has transformed her passion into multiple income streams, showcasing her limitless talent. However, her journey extends beyond music and business—she has also experienced the ups and downs of marriage, motherhood, and a highly publicized divorce.
But who is Teyana Taylor beyond the spotlight? What shaped her path to success? Let’s explore her career, financial achievements, and personal evolution.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Teyana Me Shay Jacqueli Taylor on December 10, 1990, in Harlem, New York, Teyana was raised by her single mother, Nikki. From an early age, music and performance were central to her life. She took the stage at just nine years old, showcasing her talents in competitions like the Apollo Theater National All-Stars talent search.
Her mother played a crucial role in shaping her career, exposing her to the music of Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Toni Braxton, and Stevie Wonder—artists who would go on to inspire her unique sound.
By the age of 15, Teyana had already made a name for herself as a choreographer, working on Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” music video. This was only the beginning of her rise to stardom.
The Rise to Fame: Music and Acting
Signing to Star Trak and GOOD Music
In 2007, Teyana Taylor secured a deal with Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment, an imprint of Interscope Records. That same year, she made her television debut on MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen, where her bold personality and unique style captured the attention of a broader audience.
Her debut commercial single, “Google Me” (2008), reached #90 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking her official entry into the music industry. However, despite the initial buzz, her time with Star Trak did not result in a full album, leading her to leave the label in 2012.
That same year, she signed with GOOD Music and The Island Def Jam Music Group, a move that would pave the way for her breakthrough.
Chart-Topping Albums and Musical Achievements
Teyana Taylor’s debut album, “VII” (2014), made a powerful impact, debuting at #1 on both the US R&B and US R&B/Hip-Hop charts. The album’s hit single, “Maybe”, reached #10 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, solidifying her presence in the industry.
She followed up with:
- “K.T.S.E.” (2018) – Peaked at #2 on the Billboard R&B chart.
- “The Album” (2020) – Featured collaborations with Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, and Rick Ross, reaching #1 on the R&B chart and #8 on the Billboard 200.
Beyond her vocal talent, Taylor is also an accomplished dancer and director. In 2020, she won Video Director of the Year at the BET Awards, further showcasing her multifaceted artistry.
Acting and Business Ventures
While making waves in music, Taylor expanded into acting, landing roles in notable films and TV series, including:
- Films: Stomp the Yard: Homecoming (2010), Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011), Coming 2 America (2020).
- TV Series: Empire, The Breaks, Hit the Floor, and Star.
Her entrepreneurial spirit also led to successful business ventures, including:
- Fade2Fit, a fitness brand.
- Sneaker collaborations with Adidas.
- A clothing line and brand partnerships, further expanding her influence beyond entertainment.
Taylor’s ability to diversify her career and revenue streams reflects her sharp business acumen.
Marriage, Motherhood, and Public Divorce
Teyana Taylor’s personal life garnered significant public attention when she married NBA player Iman Shumpert on October 1, 2016. The couple, widely regarded as a power duo, even starred in their VH1 reality show, Teyana and Iman, in 2018.
Together, they welcomed two daughters:
- Junie (born December 16, 2015).
- Rue (born September 6, 2020).
Both children were uniquely delivered at home by Shumpert, making their birth stories particularly memorable.
Divorce and Financial Disputes
In January 2023, Taylor quietly filed for divorce, keeping the proceedings private until November 2023. By June 2024, financial disputes between the two surfaced when Shumpert sought a reduction in child support payments, citing Taylor’s $94,000 monthly income, which was nearly double his $48,000 per month earnings.
Additionally, reports revealed that Shumpert allegedly withdrew $4 million from their joint accounts, leaving Taylor responsible for $200,000 in home repairs.
Despite these challenges, Taylor remained resilient, focusing on her career and daughters while proving her strength both personally and professionally.
Real Estate and Investments
Taylor has also demonstrated financial savvy through real estate investments. In 2018, she and Shumpert purchased a $3 million mansion in Studio City, Los Angeles. They later sold it in 2022 for $4 million, earning a $1 million profit.
Her ability to build wealth outside of entertainment underscores her financial intelligence and long-term vision.
What’s Next for Teyana Taylor in 2025?
With a $5 million net worth, a thriving career, and a new chapter post-divorce, what lies ahead for Teyana Taylor?
- More Music and Directing
Taylor has hinted at new music and more directing projects. With past BET and MTV Video Music Award wins, her influence behind the camera is expected to grow. - Expanding Her Business Ventures
Her fitness brand, Fade2Fit, has gained traction, and further expansion into health, fashion, and beauty is likely. - Acting and Production
With a growing presence in Hollywood, Taylor is expected to take on more acting roles and even step into film production. - Motherhood and Personal Growth
Despite her highly publicized divorce, she remains deeply dedicated to her daughters, frequently sharing their special moments on social media.
Teyana Taylor’s Unstoppable Journey
At just 34 years old, Teyana Taylor has already achieved what many artists only dream of. Whether in music, film, business, or family, she continues to push boundaries and redefine success.
Her resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset set her apart—not just as an artist but as a fearless force in the industry.
With her talent, ambition, and vision, Teyana Taylor’s next chapter is sure to be nothing short of legendary.
