R&B singer Teyana Taylor channels Jamaican Grace Jones as modern Renaissance woman, seamlessly juggling music, acting, directing, and motherhood for the latest edition of Cultured Magazine.
The fashion Magazine names the multitalented star who graces the cover of CULTURED magazine as one of its esteemed Cult100.
Embracing a fashion-forward narrative, the editorial celebrates individuals who defy algorithmic norms, advocating for a slower, more authentic world.
Taylor’s cover images, captioned “CUVAH MUTHA,” has her adorned in all-black ensembles by Maison Alaia, from a vintage-style pillbox hat paired with a leather trench to an oversized maxi-length motorcycle jacket, Taylor commands attention with her bold fashion choices, reminiscent of the iconic Jamaican 70s icon Grace Jones.
“I’m a Renaissance woman. A lot of people tell me that, and I love it,” the Harlem New York native Taylor shares.
Teyana Taylor, 33, is a multifaceted American artist known for her roles as a singer, songwriter, actress, model, dancer, and music video director. She choreographed Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” music video in 2006 and just before signing with Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment. Taylor’s debut single, “Google Me,” was released in 2008, followed by her debut mixtape, “From a Planet Called Harlem,” in 2009.
In 2010, Taylor collaborated with Kanye West on his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” contributing vocals to tracks like “Dark Fantasy” and “Hell of a Life.” She later joined West’s label, GOOD Music, releasing her debut studio album, “VII,” in 2014. Taylor’s acting career began with roles in films like “Stomp the Yard: Homecoming” (2010) and “Madea’s Big Happy Family” (2011), followed by appearances in TV series like “Star” (2017–18) and the film “Coming 2 America” (2021).
Taylor’s creative endeavors extend to music video directing under the pseudonym “Spike Tee,” earning her the BET Award for Video Director of the Year in 2020 and 2023. Despite her diverse talents and accomplishments, Taylor maintains a sense of independence in her career, emphasizing the importance of following one’s heart and staying true to oneself.
She has always been inspired by Grace Jones, and Taylor is set to portray the legendary Dionne Warwick in an upcoming biopic and is working on her directorial debut with Paramount Pictures. She tells Cultured, that as she balances her career with motherhood, she refuse to be confined to a box. “You just have to follow your heart,” she declares, embodying the essence of her unstoppable journey.
Jones, whose brother is Bishop Noel Jones of Preachers In LA, is one of the most influential stars of all time. Among other pop stars to have pulled for her creativity include Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Beyonce. The later with whom she recorded the song “Move” which is certified Gold in the U.S., her first song to sell 500,000 units in the country.
