Teyana Taylor has opened up about the peace, clarity, and blessings she found after stepping away from music for five years—a decision she says ultimately transformed her career.
The singer and actress publicly retired from music in 2020, expressing deep frustration with the lack of support she received from her record label following the release of her third studio album, The Album. What began as an uncertain pause soon became the turning point she didn’t know she needed.
During the hiatus, Taylor, now 34, expanded her creative footprint and built a successful acting career, landing roles in A Thousand and One, Coming 2 America, One Battle After Another, and the TV series All’s Fair.
Speaking to ELLE for its Women in Hollywood issue, she reflected on how trusting her instincts—and God—reshaped her journey.
“I have a lot of gratitude for how I am able to see all of my prayers answered, all of the tears wiped,” she said. “It was tough because I said I retired, and I didn’t know what was next. I was afraid, but I wasn’t afraid to take the leap. I’ve always had a strong relationship with God and felt him saying, ‘Do you trust me? You ready to let me take that teddy bear from you so I can give you something bigger and better?’”
That “bigger and better” now includes her upcoming feature directorial debut, Get Lite—a milestone she says proves the power of faith and vision. “I told y’all that one day I’m going to be a big director,” she said. “The fact that it’s coming to fruition shows His power.”
Taylor made her musical return in August with Escape Room, her fourth studio album, which she describes as her “most vulnerable work” yet.
Even with her comeback to music, the multi-hyphenate star remains heavily invested in her acting career. She has major upcoming roles in The Rip alongside Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and 72 Hours starring Kevin Hart.
