Teyana Taylor, an American singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and entrepreneur, has carved out a multifaceted career that spans music, fashion, and film. As of 2025, Taylor’s estimated net worth stands at $5 million, thanks to her work in entertainment, business ventures, and brand collaborations. Her journey from a teenage prodigy to a respected industry mogul has been marked by resilience, creativity, and business acumen.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Born Teyana Me Shay Jacqueli Taylor on December 10, 1990, in Harlem, New York, she was raised by her mother, Nikki Taylor, who also became her manager. Growing up as an only child, Taylor was exposed to music from a young age. Influenced by legendary artists like Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Toni Braxton, and Stevie Wonder, she began performing at age nine. She participated in various talent competitions, including the Apollo Theater National All-Stars talent search, showcasing her vocal and dance skills early on.
Music Career: A Journey Through Labels and Hits
Taylor’s music career began at just 15 years old when she choreographed Beyoncé’s Ring the Alarm music video in 2006. A year later, she signed with Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment under Interscope Records. Her television debut came in 2007 on MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen, which introduced her to a national audience. Around the same time, she appeared in Jay-Z’s Blue Magic video and released her debut single, Google Me, in 2008, which peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Despite her early success, Taylor struggled to release a full-length album under Star Trak. After leaving the label in 2012, she independently dropped her mixtape The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor, which gained traction. That same year, she signed with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music under The Island Def Jam Music Group. Her contributions to Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy helped solidify her as a sought-after vocalist.
Taylor’s debut studio album, VII, released in 2014, became a breakthrough success, topping the US R&B and R&B/Hip-Hop charts and reaching #19 on the Billboard 200. Her later albums, K.T.S.E. (2018) and The Album (2020), continued her rise in the industry, featuring collaborations with icons like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, and Rick Ross. The Album debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart, marking another milestone in her career.
Acting and Television Appearances
Beyond music, Taylor has built a successful career in acting. She has starred in films such as Stomp the Yard: Homecoming (2010), Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011), and Coming 2 America (2020). Her television roles include appearances in Star (2017-2018), The Breaks (2017), and Hit the Floor (2018). In 2018, she and her then-husband, Iman Shumpert, starred in their VH1 reality show Teyana and Iman, giving fans an intimate look into their lives.
Business Ventures: Sneakers, Fitness, and Directing
Taylor has also left her mark on the fashion industry. She designed sneakers for Adidas, which became popular among sneaker enthusiasts. Additionally, she launched Fade2Fit, a workout program inspired by her viral appearance in Kanye West’s Fade music video, along with an athletic apparel line under the same name.
In 2020, she was named Video Director of the Year at both the BET Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards, showcasing her talents behind the camera. Her ability to merge music, fashion, and fitness has made her a force in multiple industries.
Marriage, Divorce, and Legal Disputes
Teyana Taylor married NBA player Iman Shumpert on October 1, 2016. The couple has two daughters: Junie, born in 2015, and Rue, born in 2020. Notably, both children were delivered at home, with Shumpert assisting in both births. Their family dynamic was showcased on their reality show, but in January 2023, Taylor quietly filed for divorce. The news remained private until November 2023.
Their divorce proceedings became public in 2024, with financial disputes surfacing. Court documents revealed that Taylor earns significantly more than Shumpert, with her monthly income averaging $94,000 compared to his $48,000. Shumpert requested an adjustment in his $8,000 monthly child support payments based on these earnings. Taylor also accused him of withdrawing $4 million from their shared accounts and leaving her responsible for $200,000 in home repairs. These revelations have kept their split in the spotlight, further fueling public interest in their financial and personal lives.
Real Estate Investments
Over the years, Taylor and Shumpert have made significant real estate moves. In 2018, they purchased a 5,700-square-foot home in Studio City, Los Angeles, for nearly $3 million. The luxurious property included five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a movie theater, a spa, and a swimming pool. They listed the home for sale in 2020 for $3.695 million and eventually sold it for $4 million in June 2022. These investments have contributed to Taylor’s overall wealth and financial stability.
Awards and Recognition
Taylor’s contributions to music, dance, and directing have earned her several prestigious awards. In 2017, she won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography for Kanye West’s Fade. She also secured Video Director of the Year at the BET Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards in 2020. Additionally, she received nominations for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and the BET Her Award in 2019, along with multiple Soul Train Music Award nominations for Best Dance Performance.
Future Prospects and Lasting Legacy
As of 2025, Teyana Taylor remains an influential figure in entertainment. Whether through music, directing, fashion, or fitness, she continues to evolve. While her personal life has undergone significant changes, her ability to adapt and thrive in multiple industries ensures that her career remains on an upward trajectory. With her net worth standing at $5 million and a growing list of accomplishments, Taylor’s legacy as an artist and entrepreneur is far from over.