At first glance, the Instagram post that Teyana Taylor published on Dec. 4 seems positive and celebratory. In the pic, the “Wake Up Love” singer shared her Spotify 2020 Artist Wrapped stats, including how she racked up nearly 163 million streams on the platform. “Wow, who did that? Y’all did that! Thank you,” wrote Teyana, 29, before dropping a bomb on her fans. “I ain’t gone front in times of feeling super underappreciated as an artist, receiving little to no real push from the ‘machine,’ constantly getting the shorter end of the stick, being overlooked, I mean the list on and on lol..”
“I’m retiring this chapter of my story,” she announced, “with the comfort that I can depart with peace of mind seeing that all the hard work [and] passion put in was indeed loved [and] supported somewhere in the world! To all my supporters from day [one and] all my new ones I love you, and I thank you for everything [and] don’t worry y’all know [Heart emoji] all hustlers have the understanding that when one door closes another will open…either that or I’m pickin da locks petunia!!! So wassup.”
This announcement was greeted with love and support from her day ones and new ones. “I’ve watched first hand how much blood you’ve spilled in this sh-t,” wrote Teyana’s husband, NBA star Iman Shumpert. “It wasn’t for nothing, baby! And we rockin no matter what u choose to do…it’s GONE GO! Love you mostest.” La La Anthony wrote, “love you,” while Cyn Santana added, “We love you TT!!!! Keep filling our hearts and life up with your magic.” Niecy Nash left a string of hearts, and many other fans couldn’t believe the news. “Nooooo I need more MUSIC.” “Did Teyana just say she’s retiring from music? THE ALBUM was the best of 2020! So many hits!!”
Teyana’s retirement comes less than six months after releasing The Album, which contained six singles – “How You Want It?” “Morning,” “We Got Love,” “Made It,” “Bare Wit Me,” and “Wake Up Love.” It also included appearances from Kehlani, Erykah Badu, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Missy Elliott, and Lauryn Hill. Along with The Album, Teyana released K.T.S.E. in 2018 and VII in 2014. She also appeared on the 2012 GOOD Music comp Gruel Summer and in Kanye West’s “Fade” video.
2020 also saw Teyana and Iman grow their family. The couple welcomed a baby girl named Rue Rose on Sept. 6. “Rue Rose decided that the baby shower thrown for her mommy was too lit,” wrote the Brooklyn Nets player. “[N]ot in a million years would you be able to tell me we’d deliver both of our daughters in a bathroom without the assistance of a hospital! Our newest edition entered the world in the water and came out looking around and ready to explore! A healthy child. A little sister. Another daughter. Black love wins….again.”