Teyana Taylor has opened up about the emotional journey behind her Grammy-nominated comeback, revealing that she previously walked away from the music industry because she felt “super under-appreciated,” per allhiphop.com.
The multi-talented artiste returned to the charts this year with her fourth studio album, Escape Room. The project has secured her a nomination for Best R&B Album, a milestone Taylor describes as “one answered prayer after another”.
In 2020, following the release of The Album, Taylor announced a shock retirement, citing frustration with the industry and a perceived lack of recognition. She successfully pivoted to Hollywood, earning critical acclaim for her roles in Coming 2 America and the Sundance award-winning drama A Thousand and One.
However, the “pull of the studio” eventually proved too strong. Speaking to People, Taylor explained: “What lured me back was just me coming back on my terms. All I ever wanted was to feel appreciated and utilised. I didn’t want to be stuck or put into one box.”
While thrilled by the Grammy nod, Taylor admitted the recognition sparked a complex mix of emotions. She noted that while she feels every past project deserved similar accolades, she views this nomination as a win for her entire discography.
“It’s for every album that I put out that I felt was underrated or not seen,” she said.
Released in August, Escape Room marks a definitive professional comeback for Taylor, proving that her decision to return to the microphone was the right one.
