Regina King celebrates Teyana Taylor’s artistry
Regina King has paid tribute to Teyana Taylor as the entertainer joins the 2025 TIME100 Next list. Taylor, known for her music, acting, and creative direction, is being recognized as one of the world’s most influential rising stars.
King wrote in her feature that Taylor has always been “vibrant, confident, and unapologetically herself.” She added that this authenticity has fueled Taylor’s success and global influence.
For many fans, Taylor’s recognition is overdue. She has captivated audiences since her early MTV Super Sweet 16 days and has since risen to become a cultural powerhouse.
From retirement to revival in music
Taylor briefly retired from music in 2020, citing feeling undervalued by the industry. However, she has returned with new energy, releasing fresh music and working on an upcoming album.
Her artistry continues to expand. She has earned acclaim for her acting role in One Battle After Another, sharing the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Regina Hall. This growing success signals a new era of recognition for her multi-layered career.
King noted that Taylor’s ability to stay true to herself has always been central to her rise. “That hasn’t changed,” she emphasized, underscoring her admiration for Taylor’s unwavering spirit.
Impact across music, fashion, and choreography
Taylor’s global breakout moment came with her unforgettable dance performance in Ye’s Fade video. Since then, she has made waves on fashion runways and electrified audiences with her stage shows.
Beyond her own music, Taylor has guided other stars as a creative director. She has shaped the live performances of Summer Walker and NBA Young Boy while also choreographing for Beyoncé, the Backstreet Boys, and Broadway productions such as The Color Purple.
King praised this versatility, writing, “Whether she’s dancing, directing, singing, creating, or simply speaking, there is a depth and honesty that radiates from her.”
Breakthrough acting roles and personal milestones
Taylor’s acting career gained new momentum with her breakout role in the acclaimed family drama A Thousand and One. The film drew praise for its emotional storytelling and its reflection of her New York City roots.
At the same time, she balances her artistry with family life, raising two daughters, Junie and Rue. Recently, she surprised fans by announcing her enrollment in culinary school, showing her determination to pursue another lifelong passion—cooking.
King described her as someone who “moves through the world as an artist in every sense,” noting that her performances are not just entertainment but moments that “ignite” audiences.
Teyana Taylor joins global leaders on TIME100 Next list
Taylor is honored in the Artist category, alongside actor Damson Idris, Emmy winner Tramell Tillman, Sinners star Miles Caton, and actress Kara Young. Other categories include music phenoms like Glorilla and Rema, and political leaders like Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
Her inclusion places her among the next generation of global icons who are shaping culture, art, and leadership. For Taylor, this recognition underscores her influence across music, film, fashion, and beyond.
