# Teyana Taylor & Aaron Pierre: A PR Romance Fails to Revive Her Career
Teyana Taylor burst onto the music scene in the 2000s with undeniable charisma, a striking look, and the backing of industry heavyweights like Pharrell Williams. Signed to his Star Trak Entertainment, she seemed destined for stardom.
Her early image, rooted in Harlem’s hip-hop and R&B influences, radiated authenticity—a raw, organic talent poised to dominate. Appearances on MTV’s *My Super Sweet 16* and her debut single “Google Me” in 2008, which peaked at number 90 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, hinted at potential. Yet, the fairy tale unraveled as her relationship with Pharrell soured.
Taylor later revealed feeling unprotected by him, blaming his non-confrontational nature for allowing mismanagement to derail her career. This mirrored experiences of other artists on his label, like Kelis, who also faced broken promises and stalled projects.
While peers like Rihanna soared to superstardom, Taylor’s momentum faded. A new chapter seemed imminent when she joined Kanye West’s GOOD Music in 2012, contributing to his *Cruel Summer* compilation. However, her 2014 debut album *VII*, despite critical praise, lacked label support, debuting at number 19 on the Billboard 200 before quickly fizzling out.
Her 2018 release *K.T.S.E.*, delayed despite buzz from Kanye’s “Fade” video featuring Taylor and her then-husband Iman Shumpert, peaked at just number 17. Personal revelations in her music, including controversial lyrics about her private life, failed to resonate widely, drawing more criticism than acclaim.
Desperate to reclaim relevance, Taylor turned to reality TV with *Teyana & Iman* in 2018, but the show ended prematurely after six episodes amid rumors of Shumpert’s infidelity. A second attempt, *We Got Love Teyana & Iman* in 2021, wasn’t renewed despite a decent first season, further fueling breakup speculation.
Her 2020 album *The Album* garnered more attention for its pandemic-era release party—criticized for ignoring quarantine protocols—than for its music. Disillusioned by consistent industry neglect, Taylor announced her retirement in 2020, citing feeling underappreciated by Kanye’s label and prioritizing her mental health.
Post-separation from Shumpert in 2023, finalized in 2024, Taylor sparked romance rumors with actor Aaron Pierre in early 2025. Their public appearances, including at the American Black Film Festival and the 2025 Oscars, culminated in a kiss at Pierre’s birthday party and his cameo in her “Long Time” video. Yet, her fourth album *Escape Room*, released in August 2025 on her own Taylor Made Enterprises, debuted at a dismal number 67 on Billboard.
Critics argue this PR relationship, while generating social media buzz, lacks the cultural clout to boost her career. Pierre, though a rising star, isn’t an A-lister with the mainstream pull Taylor needs. Fans sense desperation in this orchestrated pairing, eroding her once-authentic image. Without a hit or viral moment, this stunt adds noise rather than substance, leaving Taylor still chasing a spotlight that continues to elude her.