Teyana Taylor Drops 'The Album' Featuring Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill & More
The release is also packed with features by Missy Elliott, Future and Big Sean.
Out today is Teyana Taylor's latest release, The Album. The full-length project is a glorious interpretation of what her life is right now as a mother, a wife and, a Black woman. On the intro track, Taylor featured an intimate recording of her home birth of her daughter Junie (she also appears on the album).
Taylor comes out the gates swinging strong from the very beginning. Her vocals are strong, the production is stronger and the 23 tracks are filled with a vengeful spirit. In a way, it’s almost as if Teyana wanted to quiet the naysayers of K.T.S.E. her last album. The singer who has never once shied away from R&B inclinations poured her innate passion for music into The Album. Notable features on the release include Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, Future, Rick Ross, Quavo and Big Sean.
Teyana has been providing glimpses into The Album for quite some time now. Two new singles that were the first to reach fans in 2019 were “Morning” with Kehlani and “How You Want It” featuring King Combs. Both these tracks resonated with R&B heads and were packed with plenty of sex appeal.
The Album features a sensual vibe on the majority of the tracks. Ahead of the release, we handpicked the few that stood out to us. “Lowkey,” “Boomin,” “Shoot It Up” and “Concrete” are our picks. On “Lowkey,” Teyana and Badu have quite a bit of chemistry. The narrative they paint is intimate and addresses what Badu explored in her classic single “Next Lifetime.”
Missy Elliot and Future are superb selections for the airy track "Boomin." Teyana's voice reigns supreme throughout the cut. Elliot is clearly instrumental in the production of “Boomin.” Over on “Shoot It Up” we get yet another glimpse into Teyana’s innermost thoughts, it’s a love song through and through. Big Sean also shines on this track. “Concrete” is filled with ‘90s inclinations and the production on this track is why it sticks out on the album. Lauryn Hill's "Sweetest Thing" is sampled on "Ever Ever," we couldn't ignore that spectacular sample. Honorable mentions: “Bare Wit Me,” “69,” "Try Again" and “Wrong Bitch.”
Teyana’s expansive growth as an artist is what makes The Album work. The grasp of her femininity, her sexuality, and her womanhood are the biggest takeaways from this highly anticipated release. She has control of her life, her sound, and most importantly the direction of her artistry. During the disappointing moments we’re experiencing as a nation and within the Black community at large, that’s a powerful win.
Stream The Album below.