Don't Sleep on Teyana Taylor's "VII"


The road to the release of Teyana Taylor's first full length album, VII, hasn't been an easy one. Since we first saw her on MTV's "My Super Sweet 16," the talented Harlemite with big hair and bold style has become known as more a socialite with an occasional feature than a serious artist. It makes sense that, Ms.Taylor would approach "VII" with a focus and determination to make it known that she's a serious singer.

She succeeded.



VII is the R&B album you'd never expect from a 90s baby. It's smooth and sensuous. While many of the biggest male r&b stars fill the airwaves with rhythmic vulgarities, she's incorporated old school influences (check out the "Portuguese Love" interpolation in "Broken Hearted Girl") with a contemporary sensibility that makes the songs the songs enjoyable for those us weary of mainstream R&B's decline and radio-friendly.

The work was worth the wait. Teyana should be proud.

Purchase VII on Amazon and iTunes






Kimberly Foster is the founder and editor of For Harriet. Email or