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106 & Park is a Top Ten Hip-Hop and R&B music video show, set up in a countdown format, that airs weekdays at 6:00 PM eastern and 5:00 PM central time on BET (7:00 PM on BET UK). Since its inception, it was the network's #1 rated show. It is currently the only show on the BET network that shows music videos.

Location[link]

The show was originally produced in Harlem, New York, and the title is derived from the original studio location at East 106th Street and Park Avenue. Viacom's acquisition of BET prompted a change in venue to the CBS Broadcast Center at 530 West 57th Street between 10th & 11th ave, in the Hell's Kitchen section of Manhattan.^[1]

Hosts[link]

A. J. Calloway and Marie "Free" Wright were the original hosts of the show from September 11, 2000 until July 28, 2005, when Calloway (who was tearful on that particular episode.) announced that it would be his last show, as well as for Free (who spoke via phone), as the show was either presented by Calloway or Wright. Starting with the 2005–06 season it was then presented by Julissa Bermudez and Big Tigger (of another BET series, Rap City) until the end of the 2005-2006 season, to which during that season featured celebrity guest hosts filling the place for either one or two of the hosts such as Mya and rapper Bow Wow. On July 6, 2006, Rocsi (real name Raquel Roxanne Diaz), who is also a radio host on Power 92.3 in Chicago in the afternoon, and Terrence Jenkins ("Terrence J.") became the hosts after winning the BET New Faces Contest. On May 29, 2012, Rocsi and Terrence J announced they would be stepping down as hosts of 106 & Park. A.J. Calloway and Free are expected to make a return to the show in November 2012 as the hosts of 106 & Park.

Broadcasting history[link]

Upon its premiere, the show ran for one hour (including commercials). In 2001, it was extended to 90 minutes. In 2008, the show was extended to two hours, but still reverts to 90 minutes depending on BET's scheduling for the day, particularly if a long movie is airing. The show celebrated its 2,000th episode on August 20, 2008. From July 25, 2011, to September 2, 2011, the show was extended to three hours.

The shows' tenth anniversary special took place on October 6, 2010. Original hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa, and Big Tigger returned to the series to celebrate its decade-long tenure.

[edit] 106 & Park Video Hall of Fame

Every video that was voted onto the countdown 65 times would be retired and placed into the "106 & Park Video Hall of Fame". All of Beyonce's music videos have been retired as well as "Love" by Keyshia Cole, "You" by Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne and "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson ft. Ne-Yo & Kanye West have been retired. This normally occurred relatively frequently, and earned Bow Wow the permanent title of Mister 106 & Park, and the late Aaliyah the permanent title of Miss 106 & Park for having the most #1's of their respective genders. One of Aaliyah's retired tracks is h final single, Rock the Boat. The most recent video to be retired is "Do It Like You" by Diggy Simmons featuring Jeremih, which was retired on March 26, 2012.

Freestyle Friday[link]

"Freestyle Friday is a weekly segment on BET's popular show 106 & Park where two aspiring rappers compete in a freestyle battle before the studio audience ^[2]” and the cypher (from 2006) and three celebrity judges (the DJ sometimes acts as the 3rd judge). Each competitor alternates freestyling for 30 seconds in each of the two rounds. The rappers are not allowed to use any explicit language. If they do they will be disqualified and the other competitor will win by default. For example, Reed Dollaz from Philadelphia and most recently Pop De Neero from North Trenton had violated the rules, disqualifying themselves from the battle. “After the battle, the judges decide the winner, per majority vote. The rapper who wins each week wins a prize and returns the following Friday to defend their Champion title. After seven consecutive wins, however, the rapper is retired and inducted into the Freestyle Friday Hall of Fame, but if the Challenger card is picked by either two or three of the Judges, then the Champion automatically loses the Champion title.^[3]” Once they are in the Hall of Fame they qualify to enter the March Mayhem that happens every year. March Mayhem is when all the rappers who made it to the Hall of Fame that year battle each other to see who the best of the best is. aboutIf you want to keep a follow up on 106 & Park Freestyle Friday go follow @FreestyleFri106 on Twitter.

Wild Out Wednesday[link]

"Every week, Terrence and Rocsi welcome three new challengers to face off during 106 & Park's Wild Out Wednesday." ^[4] Each talented unsigned performer pours out their heart and soul onstage during the W.O.W. competition. Theses performers consist of dancers, singers, steppers and rappers. The vote of the people at home decide who win that Wednesday.

The 106 & Park's App[link]

The 106 & Park started on March 26, 2011. You now can "become a part of the livest audience on TV without leaving your home! Get the 106 & Park app, fire it up and tune in weekdays at 6pm/5c for an all-new 106 & Park experience!" ^[5] You can download it for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

Here's what's waiting for you when you download the app: The home screen gives users up-to-the-minute updates on what’s happening on 106 & Park—new joints, Twitter topics, celebrity guests and special shows. Open 106 Nation and see where other 106 & Park viewers are located. You might even get a call from Terrence and Rocsi if you have the app open while the show is live! The live Twitter wall keeps you in sync with tweets from your favorite artists and lets you see what people nationwide are saying about the daily Trending Topic. Also, send a tweet to 106 & Park for a chance to have it read on air. Countdown Voting is now a fun, engaging game. You'll see how many votes you can scratch up for your favorite artists in five seconds. Do it as many times as you want, when you want and wherever you want! Catch the Code106 barcode on air and scan it through the app for a chance to enter contests and unlock secret content. This is only for app users! You can view over 100 artist profiles, which include pictures, tweets, videos and more. You can even get notified the next time your favorite artist appears on the show. You can view hundreds of red carpet pictures and backstage access to your favorite artists’ visits to the 106 studio. You can watch the latest moments from the show or search among over 600 clips!^[5]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• 106 & Park Connect
• 106 & Park: BET's Top 10 Live at the Internet Movie Database
• 106 & Park: BET's Top 10 Live at TV.com

Nicki Minaj
Minaj at 2010 MTV Music Awards
Background information
Birth name	Onika Tanya Maraj
Born	(1982-12-08) December 8, 1982 (age 29)[1] Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
Origin	South Jamaica, Queens, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop, R&B, pop
Occupations	Rapper, singer-songwriter
Years active	2002–present
Labels	Cash Money Records, Young Money Entertainment, Universal Republic Records, Universal Motown
Associated acts	Young Money
Website	mypinkfriday.com

Onika Tanya Maraj (born December 8, 1982), known by her stage name Nicki Minaj ( /mɪˈnɑːʒ/), is a Trinidadian-born American rapper and singer-songwriter. She was born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago and when she was 5 years of age she moved to the New York City borough of Queens, where she grew up.

After releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009 and being signed to Young Money Entertainment in August 2009, Minaj released her debut album, Pink Friday, in November 2010. It quickly became a commercial success, peaking at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) a month after its release.^[2][3] She became the first female solo artist to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.^[4] Her second single, "Your Love", reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, making Minaj the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.^[5] She also became the first female artist to be included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List.^[6] Minaj was named the 2011 Rising Star by Billboard.^[7] Her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded was released on April 3, 2012.

Early life[link]

Maraj was born in 1982^{[1][note 1]} in Saint James, a suburb of Trinidad and Tobago's capital city Port of Spain.^[8][9][10] Her parents are of mixed Indian and Afro-Trinidadian ancestry^[11][12] and she lived in Saint James with her grandmother until age five, because her parents were looking for a place to live in the Queens borough of New York City at the time. Her mother would occasionally visit, and one day, when Minaj was five, her mother picked her up to move to Queens.^[13] According to Minaj, her father drank heavily, took drugs, and once tried to kill her mother by setting the house on fire.^[14]

She attended Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School 210, where she played the clarinet.^[13] She graduated from LaGuardia High School.^[15][16] At LaGuardia, a school specializing in music and the visual and performing arts, Minaj participated in the drama program.^[15] She had initially planned to sing at LaGuardia but lost her voice on the day of the audition.^[15]

Career[link]

2007–09: Mixtapes and Young Money[link]

Minaj released her first mixtape in 2007 after releasing Playtime Is Over with Dirty Money Records. She released another mixtape on July 7, 2008, titled Sucka Free, under the label Be. On April 18, 2009, Minaj released a third mixtape and appeared in XXL magazine.^[17] She won the Female Artist of the Year award at the 2008 Underground Music Awards.^[18] Minaj released Beam Me Up Scotty, another mixtape, in April 2009 under the label of Trapaholics Records; it received positive coverage on both BET and MTV.^[19][20]

In August 2009, Minaj signed a record deal with Young Money Entertainment, with distribution from Universal Motown Records, after fellow American rapper Lil Wayne discovered her and secured the record deal.^[17][21] She then had a solo rap verse in their single "BedRock," which became a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Minaj also appeared on "Roger That", which charted at number 56. The song, and in particular Minaj, received positive reviews from critics.^[22] Both songs were included in Young Money Entertainment's debut collaborative studio album We Are Young Money, which was released in December 2009. The album charted in the top ten on the Billboard 200, reaching number 9 and later receiving a Gold Certification by the RIAA. She was then chosen by Mariah Carey to be featured on her single and music video for "Up Out My Face". Critics praised her collaboration for helping to maintain Carey's feminine image and providing a polite track for the female R&B singer.^[23]

[edit] 2010–11: Pink Friday

Britney Spears and Minaj performing the Femme Fatale Remix of "Till the World Ends" in the Femme Fatale Tour.

After a major record label bidding war, Young Money Entertainment announced on August 31, 2009 that Minaj had been released from a 360 deal with the label in which she retains and owns all of her 360 rights – including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring and publishing.^[24] In an interview with 95.8 Capital FM, Rihanna stated that after the two collaborated on "Raining Men" from her album Loud that the duo would be teaming up together for a possible second collaboration on Minaj's Pink Friday.^[25] Hip-hop rap artist and producer Kanye West was also confirmed for the album.^[26] On August 3, 2010 Minaj revealed on a Ustream.tv channel that the album's name would be Pink Friday, in reference to Black Friday.^[27]

Pink Friday was released on November 19, 2010 in both standard and deluxe versions.^[28][29] A buzz single, "Massive Attack", was released in April.^[30] In August, Minaj released "Your Love" as the first official single from her debut album. The single peaked at 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and topped the Rap Songs chart. Minaj became the first female artist to be included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List^[6] and the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.^[31] In October 2010, Minaj became the first artist to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously.^[4] Minaj released a joint single with The Black Eyed Peas front man, will.i.am titled, "Check It Out", which is Minaj's most successful single to date in Europe. "Right thru Me" was released September 24, 2010; the music video was released in late October. "Moment 4 Life" was released as the fourth single. The track featured Canadian rapper Drake and was released on December 7, 2010, becoming a success on the Billboard Hot 100. The single peaked at number 5 on the Hot Rap Songs.^[32] The album gained a Platinum certification in the United States a month after the release.^[3]

On January 29, 2011, Minaj appeared on Saturday Night Live as the musical guest, performing "Right Thru Me" and "Moment 4 Life". On February 9, 2011, it was announced that Pink Friday had reached number one on the Billboard 200 in its eleventh week on the chart.^[33] It was hinted by Simon Cowell that Minaj would join the judging panel of the American version of the The X Factor.^[34] Starting in June 2011, Minaj will be supporting Pink Friday by serving as an opening act along with Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo on Britney Spears' sixth concert tour, the Femme Fatale Tour, in support of her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale.^[35] She also was featured on the official remix of Spears' track "Till the World Ends" along with Spears and singer Kesha, which charted at number 3 in the US in April 2011.^[36] "Super Bass" was released from Pink Friday in May 2011, the single charted within the top 10 in many countries including; United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and more.^[37] The song gained positive reviews from critics.^[38][39] Minaj will voice a character in the 3D animated film, Ice Age: Continental Drift, as an unknown character.^[40][41] Minaj is also featured on French DJ David Guetta's 2011 album, Nothing but the Beat on "Where Them Girls At" and "Turn Me On".

[edit] 2011–present: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, was first announced through Twitter in November 2011 and was released on April 2, 2012 in the United Kingdom and April 3, 2012 in the United States. The album features collaborations with producers Hit-Boy, Dr. Luke, Rico Beats, Kenoe, RedOne and Oak. Cash Money A&R Joshua Berkman told HitQuarters that Minaj was extremely particular about the beats and music she used saying: "She wouldn't just rap or sing on anything – I could give her a thousand tracks and she may only like one or two."^[42] Preceding the album's release, three promotional singles were released: Roman in Moscow (which didn't make the final cut of the album), "Stupid Hoe," and "Roman Reloaded." The album's first single, "Starships", was released on February 14.^[43] "Starships" became Minaj's best-peaking single in the United Kingdom, when it reached a peak of 2. It has also peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it her second top 10 arrival following, "Super Bass" in 2011. The music video was released on April 26th, 2012.^[44]

On February 12, 2012, Minaj debuted her song "Roman Holiday" at the 54th Grammy Awards. It was the first song ever performed on the Grammy stage by a solo female rapper.^[45] The exorcism-themed performance drew a mixed response online.^[46][47]

She was featured on Madonna's twelfth studio album, titled MDNA, alongside M.I.A. on its lead single "Give Me All Your Luvin'", for which a music video has been directed by Megaforce.^[48] The trio performed the song for the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show.^[49] She was also featured on a song called "I Don't Give A", another track from the album.

She released her second single, "Right by My Side", which features Chris Brown, on March 27, 2012, after premiering on Minaj's website on March 20, 2012.^[50] Following the album's release, it peaked at number 24 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. It also peaked in the lower regions of the UK singles chart, at position #101. The third single, "Beez in the Trap", which features 2 Chainz was released to U.S. Urban radio on April 24, 2012. It was premiered on DJ Flex's radio show at Hot 97 on March 20, 2012. It has peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Rap Songs Chart.^[51] The video was premiered on April 6, 2012 on Minaj's official VEVO account.^[52]

Artistry[link]

Minaj in 2011 during Femme Fatale Tour

Image[link]

Minaj has been noted by the media for her curvaceous figure.^{[53][54][55][56]} In an interview with Vibe Minaj discussed her sexual image stating, "[w]hen I grew up I saw females doing certain things, and I thought I had to do that exactly. The female rappers of my day spoke about sex a lot... and I thought that to have the success they got, I would have to represent the same thing. When in fact I didn’t have to represent the same thing."^[57] In an interview with Interview, Minaj commented on her sexual image again stating, "I made a conscious decision to try to tone down the sexiness, I want people—especially young girls—to know that in life, nothing is going to be based on sex appeal. You’ve got to have something else to go with that.”^[58] Minaj has a tattoo in Chinese characters that reads "上帝與你常在" (shàngdì yǔ nǐ cháng zài)^[59] on her left arm, meaning, "God is always with you."^[60]

Alter egos[link]

While growing up, Minaj's home life was often chaotic, with her parents constantly fighting.^[61] As a means of escape, she would create characters and live her life through them.^[61] In an interview with New York she stated, "To get away from all their fighting, I would imagine being a new person. 'Cookie' was my first identity – that stayed with me for a while. I went on to 'Harajuku Barbie,' then 'Nicki Minaj'. Fantasy was my reality."^[61]

On November 18, 2010, Minaj assumed a different alter-ego named "Nicki Teresa".^[62] Wearing a colorful scarf around her head, she went around as the "healer to her fans" as she visited them at The Garden of Dreams Foundation at Fuse studios in New York City.^[62] Minaj made an appearance on Lopez Tonight on December 6, 2010 and presented a different alter-ego for the Spanish-inspired occasion, named "Rosa" (pronounced Rrrrrosa).^[63]

In April 2012, Minaj was asked if Roman, Martha and Rosa come out in the bedroom saying “No, they don’t come out in the bedroom, but other people come out in the bedroom,” she told Big Boy during his “Backstage Breakfast,” adding, “And there’s only one person that would know who that personality is". Minaj did not name her alter-ego.^[64]

For her debut album, Minaj created another alter-ego named "Roman Zolanski".^[65] She stated that in songs like "Bottoms Up" with Trey Songz it is not Minaj rapping, but instead Roman Zolanski, and claims that Roman is her "twin brother". She claims that he was born inside her, out of rage, and becomes him when she is angry. She has also said 'He is a demon inside her'. Roman has been compared to Eminem's alter ego Slim Shady, and on the song "Roman's Revenge" from Pink Friday, Minaj and Eminem collaborate, using these alter egos.^[66] On the collaboration, she said "The new album is going to have a lot of Roman on it ... And if you're not familiar with Roman, then you will be familiar with him very soon. He’s the boy that lives inside of me. He's a lunatic and he's gay and he'll be on there a lot."^[67] Roman also has a "mother" called "Martha Zolanski",^[68] who also appeared on the song "Roman's Revenge", with a British accent,^[69] and on "Roman Holiday", singing for the first time.^[70][71] Martha appears in the video for "Moment 4 Life" where she appears to be Minaj's magical Godmother. In songs such as "All I Do Is Win (Remix)" it is Minaj rapping.^[65] Minaj stated that on her debut album, fans will get to "meet" Nicki, Roman and Onika.^[65]

Influences[link]

Minaj has stated that artists who have influenced her musical style include Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill, Jadakiss, Natasha Bedingfield, Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim and Missy Elliott.^[72][73] She was also inspired by Janet Jackson,^[74] Madonna, Britney Spears, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Jones,^[75] M.I.A. and Cyndi Lauper.^[76][77][78]

Product and endorsements[link]

During her career, Minaj has signed contracts with a variety of corporate interests. Companies she contracted with include soft drink manufacturer Pepsi;^[79] Mattel, which produced a custom a Nicki Minaj-themed Barbie;^[80] and MAC Cosmetics, as part of an AIDS-awareness campaign in Latin America.^[81]

Personal life[link]

Minaj is a Christian, and on Christmas Day in 2011, she indicated her faith in Jesus by tweeting John 3:16.^[82][83] In addition, she states that after her father went to rehab and started attending church, "he got saved and started changing his life."^[84] Minaj states that her heroes are "God. And my mother."^[85][86]

While some songs and interviews have implied that Minaj is bisexual,^[87][88] she has said that she does not date nor have sex with women,^[15] but added in an interview with Out magazine, "I don’t date men either."^[89] In an interview with Vibe she commented, "I just embrace all people of all lifestyles and I don’t tell them they are bad people. And I say girls are beautiful and girls are sexy and they need to be told that, and if they don’t have anyone to tell them that and mean it, I’m gonna tell them that. But I feel like people always wanna define me and I don’t wanna be defined."^[90] She reiterated her dislike of being labeled in an interview with Out, saying: "The point is, everyone is not black and white. There are so many shades in the middle, and you’ve got to let people feel comfortable with saying what they want to say when they want to say it."^[89]

During an interview in the May 2010 issue of Details, Minaj was asked if she felt hip-hop was becoming more gay-friendly. She responded, "I think the world is getting more gay-friendly, so hip-hop is too. But it's harder to imagine an openly gay male rapper being embraced, people view gay men as having no street credibility. But I think we'll see one in my lifetime."^[88]

In July 2011, Minaj's cousin Nicholas Telemaque was murdered near his home in Brooklyn, New York City.^[91] Telemaque was referenced in Minaj's song "Champion" in her second studio album.^[92]

Discography[link]

• Pink Friday (2010)
• Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012)

Touring[link]

• Pink Friday Tour (2012)

See also[link]

Nicki Minaj portal

• List of awards and nominations received by Nicki Minaj

References[link]

Notes[link]

External links[link]

	Book: Nicki Minaj
Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.

• Official website
• Nicki Minaj at the Internet Movie Database
• Media related to Nicki Minaj at Wikimedia Commons

Waka Flocka Flame
Background information
Birth name	Juaquin Bertholimule Malphurs
Born	(1986-05-31) May 31, 1986 (age 26) South Jamaica, Queens, New York
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Years active	2008-present
Labels	Brick Squad Monopoly, 1017 Brick Squad Records, Warner Bros., Asylum
Associated acts	1017 Brick Squad, Gucci Mane
Website	www.wakaflocka1017.com

Juaquin Malphurs (born May 31, 1986), better known by his stage name Waka Flocka Flame, is an American rapper signed to 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros. He is a Southern hip hop artist best known for his singles "O Let's Do It", "Hard in da Paint" & "No Hands", along with his debut album, Flockaveli. Waka Flocka Flame has announced that his second album, Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family, will be released during the spring of 2012.^[1]

Biography[link]

Early life and career[link]

Juaquin Malphurs was born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York in 1986. His family eventually settled in Riverdale, Georgia.^[2] He is the son of Debra Antney, Gucci Mane's former manager and CEO of So Icey/Mizay Entertainment.^[3] The name "Waka" was given to him by his cousin, after the Muppets character Fozzie Bear's catch phrase, "Waka Waka". The name "Flocka Flame" was given to him by rapper Gucci Mane.^[4] Waka Flocka posed for a nude but unrevealing picture for the company PETA to boycott killing animals. The picture says "Ink not Mink". The picture design is similar to Waka Flocka Flame's album Flockaveli.^[5] Waka Flocka Flame said that he has known Gucci Mane since he was 19^[6]

[edit] 2009-2010: Flockaveli

Waka Flocka Flame came to fame with his breakthrough single "O Let's Do It" in 2009,^[7] which peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100. Waka Flocka Flame is a member of the 1017 Brick Squad with Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Frenchie, and Wooh Da Kid.^[8] On January 19, 2010, Malphurs was shot and robbed at a car wash in Atlanta. The bullet went through his right arm.^[9][10] He is currently preparing multiple mixtapes with Brick Squad.^[11] His debut album, Flockaveli was released on October 5, 2010. He was featured on Lil Jon's album Crunk Rock on the track "Throw It Up, Pt. 2 (Remix)". The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200. He was named the eighth hottest MC of 2010 by MTV.^[12]

Gucci Mane fired Debra Antney as his manager. Despite rumors, there is no animosity between the two rappers due to this event. In an MTV interview, both he and Waka Flocka Flame affirmed that their relationship is in good standing even though they no longer speak.^[13] In early September, Gucci Mane was seen at Flocka's Flockaveli listening party supporting the artist.^[14]

[edit] 2011-present: Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family and mixtapes

Waka Flocka Flame has released previous mixtapes in 2011 including Salute Me or Shoot Me 3, Benjamin Flocka and his last Twin Towers 2 with Slim Dunkin'. On August 9, 2011 his latest compilation with Gucci Mane, Ferrari Boyz was released. The first single was "She Be Puttin On", featuring the now deceased Slim Dunkin, who was shot at an Atlanta recording studio shooting a music video.^[15]

On August 9, 2011, the first single for his sophomore album, "Round of Applause", featuring Canadian-rapper Drake, a confirmed featured guest to appear on the album, was released. It is produced by Lex Luger. The first original version featured only Waka Flocka Flame, and the remix featured Drake, but later the remix was made the original version. Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family is slated to be released in the first quarter of 2012.

Discography[link]

Studio albums

• 2010: Flockaveli
• 2012: Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family

References[link]

External links[link]

• Waka Flocka Flame Official Website
• Waka Flocka Flame on Myspace

This article relies on references to primary sources or sources affiliated with the subject, rather than references from independent authors and third-party publications. Please add citations from reliable sources. (September 2009)

Teyana Taylor (born December 10, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actress. Her debut single "Google Me" was released in 2008, peaking at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. She is of African American and Afro-Trinidadian descent.

Biography[link]

Early Life & Career Beginnings[link]

Teyana was born and raised in Harlem, New York City. At age 4, she picked up a microphone in front of a crowd for the first time, and realized she wanted to become a singer/entertainer. Teyana was enrolled in many different talent competitions, including the Apollo Theater National All-Stars talent search. Taylor had strong influences from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill.^[1]

2007–2011: Record Deal and Film Debut[link]

Taylor appeared on MTV's My Super Sweet 16 in 2007. Before it aired, she signed to Star Trak/Interscope Records.^[2] "Google Me" was the first single from her debut album, From a Planet Called Harlem. The track peaked at number 90 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. She was a member of a band called U.G.L.Y. along with band mates Mijo, Braxton and Ethan. A snippet of U.G.L.Y.'s single "Wasted" was released early 2010. No further releases from the band have since been mentioned.

Taylor ventured into acting, appearing in the sequel of Stomp the Yard, titled Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming, which was released in August 2010.^[3] She made an appearance on the debut episode of House of Glam on Oxygen. She also appeared in a new movie by Tyler Perry, Madea's Big Happy Family, released on April 22, 2011. Taylor is set to appear next as The Supremes lead singer Diana Ross in the upcoming biopic movie based upon the life of fellow Supreme Florence Ballard, starring Terry Dexter in the title role, of Blondie: The Florence Ballard Story.^[4]

[edit] 2012–Present: The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor

Taylor was released from her contract with Interscope in 2012.^[5] She released a track called "Make Your Move" featuring Maybach Music Group artist Wale. It will be featured on The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor, her upcoming Mixtape, to be released on March 12, 2012.^[6]

Taylor released the second single from her Mixtape, "D.U.I.", on February 25, 2012. The song features Jadakiss and Fabolous. Rap-Up said that "The Harlem songstress channels Janet Jackson as she glides over the smooth Hit-Boy-produced beat with her airy vocals, while fellow New Yorkers Fabolous and Jadakiss ride shotgun".^[7]

Teyana Taylor signed a joint deal with Kanye West's label G.O.O.D. Music and The Island Def Jam Music Group on May 14th, 2012.^[8]

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• From a Planet Called Harlem (2008)

• The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor (2012)

Singles[link]

As featured artist[link]

• "Christmas in Harlem" by Kanye West (feat. Cyhi Da Prynce & Teyana Taylor)
• "Dark Fantasy" by Kanye West
• "Favor" by Chris Brown (feat. Lonny Bereal & Teyana Taylor)
• "I'm Illy" by Chris Brown (feat. Teyana Taylor)
• "I Gets Crazy (Remix)" by Nicki Minaj (feat. Lil Wayne & Teyana Taylor)
• "I Need A Girl (Remix)" by Trey Songz (feat. Fabolous & Teyana Taylor)
• "Turn My Swag On (Remix)" by Keri Hilson (feat. Lil Kim & Teyana Taylor)
• "Put It On Ya" by Missy Elliott (feat. Teyana Taylor)
• "Rock Wit Me" by Jadakiss (feat. Teyana Taylor)
• "Push Me Up" by Chris Brown (feat. Teyana Taylor)

Writing credits[link]

• "So Cold" by Chris Brown
• "Simon Sez" by Clyde McKnight

References[link]

This article uses bare URLs for citations. Please consider adding full citations so that the article remains verifiable. Several templates and the Reflinks tool are available to assist in formatting. (Reflinks documentation) (February 2012)

External links[link]

• Official website
• Teyana Taylor at Allmusic
• Teyana Taylor on MySpace Music
• Teyana Taylor at Interscope Records