Teyana Taylor is ready for her return to music. The multi-hyphenate talent has announced her new album, Escape Room, which will release in August via Def Jam.
The album will be accompanied by a short film of the same name that Taylor wrote, directed and produced under her production company, The Aunties. Described as a “post-apocalyptic/futuristic, noir romance thriller,” Escape Room stars Taylor, Aaron Pierre and LaKeith Stanfield.
According to press materials, the film is a visual representation of the album that explores “the ombré effects of life’s journey from the darkness of all aspects of heartbreak (i.e., friendships, career, family, etc.) to the lightness of healing.”
The synopsis continues, “This multi-faceted body of work traces the entire human experience, delivering both a relatable and universal piece of art that audiences can make their own. Escape Room ultimately creates a safe space to break free from whatever we need to escape, leaving hurt behind, and reaching healing.”
Escape Room will mark Taylor’s first project since 2020’s The Album, which she previously said was her final album.
The 25-track LP included the singles “Bare Wit Me,” “How You Want It?” featuring King Combs, “Wake Up Love” featuring her now ex-husband IMAN and “Morning” with Kehlani. All four tracks are certified gold by the RIAA, with over 500,000 equivalent units sold in the U.S., respectively.
The Album featured additional collaborations with Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Future, Big Sean, Davido, Quavo, Rick Ross and Taylor’s daughter Junie.
After announcing her musical hiatus, Taylor shifted her focus to expanding The Aunties, which included serving as creative director for artists like Summer Walker and GloRilla and directing videos for Monica, Coco Jones and Bryson Tiller.
Taylor also took on more acting gigs, starring in films like Coming 2 America (2021), A Thousand and One (2023) and The Book of Clarence (2023).
Next up, she will star alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd in Tyler Perry’s drama film Straw, streaming June 6 on Netflix. Taylor will also star in the comedy action film One Battle After Another with Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, Alana Haim and Regina Hall. It hits theaters on Sept. 26.
Watch the official trailer for Teyana Taylor’s short film Escape Room below.
