Teyana Taylor has officially kicked off a new musical era with “Long Time,” the lead single from her upcoming album,
On the moody dance track produced by Rico Love and The Runners, Taylor contemplates a past relationship, recognizing that she stayed longer than she should have.
“I kept you inspired / I lent you my fire / You let me get tired / And the truth is, I didn’t end when it was over,” she sings over a pulsating beat.
“Long Time” is the first offering from Taylor’s upcoming album,Escape Room.The project, which will release via Def Jam, will be accompanied by a short film that she produced under her company, The Aunties.
Taylor stars in the futuristic, noir romance thriller alongside Aaron Pierre and LaKeith Stanfield. Pierre and Stanfield appear in the video for “Long Time,” which sets the scene for what will unfold in the short film.
According to a press release, Escape Room 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 arrive five years since releasing The Album in 2020. The 25-track set included the gold-selling singles “Bare Wit Me,” “How You Want It?” featuring King Combs, “Wake Up Love” featuring her now ex-husband IMAN and “Morning” withKehlani.
The Albumalso included appearances from Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Future, Big Sean, Davido, Quavo, Rick Ross and Taylor’s daughter Junie.
SinceThe Album,Taylor focused her attention on building The Aunties, which included directing music videos for singers like Monica,Coco JonesandBryson Tiller.
Taylor expanded her acting resumé, starring in films such as Coming 2 America(2021),A Thousand and One(2023) andThe Book of Clarence(2023).
She stars in Tyler Perry’s upcoming film Straw, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd. The drama will stream on Netflix beginning June 6.
This fall, Taylor will return to the big screens in thecomedy action film One Battle After Anotheropposite Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, Alana Haim and Regina Hall. The movie hits theaters on Sept. 26
Stream Teyana Taylor’s new song “Long Time” and watch the video below.