Teyana Taylor Talks ‘Escape Room,’ Steamy Aaron Pierre Visual, & Why She Had to Set the Record Straight on Iman

Teyana Taylor is officially back outside! The multi-talented singer, actress, and creative director stopped by HOT 97 to chop it up with Nessa about her highly anticipated new album, Escape Room, dropping August 22nd.

After announcing her retirement in 2020, Teyana says this project marks her return for one reason — she still has something to say. She broke down the meaning behind the album title, explaining it’s about finding freedom from life’s pressures, heartbreak, and even self-doubt.

Her latest single, “Bed of Roses,” comes with a steamy visual starring British actor Aaron Pierre. Teyana gushed about how safe, loved, and understood Aaron makes her feel, and gave fans an update on where their relationship stands today.

She also got candid about her public split from Iman Shumpert, saying it was important for her to make sure the breakup narrative didn’t paint him as a villain. “It was never about tearing anyone down,” she explained.

One standout on Escape Room is the track “Long Time,” which opens with a powerful narration by Taraji P. Henson. Teyana says she chose Taraji because her voice carries the raw emotion needed to tell a story about heartbreak that goes beyond romance — touching on family, career, and friendship.

From the most personal songs that moved her to tears, to her work behind the camera as a creative director, Teyana also spilled details on her upcoming film One Battle After Another with Leonardo DiCaprio, dropping September 26th. She even talked about her new chapter in culinary school, her return to Def Jam, and how people describe her energy on set.

If Escape Room is anything like what Teyana’s serving in this interview, fans are in for an emotional and artistic masterpiece.