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Mýa | |
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 Mya in 2018 | |
| Born | Mya Marie Harrison (1979-10-10)October 10, 1979 (age 45) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Other names | |
| Education | Eleanor Roosevelt High School |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1996–present |
| Works | |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Labels |
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| Website | myamya |
Musical artist | |
Mya Marie Harrison (/ˈmaɪə/;[4] born October 10, 1979),[1] known professionally asMýa, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and actress. A "triple threat entertainer,"[5][6] she was born inWashington D.C. and studiedballet,jazz, andtap dance as a child. Her career began in television as a dance posse member, performing onBET'sTeen Summit. She signed with record executiveA. Haqq Islam's University Records, an imprint ofInterscope Records to release her first albumMya (1998), which lyrically explored romance andcoming-of-age scenarios. Met with critical and commercial success, the album was led by her first single, "It's All About Me" (featuringSisqo), which peaked within the top ten of theBillboard Hot 100. Her collaborative singles — "Girls Dem Sugar" (withBeenie Man), "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" (withPras andOl' Dirty Bastard), and "Take Me There" (withBlackstreet andMase) — were also met with commercial success.
Her second studio album,Fear of Flying (2000) was met with further commercial success and presented a more mature sound and image. It peaked at number 15 on theBillboard 200, receivedplatinum certification by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and was supported by the singles "The Best of Me" (featuringJadakiss), "Case of the Ex," and "Free."[7] The following year, Mýa released the single "Lady Marmalade" with singersChristina Aguilera,Pink and rapperLil' Kim for the 2001 musical filmMoulin Rouge!. A cover of the namesake recording by funk rock bandLabelle, it peaked atop theBillboard Hot 100 and 12 international charts, and wonBest Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the44th Annual Grammy Awards.[8] Taking a more active role in the production of her forthcoming releases, Mýa was granted wider creative control of her third studio album,Moodring (2003).[9] The album spawned two charting singles – "My Love Is Like...Wo" and "Fallen" — and received gold certification by the RIAA.[7]
Following a departure from Interscope in favor ofUniversal Motown Records, her fourth studio album,Liberation (2007) was met with critical and commercial failure. Amid theleak of the album in Japan, she parted ways with the label following its release. In 2008, under the mentorship ofJ. Prince, Mýa established her own label,Planet 9.[10] Her fifth and sixth studio albums,Sugar & Spice (2008) andK.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple) (2011) catered to the Japanese market as her mostpop- andclub-oriented releases.[11][12] Beginning in 2014, she released a trio ofR&B–rootedextended plays (EPs) independently:With Love (2014),Sweet XVI (2014), andLove Elevation Suite (2015). In 2016, her seventh album,Smoove Jones received a nomination forBest R&B Album at the59th Annual Grammy Awards. Its follow-up,T.K.O. (The Knock Out) (2018), commemorated the twentieth anniversary of her debut album.
Aside from music, Mýa ventured into acting across film, television, broadway, and gaming. She made her cinematicfeature film debut incrime thrillerIn Too Deep (1999). Following her debut, she has appeared in minor or supporting roles in films and television series such asChicago (2002),Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004),Shall We Dance? (2004),1-800-Missing (2004),NCIS (2005),Cursed (2005),Girls Cruise (2019), andHouse Party (2023). In 2009, Mýa competed inDancing with the Starsseason nine; finishing second place in the competition.[13] Mýa has sold 3.2 million albums in the U.S. and 20 million records worldwide.[14][15][16] Heraccolades include a Grammy Award, aScreen Actors Guild Award, aCritics' Choice Movie Award and twoMTV Video Music Awards.Billboard listed her in the Hot 100 Artists of the 2000s listicle.[17]
Mya Harrison, a native ofWashington, D.C., is the eldest of three children. Her father Sherman "Hajji" Harrison is a singer and performs in an R&B band, Jump Street[18] and her mother Theresa worked as an accountant. She grew up inPrince George's County with her two younger brothers Chaz and Nijel.[19] In her youthful years, Mýa dealt with bullying growing up as a biracial young person with a Black father and a white mother.[20]
At the age of two, her father stood her in theReflecting Pool between theWashington Monument andLincoln Memorial, where she danced. She startedballet classes shortly afterward in 1982, followed bytap andjazz, but lost interest when she was eight.[19] At 12, she found herself watching videos of her dancing and her interest in dance was rekindled.[19][21]
Mýa studied tapes ofTony Award winnerSavion Glover, the tap dance prodigy now best known for theBroadway hitBring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk, until she learned his routines and then joined the group T.W.A. (Tappers With Attitude). She was solo before heading toNew York to study with Glover in a residency with the famedDance Theater of Harlem. Soon after, she earned a reputation forimprovisation and an impressed Glover gave her a solo spot during aKennedy Center performance.[19][22]
Mýa subsequently appeared onBET'sTeen Summit and began to teach dance to children when she was 14. She also had taken violin lessons since the fourth grade. Her strict upbringing emphasized the value of school and working hard to get good grades. When her father first heard her sing, he had her recorddemo tapes and took them to a club where he was playing. There he metA. Haqq Islam, President and CEO of University Music. Islam listened to the tapes and agreed to come to Mýa's home, where she sang him twoEn Vogue songs. Impressed with her audition, Islam signed her to a deal via his label and negotiated a distribution deal throughInterscope Records.[19][21]
After graduating fromEleanor Roosevelt High School inGreenbelt,Maryland at 16, she enrolled in theUniversity of Maryland in speech communications. Mýa left college after one semester to focus on preparing her debut album.[19][23]
After signing with major labelInterscope Records, Mýa spent the next two years recording herdebut studio album. Using his connections, Islam was able to hire an elite team of collaborators to work with her, includingMissy Elliott,Babyface,Diane Warren,Dru Hill,Darryl Pearson andSilkk Tha Shocker, while the staff at Interscope had envisioned to market Mýa as their main female R&B artist, competing with fellow teen singersAaliyah,Brandy Norwood andMonica.[24] Released in April 1998 to generally favorable reviews,Mya peaked at number 29 on the USBillboard 200 and sold 1.4 million copies domestically.[25] It received aplatinum certification by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments to US retailers of over 1,000,000 units.[7] In total, the album sold two million copies worldwide.[26][27][28]Mya yielded three successful singles, including her debut single, "It's All About Me" featuring fellowR&B singerSisqó, which became a top-ten hit on the USBillboard Hot 100, as well as "Movin' On" and "My First Night with You".[24]
The album earned her several accolades, which included twoSoul Train Music Award nominations forBest R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist andBest R&B/Soul Album – Female and anNAACP Image Award nomination forOutstanding New Artist.[27][29] In addition to her solo work, Mýa, along withBlackstreet,Blinky Blink, andMase, was featured on "Take Me There" from the soundtrack of the Nickelodeon animated feature filmThe Rugrats Movie (1998). It reached number one in theNew Zealand Singles Chart and became a top twenty hit in several nations, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, and United States.[30] Mýa also appeared with rapperOl' Dirty Bastard onPras' single "Ghetto Supastar", recorded for his debut solo studio album,Ghetto Supastar (1998). A worldwide number-one hit, the song topped the charts in more than a dozen nations and earned Mýa her firstGrammy Award nomination in theBest Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category. "Ghetto Supastar" was also featured on the soundtrack for the political satire filmBulworth.[30] In 1999, Mýa made her acting debut in the crime thriller filmIn Too Deep, directed byMichael Rymer. In the film, she played a young woman named Loretta starring oppositeLL Cool J andOmar Epps.[31]In Too Deep received generally mixed reviews,[32][33] but managed to recoup its budget.[34]
Additionally in late 1999, Mýa began production on an album that would eventually becomeFear of Flying, which involved a variety of producers, includingRodney Jerkins,Swizz Beatz,Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, andWyclef Jean. The title was partially inspired byErica Jong'ssame-titled 1973 novel, which shared a lot of similarities towardfemale sexuality and development ofsecond-wave feminism. Mýa, who did some writing on her debut album, was heavily involved in the production ofFear of Flying, from writing andrecording to producing,mixing, andmastering.[35] Released in April 2000 to mixed reviews,Fear of Flying debuted at number 15 on theBillboard 200 with first week sales of 72,000 copies. Upon initial release, its first single "The Best of Me" featuringJadakiss had underperformed on the charts and suffered from the dreadedsophomore slump.[36] The album's second single, the confrontational "Case of the Ex", proved to be a different matter. "Case of the Ex" became Mýa's international breakthrough hit, topping theAustralian Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks,[37]while reaching number two and three in the US and the United Kingdom, respectively, and in turn, solidifiedFear of Flying as a hit.[38][39]
With the success of "Case of the Ex",Interscope rereleasedFear of Flying in November 2000, with a revised track listing featuring two new songs, including the third single "Free".Fear of Flying earned Mýa aSoul Train Music Award nomination for R&B/Soul Album – Female and aMOBO nomination for Best Album.[40][41] A multiplatinum success,[42] the album sold 1.2 million copies in the United States and eventually received aplatinum certification by theRecording Industry Association of America.[25][7] Subsequently, it earnedgold certifications fromCanadian Recording Industry Association andAustralian Recording Industry Association.[7]
In spring of 2001, Mýa paid tribute toJanet Jackson atMTV Icon. She performed her own rendition of Jackson's classic hit "The Pleasure Principle".[43] By mid 2001, she had already amassed an impressive nine Top 10 hits and sold more than six million albums worldwide.[44] The same year, she was featured on theAtlantis: The Lost Empire soundtrack, performing theDiane Warren-penned pop ballad "Where the Dream Takes You". The song was featured during the closing credits of the animated feature.[45] Her next music project, Mýa collaborated with singersChristina Aguilera,Lil' Kim, andPink on the remake ofLabelle's 1975 hit "Lady Marmalade", which served as the first single from theMoulin Rouge! soundtrack.[46] A worldwide success, it reached number one in over fifteen countries, including the United States, where it spent five consecutive weeks at the top of theBillboard Hot 100.[47][48] At2001 MTV Video Music Awards, "Lady Marmalade" was nominated for six awards and won two forBest Video from a Film andVideo of the Year.[49][50] In 2002, the quartet performed "Lady Marmalade" at the44th Grammy Awards and won a Grammy forBest Pop Collaboration with Vocals.[8][51]
After the release and success ofFear of Flying and "Lady Marmalade", Mýa began to dabble into acting with a small supporting role in the musical film,Chicago (2002), based on the stage-musical of thesame name. Directed byRob Marshall, it grossed more than $306.8 million worldwide and was critically lauded, winning Mýa several awards in the ensemble categories, including theCritics' Choice Movie Award and theScreen Actors Guild Award.[52] In March 2003, Mýa appeared onhip hop alternative groupJurassic 5's remix version of the song "Thin Line". Chosen as their second single and more R&B driven, "Thin Line" addressed the tension that often exists in platonic male-female relationships.[53]
In July 2003, Interscope released Mýa's third studio album,Moodring. It sold more than 113,000 copies in its first week and peaked at number three on the USBillboard 200, surpassing Mýa's previous effort first-week sales. The album displayed an array of different emotions exploring Mýa's playful and sexual side. The bulk ofMoodring was cowritten and coproduced by Mýa and influenced by different subjects and music stylings includingpop rock,soul,hip hop,R&B, andquiet storm. The first single, theMissy Elliott-produced "My Love Is Like ... Wo" became a top twenty hit on theBillboard Hot 100, while its accompanying music video showcased a more sexy and risqué side of the singer. The second single, mid tempo track "Fallen", failed to duplicate the same success, but reached the top forty onBillboard'sHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.Moodring stayed on the United States chart for eighteen non-consecutive weeks and went on to be certified gold, selling 589,000 copies to date.[7][54][55]
In 2004, she had two small roles in the dance musicalDirty Dancing: Havana Nights and romantic comedy-drama filmShall We Dance?. In the films, she played aLatina lounge singer named Lola Martinez and the fiancée of a ballroom dancing student. WhileDirty Dancing: Havana Nights, a reimagining of the 1987blockbusterDirty Dancing, tanked at the box office,Shall We Dance?, a remake of the 1996 Japanesefilm of the same name,[56] became a box office hit, grossing $170,128,460 worldwide.[57][58] Subsequently, the same year, Mýa began working on her fourth studio album. Originally conceived as a project calledControl Freak, the album's first version was actually scheduled for a mid-2005 release,[59] but was eventually shelved when Mýa decided to leave her management andA&M Records in fall 2005.[60] In 2005, she had a supporting role inWes Craven'shorror filmCursed, starringChristina Ricci andJoshua Jackson. In the film, Mýa played a young victim by the name of Jenny Tate. AlthoughCursed tanked at the box office, it earned her a nomination in the Best Frightened Performance category at the2005 MTV Movie Awards.[61][62] Mýa guest starred in season two ofNCIS.[63] Also in 2005, Mýa featured on rapperCuban Link's single "Sugar Daddy" from his albumChain Reaction. An official video was filmed in New York City and debuted on106 & Park.[64]
In 2006, she costarred in the romantic comedy dramaThe Heart Specialist, written, produced and directed by Dennis Cooper, and starredWood Harris,Zoe Saldana, andBrian J. White. Originally released under the titleWays of the Flesh,[65] it initially premiered at the 2006Boston Film Festival[66] however had remain unreleased until 2011, when it was granted alimited theatrical release.[65] The same year, she signed a recording contract withUniversal Motown and resumed work on her next album, which she completed within a three-month period. Classified as "energetic [and]ghetto" with a lessclassic R&B edge, Mýa renamed the projectLiberation.[67] In March 2007, the album's lead single "Lock U Down", a collaboration withLil Wayne, was sent to radio. After its commercial failure, a second single entitled "Ridin'" was released, but it also underperformed.[68] Due to budget cuts, the album suffered numerous pushbacks and in mid–2007, it accidentallyleaked in Japan, prompting Universal Motown to releaseLiberation as a digital download only in October 2007.[69] Next up in 2007, Mýa costarred in the independent romantic comedy filmThe Metrosexual, starringShaun Benson in the title role.[70] Screened at theBoston Film Festival, the movie received mixed reviews.[71]
In 2008, Mýa costarred in theBill Duke-directed drama thriller filmCover in which she portrayed anAIDS victim named Cynda. The film dealt with the subject of men who are on thedown-low in society and opened at selective theaters and grossed $79,436 in the United States.[72][73] Her next film, thedirect-to-dvdromantic comedy filmLove For Sale. Starring opposite Jackie Long andJason Weaver, Mýa played acollege student named Kiely in a bad relationship.[74] Following her departure from Universal Motown, Mýa continued working on new material under her own independent imprintPlanet 9 and contracted with Japanese R&B label Manhattan Records, a division of Lexington Group, to release new material. Her fifth studio album and first project for the label,Sugar & Spice, received a Japan-wide release in December 2008.[75] Specifically recorded for the Asian music market, it was preceded by the single "Paradise" and spawned a reissue edition, released in 2009.[75]
In 2009, Mýa had a supporting role in thecomedy drama indie filmBottleworld. It featured an ensemble cast ofAnna Camp,Christopher Denham andScott Wilson.[76] Looking to release more new music, Mýa signed a deal withYoung Empire Music Group,[77] and released her firstmixtape calledBeauty & The Streets Vol.1.[78][79] It debuted and peaked at number 55 onBillboard's USTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[80] In fall 2009, Mýa appeared as a contestant onseason nine of the ABC reality showDancing with the Stars, partnered with professional dancerDmitry Chaplin. One of the show's frontrunners throughout the entire competition, she danced on a sprained ankle for the last five weeks and ultimately placed second behind singerDonny Osmond.[81] In 2010, Mýa was invited to be a featured guest vocalist on the number-one hit remake "We Are the World 25 for Haiti".[82] She appeared inThe Penthouse, starringRider Strong. Thesex comedy earned largely negative reviews.[83]
In early 2011, she appeared on French DJ and record producerCedric Gervais's single "Love Is the Answer".[84][85][86] Following the collaboration with Cedric Gervais, Mýa released the solo single "Fabulous Life",[87] which served as the first single from the Japanese version of her sixth studio album titledK.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple),[88] released in April 2011 in Japan.[89] Production on the project was primarily handled byCleveland native producer Young Yonny with additional contributions from Japanese musiciansJeff Miyahara and Daisuke Imai,Chuck Harmony and longtime collaboratorsCarvin & Ivan. As withSugar & Spice, Mýa took full creative control of the album and lent a hand in the songwriting process, cowriting andexecutive producing.[90] The album debuted at number 72 on theOricon Albums Chart.[91] A US version ofK.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple), featuring several new recordings, was released in December 2011 viaiTunes,[92] with up-tempo track "Earthquake" featuringTrina serving as the album's lead single.[93] It debuted and peaked at number 74 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[94]
Starting in 2014, Mýa released a series ofEPs on her independent labelPlanet 9.With Love, a four-trackValentine's Day EP, was released in February 2014 to commemorate the release of her debut single "It's All About Me" and sixteenth anniversary in theentertainment industry.[95] It received largely positive review frommusic critics.[96] In April 2014, Mýa starred oppositeLinda Hamilton in theSyfy originalTV movieBermuda Tentacles, which garnered negative reviews.[97] The same month, her second EPSweet XVI was released to commemorate the release of her debut studio albumMya.[98][99] It was followed by her second Valentine's Day EP,Love Elevation Suite, released in 2015.[100]
Mýa's seventh studio albumSmoove Jones was released on February 14, 2016.[101][102] It was preceded by the singles "Welcome to My World" and "Team You".[103][104][105]Smoove Jones debuted at number 30 onBillboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on March 5, 2016.[106] A critical success, it received aGrammy Award nomination forBest R&B Album at the59th ceremony.[107] In early September 2017, Mýa announced the upcoming release of a new single entitled "Ready for Whatever", but gave no date for the release.[108] "Ready for Whatever" was released September 22, 2017, as the first single from her forthcoming studio project.[109] Less than two months later, Mýa released a remix titled, "Ready, Part II" on November 25, 2017.[110] On February 14, 2018, Mýa released "You Got Me" as her second single from her forthcoming studio albumTKO (The Knock Out) to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of her debut single "It's All About Me".[111] Mya starred as Mina Kennedy in theUMC's original series drama5th Ward The Series. It premiered March 2, 2018.[112] She continued to release a slew of singles that included "Damage" and "Knock You Out".[113] Her thirteenth studio projectTKO (The Knock Out) was released April 20, 2018, commemorating the anniversary of her debut albumMya (1998).[114]
A new single entitled, "G.M.O. (Got My Own)" featuringTink was released on August 31, 2018.[115]
Mýa costarred in a newVH1reality television series, titledGirls Cruise with Lil' Kim andChilli. It premiered July 15, 2019.[116][117] In February 2019, Mýa released "With You" to honor the anniversary of her debut single.[118] Approximately, two months later, "Down" was released to commemorate the one year anniversary ofTKO (The Knock Out).[119] The following month, Mýa released "Open" on May 13, 2019.[120] In June, she released theriddim collaboration "Handsfree" with dancehall artistDing Dong.[121] Mýa had announced a new single "Whine" was set to drop soon, however nothing ever materialize.[122] In November 2019, Mýa collaborated with Canadian rapperTory Lanez and was featured on his albumChixtape 5.[123] In April 2020, Mýa released the single "You Got Me, Part II".[124][125] A month later, the singer released "Space and Time" on May 29, 2020.[126] Throughout the year, Mýa continued to release a series of singles; the DJ Alyx Ander assistedEDM track "Without You",[127] the midtempo cut, "I Deserve It",[128] uptempo banger, "I'ma Do It",[129] and heartfelt ballad, "Just Call My Name".[130] The following year, she released dual singles, "Forever My Love" and "True Love" to coincide with her debut single anniversary.[131] In February, she costarred in theTubi streaming platformaction movieLazarus.[132] In July 2021, the singer released "Worth It" introducing her alter ego "Mya Lan$ky".[133] In December, Mýa starred in theLifetime's original Christmas movie,My Favorite Christmas Melody alongsideRainbow Sun Francks.[134] In January 2022, Mýa made a guest appearance on theABC reality showShark Tank.[135] In June 2022, Mýa reunited with Christina Aguilera for a special performance of "Lady Marmalade" atLA Pride.[136]
In January 2023, Mýa made acameo in the rebootedcomedy filmHouse Party.[137] In August 2023, she released a song called "Whine," a dancehall reggae collaboration featuring Jamaican dance-hall musicianBounty Killer.[138] On October 10, 2023, the singer released anextended play of "Whine" dance mixes.[139] In February 2024, the singer released "Anytime," a standalone single to commemorate the anniversary of her debut single.[140] In April 2024, she collaborated withJunior Sanchez on the dance collaboration "So Hype;"[141][142] an official music video, directed by Lauren Hashian and Spicy Rico, followed on May 15, 2024.[143][144]
I'm just happy to be here. I think being a young artist, just starting out of high school, what kids listen to is club music. We don't necessarily get too deep or sing likeAretha Franklin. That's not even what music is truly about today. It's sad, but I want to give a little bit of sex, being fabulous or sassy. I definitely want to be able to sing and back that up, and being a dancer first has sort of given me a complex that I have to be able to sing, period, with a band. If I break my leg, I'd like to give a show without pyrotechnics and choreography every five seconds.
Mýa possesses amezzo-sopranovocal range that spans four octaves with particularly thetonality andtimbre of her voice being highlighted and described as "very special".[146][147] Writing forSlate, Sasha Frere-Jones acknowledged although Mýa'sbreathy voice suggests smallness, she easily accommodates with up-to-datemelisma, unadornedlegato, and quietcrooning.[148]Stephen Thomas Erlewine ofAllMusic commented that Mýa has a voice that is at once sounding "innocent and knowing", while consistently "upbeat and confident". Similarly,Billboard complimented her voice for having a "smooth, sensitive, angelic tone" to it who oozes with the confidence and stylistic flair of an artist twice her age.[149][150][151]
Other music critics have referred to her voice as "weak" and "thin". In reviewing for her second studio albumFear of Flying, Jon Azpiri of AllMusic commented that "she is a promising young talent, but still has yet to develop the chops necessary to rank among the best of R&B divas."[152]Rolling Stone wrote, "The signature quiver in Mya's voice does give her some sonic identity, but otherwise this could be the music ofDestiny's Child,Aaliyah or any of the countless interchangeable hip-hop/R&B divas."[153]
In an interview withYahoo! Music conducted in 2003, the singer defended her voice and commented, "It's not necessary to sing LOUD every song; I think people associate singing loud with being able to truly sing, and I don't think that is true." She further mentions herCoca-Cola appearance and remarked, "I think that when people heard me sing the Coca-Cola commercial they were like, "Oh, I didn't know she could sing!" But that was just singing loud. So there are a lot of misconceptions just about singing, period." The singer concluded her notion with the statement, "I'm just happy to be here. I like to sing loud, I like to sing soft, I just like to feel good, period. It's not that serious."[145]
Since the beginning of her career, Mýa has always been artistically involved in her career. She writes the majority of her own material for her studio albums. In an interview, she explained she writes 99.9% of her albums, and when songs are submitted to her, if she feels the song is something that feels like something she can perform well and hits close to home, then she feels comfortable doing it.[154] Her lyrics usually fall somewhere between hopeful and melancholy.[155] The singer is also known for writing sexually-driven lyrics and female empowerment compositions with a bit of an edge to them through her love for free-spiritedword play.[156][157] Her music typically "bridge the gap between"pop/R&B and "street-level"hip-hop.[158] According to writer Cynthia Fuchs fromPopMatters it's difficult to categorize Mya, because she has a "tendency to blend music genres".[155] Her third albumMoodring, consisted of various genres including,R&B,hip hop,Techno,pop andreggae.[159]
In an interview withPeople, she revealed she draws her musical inspirations from humming a melody off the note of a whirring fan or tapping her foot to the rhythm of the bathtub dripping; commenting she can hear melodies from natural sounds like birds chirping or the taxis and construction in Manhattan. Occasionally, Mýa wishes she could stop the music. "In the middle of a conversation, I'll start humming or moving my feet, and my friends will say, 'You can't be serious,'" she notes. "It's such a reflex that I'm totally unaware I look like an idiot."[160] Most of her songs are helmed from personal experiences in her life as well as friends' experiences.[145][161]
Mýa has coproduced most of her records since 2000. She has her own recording studio and label imprint,Planet 9 and is heavily involved in the production of her music and every single process, from writing andrecording to producing,mixing, andmastering her own projects. Mýa is very active in all aspects of her career from the actual production to the business; formulating thebeat, creating theconcept, and coming up with themelodies.[35][157][162][163]
Mýa has received praise for her stage presence and live performances. AuthorStacy-Deanne opined that Mýa had developed into a well rounded-performer with flexible abilities who was consistently a "source of attraction" on television and on tour.[23] Staff writer Trish Davis ofHartford Courant described her presence as "compelling" while noting, "With a voice that sends high notes with clarity and low ones with force, Mya's live act is solid."[164] Music writer Charles Passey commended the singer's performance atSunFest and expressed approval of her artistry to "offer a musical menu both bouncy and unpretentious" and felt "unlike a lot of female pop stars these days, she's got a voice to go along with her moves."[165] Journalist Jami Gordillo-Kerby ofThe Fresno Bee revered the singer's concert atThe Big Fresno Fair.[166] She took noticed of how "the singer kept the upper hand," commenting "She was cool, confident and totally in control."[166] On top of that, she applauded the singer's prowess as a performer to continuously to "engaged with her fans during her entire performance" and was in awe by how "the attention stayed on the confident diva who prowled the stage like she owned it," sharing — "She lit up the place with her exuberance and singing and dancing skills."[166] She concluded her review on this sentiment, "Mya proved repeatedly in her Fresno concert that she has the voice to be a major force in R&B for years to come."[166] Reviewing forThe Press of Atlantic City, staff writer Vincent Jackson was most impressed by "how well the singer sings live" and "better than some of her entertainment contemporaries."[167] He concluded his review commenting, "She's clearly an entertainer whose star is on the rise."[167]The AU Review's Chris Singh lauded her showmanship, which he recognized has not "aged" nor her "dulcet notes" that stole the show, citing Mýa as "versatile" and a "tough act to follow".[168] Similarly,Kelefa Sanneh ofThe New York Times praised her live performance, noting her dance movements in particular, which he described as "sprightly", "sexy" and "theatrical".[169] Natasha Pinto ofThe Music commented, "She possesses the dreamiestfalsetto and commands attention with every note and step she takes", acknowledging Mýa's ability to perform with "absolute ease" and "sultry sass" who does not "miss a beat".[170] Senior music writer George Palathingal forThe Sydney Morning Herald noted, "whether performing slick routines alongside two booty-shaking dancers or accompanied only by an acoustic guitarist, Mya is all class."[171] Sheldon Ang ofSheldon Ang Media commented, "Mya's live act is compelling, with a dose of sexiness, bounce and elasticity – ultimately oozing a sultry zest – yet, classy with the respectableje ne sais quoi that only a few could pull off."[147]
Mýa's musical influences includeSade,Janet Jackson,Michael Jackson,Stevie Wonder,Aretha Franklin,Prince,Chaka Khan,Minnie Riperton, andMadonna. Mýa praisesStevie Wonder for his ability to hear music and play music and feel it and get other people to feel it, and Madonna for her boldness and courage. Mýa callsMinnie Riperton her favorite female singer andPrince her musical hero, stating, "He's someone who takes risks. He's an all-around entertainer, hell of a performer. He's a genius."[172][173][174]
Mýa's dance influences includeGregory Hines,Michael Jackson,Janet Jackson,Savion Glover,Jimmy Slyde,Electric Boogaloos,Rock Steady Crew,Cyd Charisse,Gene Kelly,Fred Astaire andSammy Davis Jr.[173]
She citesLena Horne andLiza Minnelli as her role models.[174]
Introduced to audiences through her song, "Worth It", Mýa credits notorious mob accountantMeyer Lansky for American Mafia, as inspiration for her new handle. The singer ties her low-key nature to his laid-back image and her independent artist status to his birthdate on the United States' Independence Day.[3]
For Lan$ky's bluntcadence, Mýa cites conscious and classic hip-hop trailblazers such asMos Def, Common,Digable Planets,Black Thought,André 3000, andErykah Badu.[3]
However, all influences aside, Lan$ky is an integral part of Mýa, relying on her specifically during hard times. "When I need a picker-upper, or somebody to be that mentor, someone to be that fighter, or somebody to be that person that will crack the whip and get me in shape, that's who Mýa Lan$ky is."[3]
While adding, "The one that doesn't let me slip up. The one that's hard on me when I'm too vulnerable or hearing those voices, those outside forces. I get her together."[3]
In 2008, Mýa founded her ownindependent record label and companyPlanet 9.[175] Following the mishap of events for herlast major studio album, she parted ways with the major label system. At the advice and guidance of her mentorJ. Prince, the singer established and developed her own independent label with a new business approach in mind to create and release music.[175][176][177] Although initially set-up as a record label and had release several independent projects/recordings, under the Planet 9 moniker, Mýa expanded the company's brand and ventured intowinery,apparel, andproduction as well.[175] Released in 2016, Mýa manufactured Planet 9 Fine Wine, aCabernet Sauvignon organic vegan wine with plum infusions produced in partnership with Frey Vineyards.[175][178]
Throughout her career, Mýa has been involved in various brand partnerships with companies such asCoca-Cola,Pantene,Escada,Motorola,Microsoft,Dell,Apple Music,Verizon,Macy's,CoverGirl,Chevrolet,IMG,Heatherette,Kohl's,Electronic Arts,Meta, and more.[note 1] At the age of 18, Mýa served as an ad print spokeswoman for Bongo Jeans and had aTommy Hilfiger lipstick shade named after her.[183] In Fall 2000, she became a spokesperson forIceberg jeans and featured in print ads in magazines.[184][185] Mýa signed an endorsement deal withCoca-Cola in 2002, which included appearances on television commercials. She and then-label mateCommon recorded acover version of Ed Harris' "Real Compared To What". The commercial made its debut in 2003 at theAmerican Music Awards and featured Mýa in a 90-second commercial singing a jazzy cover version of the song alongsideChicago rapperCommon.[186][187][188] In early 2003, Mýa recorded an updated version of theSimon & Garfunkel classic hit "Feeling Groovy" forGAP television ads. The music for the spot was produced byJimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.[189] In late 2003, Mýa performed the original theme song, "Everything or Nothing", for the then-latest video game in the Bond franchise – 007: Everything or Nothing. Mýa also appears in the game as theNSA agent sultryBond girl "Mya Starling". Mýa cowrote and coproduced the song with Randy Bugnitz andA&M presidentRon Fair, and three variations of the theme appeared in the game.[190] In 2005,Motorola signed Mya and eight other artists to appear in a television commercial promoting its firstiPod music phone, theMotorola rokr. The commercial starredMadonna andIggy Pop alongsideLittle Richard,Bootsy Collins,Amerie,Alanis Morissette and look-alikes ofBeethoven,Jimi Hendrix, andThe Notorious B.I.G.[191] Additionally in 2005, Mýa signed toFord Modeling agency and appeared in a variety of ad campaigns.[192] On March 1, 2010,Escada announced that Mýa would host the celebration to introduce their newest scent, Marine Groove, on March 13 in Miami Beach.[193][194]
Mýa has secured high-profile sync and licensing placements with major media outlets such asNBC Universal,Bravo,Ford,Lifetime,HBO,CBS,Paramount,FOX, and others.[note 2]
Mýa is avegan (previously avegetarian andpescatarian) and has promoted the vegan lifestyle onPETA's behalf.[199][200][201] Her lifestyle includes acruelty-free diet and the use ofnatural beauty products.[202]
In an interview withEssence, Mýa discussed in-depth her beauty tips.[202] Following the launch of her music career, she shared she eliminatedprocessed foods and sodas from her diet.[202] In addition, she touched onmental health and commented she writes and keep a diary or journal with her on the road to keep track of her feelings which uses to keep her sane as well as prayer.[202] When it comes to stage performances,photo shoot, andmusic videos, the singer noted she uses vegan cruelty free cosmetic products.[202]
Since 2013, Mýa has beenmarried to herself. On her decision to marry herself, she explained, "It was all about self-care,self-love and getting myself back after atoxic relationship." Further adding, "It's not about anything like 'all men are bad' or anything like that. It's really about becoming your best self and making sure that you're leveling up in all aspects of your life."[203]
In 2005, Mýa created her own nonprofit organization, The Mya Arts & Tech Foundation, which is dedicated to "providing disadvantaged youth growth and opportunity through arts and technology education".[204] In 2007, she was featured inHeatherette's Fashion Show forLifeball inVienna,Austria to fight againstGlobal AIDS.[205] Mýa has hosted fundraisers for Skool'd to aid homelessLGBT youth,[206] while also advocating for gay rights by opening the Out 100 Awards.[207] In 2009, she continued her philanthropic efforts by chairing the 2009Operation Smile Event,[208] participating in the literary project,If I'd Known Then: Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Letters to their Younger Selves, by Ellen Spraggins,[209] and accepting an honoree award for her work with theNSAL.[210] In 2010 she was a part of various PSA campaigns including,Cyndi Lauper'sTrue Colors: Give A Damn,[211]NOH8 ,[212] andNSAL 2010. Most recently, Mýa collaborated with singerDionne Warwick on the gospel song "Let There Be Light". It featured asupergroup ofGladys Knight,Billy Ray Cyrus, Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts),Kevin Sorbo, John Elefante (former lead singer ofKansas),Damon Elliott, The Sorbo Family, Yoni Gordon andLucas Vidal.[213] Released October 18, 2017,[214] all of the song's proceeds were donated to non-profit organization Feeding America. In March 2022, Mýa becameWorld Animal Protection's first U.S. celebrityambassador.[215]
Vogue's Alex Frank listed Mýa as one of the key influences on the female R&B artists of the 2000s, includingTinashe,FKA twigs andJhené Aiko, even though these three are more often compared toAaliyah.[216] Lewis Dene ofBBC Music applauded Mýa's ability to continue to "shrewdly bridge the gap between pop/R&B and street-level hip hop."[158]The Daily Beast's Stereo Williams recognized Mýa as a trailblazer for artists like Tinashe andKehlani while concluding her legacy is one that warrants celebrating.[217] Music websiteIdolator epitomized "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" as "everything that was great about turn-of-the millennium R&B".[218]Essence andThe Washington Post identifies Mýa as a classic "triple threat", commenting, "now having acted in such films asHavana Nights andChicago and proved, underSavion Glover's aegis, she's a formidable dancer." However, noted "Mya's strongest trump card, overall, is charisma, one that mixing sweet, innocent girl next door and feisty hip-hop princess down the block."[5][6] Mýa has been credited as an influence or inspiration byMelissa Steel,[219]Liz,[220]Ari Lennox,[221]Ray BLK,[222] Natasha,[223]D∆WN (dance),[224]Normani,[225][226][227]Jazzy Amra,[228]Sir Babygirl,[229]Princess Nokia,[230]Harloe,[231][232]Chlöe,[233]Victoria Monét,[234][235][236]iLoveMakonnen,[237]Child Actor,[238]Dungeonesse,[239]Vessel,[240] andKyla.[241]
As of 2008, Mýa has sold over 7 million albums worldwide.[15] In 2009,Billboard ranked Mýa at No. 97 on their list of Hot 100 Artists of the 2000s.[17]Complex listed her at No. 33 on their list of Top 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time.[242] Mýa's breakthrough single "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" was listed at No. 77 onBillboard's Top 100 Songs by Female Solo Artists (1955–2007).[243][244] Her collaborative effort, "Lady Marmalade" was listed at No. 47 onVH1's 100 Greatest Songs of '00s list.[245]
Since Mýa's arrival to the music industry, she has received numerous accolades, recognition(s), and honors throughout her career. In 2002, Mýa won aGrammy forBest Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Lady Marmalade".[8] Mýa won aScreen Actors Guild Award for her participation inChicago.[246] She is the winner of twoMTV moonmen including the prestigiousVideo of the Year award for Lady Marmalade.[247] In 2006, Mýa was honored at thePalm Beach International Film Festival with the Cross Over Award (from singer to actor).[248] Her singles "The Best of Me Pt. II" and "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" were featured onAbout.com's Top 50 R&B/Hip Hop Collaborations list at 40 and 44 respectively.[249][250] In 2003 and 2004, she appeared onMaxim's Hot 100 list; ranking at 31 and 52 respectively.[251][252] "Movin' On" was voted as one of The 50 Best R&B Videos of the 90s byComplex.[253]Billboard ranked "Movin' On" tenth on their 20 Best High School Music Video list.[254] Her performance of Lady Marmalade at the44th Grammy Awards was featured onAbout.com's Top 10 Grammy Award Performances of All Time.[255] In 2014, "Lady Marmalade" was featured on theHuffington Post's Top 10 Most Iconic Grammys Performances.[256] In 2015,MTV voted Lady Marmalade at No. 1 as the Best Musical Performance inMTV Movie Award history.[257] Mýa was featured on theHuffington Post's Top 26 Black Female Choreographer and Dancers list.[258]Out magazine included "Case of the Ex" as one of their most empowering, memorable and influential all-girl dance routines.[259]Most recently, her eight independent project,Smoove Jones received a grammy nomination forBest R&B Album for the59th Annual Grammy Awards.[107]Billboard listed "Lady Marmalade" on their 100 Greatest Award Show Performances of All Time list.[260]
Studio albums
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She is a classic triple-threat, though, having acted in such films as "Havana Nights" and "Chicago," and proved, under Savion Glover's aegis, she's a formidable dancer.
With over 20 million records sold worldwide and numerous awards under her belt, Mya remains one of the most influential female recording artists of all time.
Taking the wise business advice from mentors like Prince and J. Prince regarding ownership, I gave it a shot, released my first indie project "Sugar & Spice" the following year [2008] and learned so much from a business aspect by doing so.
Mýa is also featured in the new (RED) campaign with Dell & Microsoft.
Mya's been going through something similar. She's consistently been putting music out but not enough people know about it. We released her last project, Smoove Jones, exclusively on Apple Music earlier this year.
With choreography from Sean Bankhead, Monét delivers slick movements throughout the video with seamlessly placed references to the masterclass performers of the early 2000s, like Ciara, Mya, and Aaliyah.
Monét herself comes in red hot in an ensemble that pays homage to "Goodies"/"Get Up"-era Ciara for the first verse before she transitions into a blue jersey dress—a fun reference to R&B singer Mya's 2000s hit, "Best of Me, Part 2.
Makonnen became a musical omnivore early on. Shuttled from house to house, babysat by an array of friends and family members, he was exposed to the city's grimmest hip-hop, to Aaliyah and Mya, to funk and soul, to Cher and Shania Twain. He loved all of it.
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| Preceded by | Dancing with the Stars (US) runner up Season 9 (Fall 2009 withDmitry Chaplin) | Succeeded by |
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