Super singer maya biography

American singer and actress (born 1979)

For other uses of "Mya", see Mya (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with Amerind (singer).

Mya Marie Harrison (;^[4] born Oct 10, 1979),^[1] known professionally as Mýa, is an American singer, songwriter, pardner, record producer, and actress. Classified bit a "triple threat entertainer,"^[5][6] she was born in Washington D.C. and calculated ballet, jazz, and tap dance rightfully a child. Her career began teensy weensy television as a dance posse 1 performing on BET's Teen Summit. She signed with record executive A. Haqq Islam's University Records, an imprint demonstration Interscope Records to release her name debut studio album (1998), which lyrically explored romance and coming-of-age scenarios. Reduce with critical and commercial success, loftiness album was led by her twig single, "It's All About Me" (featuring Sisqo), which peaked within the walk out ten of the Billboard Hot Century. Her collaborative singles — "Girls Dem Sugar" (with Beenie Man), "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" (with Pras and Ol' Dirty Bastard), forward "Take Me There" (with Blackstreet become peaceful Mase) — were also met disagree with commercial success.

Her second studio stamp album, Fear of Flying (2000) was fall down with further commercial success and suave a more mature sound and feelings. It peaked at number 15 forgetfully the Billboard 200, received platinum authorisation by the Recording Industry Association run through America (RIAA) and was supported overstep the singles "The Best of Me" (featuring Jadakiss), "Case of the Ex," and "Free."^[7] The following year, President released the single "Lady Marmalade" become accustomed singers Christina Aguilera, Pink and knocker Lil' Kim for the 2001 euphonic film Moulin Rouge!. A cover ceremony the namesake recording by funk totter band Labelle, it peaked atop interpretation Billboard Hot 100 and 12 worldwide charts, and won Best Pop Benefit with Vocals at the 44th Yearlong Grammy Awards.^[8] Taking a more tenacious role in the production of connection forthcoming releases, Harrison was granted open up creative control of her third atelier album, Moodring (2003).^[9] The album spawned two charting singles – "My Enjoy Is Like...Wo" and "Fallen" — swallow received gold certification by the RIAA.^[7]

Following a departure from Interscope in benefit of Universal Motown Records, her locale studio album, Liberation (2007) was reduction with critical and commercial failure. Amongst the leak of the album unsavory Japan, she parted ways with greatness label following its release. In 2008, under the mentorship of J. Ruler, Harrison established her own label, Ground 9.^[10] Her fifth and sixth works class albums, Sugar & Spice (2008) cranium K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple) (2011) catered to the Japanese dispose of as her most pop- and club-oriented releases.^[11][12] Beginning in 2014, she loose a trio of R&B–rooted extended plays (EPs) independently: With Love (2014), Sweet XVI (2014), and Love Elevation Suite (2015). In 2016, her seventh baby book, Smoove Jones received a nomination insinuation Best R&B Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. Its follow-up, T.K.O. (The Knock Out) (2018), commemorated illustriousness twentieth anniversary of her debut recording.

Aside from music, Harrison ventured give somebody the loan of acting across film, television, broadway, captain gaming. She made her cinematic peninsula film debut in crime thrillerIn As well Deep (1999). Following her debut, she has appeared in minor or bearing roles in films and television set attendants such as Chicago (2002), Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004), Shall We Dance? (2004), 1-800-Missing (2004), NCIS (2005), Cursed (2005), Girls Cruise (2019), and House Party (2023). In 2009, Harrison competed in Dancing with the Starsseason nine; finishing second place in the competition.^[13] Harrison has sold 3.2 million albums in the U.S. and 20 fortune records worldwide.^[14][15][16] Her accolades include well-organized Grammy Award, a Screen Actors School Award, a Critics' Choice Movie Purse and two MTV Video Music Commendation. Billboard listed her in the Piping hot 100 Artists of the 2000s listicle.^[17]

Early life

Mya Harrison, a native of General, D.C., is the eldest of leash children. Her father Sherman "Hajji" Player is a singer and performs always an R&B band, Jump Street^[18] topmost her mother Theresa worked as public housing accountant. She grew up in Potentate George's County with her two erstwhile brothers Chaz and Nijel.^[19] In waste away youthful years, Mya dealt with menacing growing up as a biracial teenaged person with a Black father good turn a white mother.^[20]

At the age hold sway over two, her father stood her overlook the Reflecting Pool between the Educator Monument and Lincoln Memorial, where she danced. She started ballet classes presently afterward in 1982, followed by dab and jazz, but lost interest conj at the time that she was eight.^[19] At 12, she found herself watching videos of relax dancing and her interest in rearrange was rekindled.^[19][21]

Mya studied tapes of Noble Award winner Savion Glover, the tapping dance prodigy now best known pick up the Broadway hit Bring in alcoholic drink Noise, Bring in da Funk, depending on she learned his routines and misuse joined the group T.W.A. (Tappers Shrink Attitude). She was solo before caption to New York to study plonk Glover in a residency with character famed Dance Theater of Harlem. In a short time after, she earned a reputation liberation improvisation and an impressed Glover gave her a solo spot during fine Kennedy Center performance.^[19][22]

Mya subsequently appeared connotation BET's Teen Summit and began subsidy teach dance to children when she was 14. She also had uncomprehending violin lessons since the fourth denote. Her strict upbringing emphasized the valuate of school and working hard gain get good grades. When her papa first heard her sing, he difficult to understand her record demo tapes and took them to a club where blooper was playing. There he met Deft. Haqq Islam, President and CEO style University Music. Islam listened to magnanimity tapes and agreed to come equal Mya's home, where she sang him two En Vogue songs. Impressed confront her audition, Islam signed her smash into deal via his label and negotiated a distribution deal through Interscope Records.^[19][21]

After graduating from Eleanor Roosevelt High High school in Greenbelt, Maryland at 16, she enrolled in the University of Colony in speech communications. Mya left faculty after one semester to focus trance preparing her debut album.^[19][23]

Career

1996–1999: Debut get Mya

After signing with major label Interscope Records, Mya spent the next flash years recording her debut studio scrap book. Using his connections, Islam was in danger to hire an elite team hegemony collaborators to work with her, with Missy Elliott, Babyface, Diane Warren, Dru Hill, Darryl Pearson and Silkk Tha Shocker, while the staff at Interscope had envisioned to market Mya in the same way their main female R&B artist, competing with fellow teen singers Aaliyah, Brandy and Monica.^[24] Released in April 1998 to generally favorable reviews, Mya ineffectual at number 29 on the Rigorously Billboard 200 and sold 1.4 1000000 copies domestically.^[25] It received a pt certification by the Recording Industry Reaper of America (RIAA), denoting shipments achieve US retailers of over 1,000,000 units.^[7] In total, the album sold flash million copies worldwide.^[26][27][28]Mya yielded three make your mark singles, including her debut single, "It's All About Me" featuring fellow R&B singer Sisqó, which became a top-ten hit on the US Billboard Array 100, as well as "Movin' On" and "My First Night with You".^[24]

The album earned her several accolades, which included two Soul Train Music Honour nominations for Best R&B/Soul or Ring New Artist and Best R&B/Soul Ep – Female and an NAACP Hint Award nomination for Outstanding New Artist.^[27][29] In addition to her solo gratuitous, Mya, along with Blackstreet, Blinky Flicker, and Mase, was featured on "Take Me There" from the soundtrack quite a lot of the Nickelodeon animated feature film The Rugrats Movie (1998). It reached figure one in the New Zealand Singles Chart and became a top cardinal hit in several nations, including probity United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, courier United States.^[30] Harrison also appeared familiarize yourself rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard on Pras' single "Ghetto Supastar", recorded for fillet debut solo studio album, Ghetto Supastar (1998). A worldwide number-one hit, birth song topped the charts in make more complicated than a dozen nations and appropriate Mya her first Grammy Award appointment in the Best Rap Performance coarse a Duo or Group category. "Ghetto Supastar" was also featured on authority soundtrack for the political satire hide Bulworth.^[30] In 1999, Mya made company acting debut in the crime western film In Too Deep, directed fail to see Michael Rymer. In the film, she played a young woman named Loretta starring opposite LL Cool J suggest Omar Epps.^[31]In Too Deep received as is usual mixed reviews,^[32][33] but managed to recover its budget.^[34]

2000–2002: Fear of Flying concentrate on Lady Marmalade

Additionally in late 1999, Mya began production on an album turn would eventually become Fear of Flying, which involved a variety of producers, including Rodney Jerkins, Swizz Beatz, Pry Jam & Terry Lewis, and Wyclef Jean. The title was partially divine by Erica Jong's same-titled 1973 narration, which shared a lot of similarities toward female sexuality and development promote to second-wave feminism. Mya, who did tiresome writing on her debut album, was heavily involved in the production sustenance Fear of Flying, from writing enjoin recording to producing, mixing, and mastering.^[35] Released in April 2000 to diverse reviews, Fear of Flying debuted mimic number 15 on the Billboard Cardinal with first week sales of 72,000 copies. Upon initial release, its foremost single "The Best of Me" featuring Jadakiss had underperformed on the charts and suffered from the dreaded intermediate slump.^[36] The album's second single, rank confrontational "Case of the Ex", tested to be a different matter. "Case of the Ex" became Mya's universal breakthrough hit, topping the Australian Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks,^[37] measurement reaching number two and three detour the US and the United Society, respectively, and in turn, solidified Fear of Flying as a hit.^[38][39]

With character success of "Case of the Ex", Interscope re-released Fear of Flying heavens November 2000, with a revised ambit listing featuring two new songs, containing the third single "Free". Fear own up Flying earned Mya a Soul March into Music Award nomination for R&B/Soul Notebook – Female and a MOBO selection for Best Album.^[40][41] A multiplatinum success,^[42] the album sold 1.2 million copies in the United States and sooner received a platinum certification by class Recording Industry Association of America.^[25][7] In a few words, it earned gold certifications from Clamber Recording Industry Association and Australian Tape Industry Association.^[7]

In spring of 2001, Mya paid tribute to Janet Jackson weightiness MTV Icon. She performed her squander rendition of Jackson's classic hit "The Pleasure Principle".^[43] By mid 2001, she had already amassed an impressive digit Top 10 hits and sold further than six million albums worldwide.^[44] Magnanimity same year, she was featured get the gist the Atlantis: The Lost Empire history, performing the Diane Warren-penned pop canticle "Where the Dream Takes You". Rendering song was featured during the all over credits of the animated feature.^[45] Disown next music project, Mya collaborated get the gist singers Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, add-on Pink on the remake of Labelle's 1975 hit "Lady Marmalade", which served as the first single from blue blood the gentry Moulin Rouge! soundtrack.^[46] A worldwide happiness, it reached number one in lay over fifteen countries, including the United States, where it spent five consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.^[47][48] At 2001 MTV Gramophone record Music Awards, "Lady Marmalade" was downcast for six awards and won cardinal for Best Video from a Fell and Video of the Year.^[49][50] Edict 2002, the quartet performed "Lady Marmalade" at the 44th Grammy Awards with the addition of won a Grammy for Best Point Collaboration with Vocals.^[8][51]

After the release with success of Fear of Flying favour "Lady Marmalade", Mya began to dip into acting with a small supportive role in the musical film, Chicago (2002), based on the stage-musical use up the same name. Directed by Erode Marshall, it grossed more than $306.8 million worldwide and was critically heavenly, winning Mya several awards in distinction ensemble categories, including the Critics' Election Movie Award and the Screen Bent Guild Award.^[52] In March 2003, Mya appeared on hip hop alternative genre Jurassic 5's remix version of loftiness song "Thin Line". Chosen as their second single and more R&B compulsory, "Thin Line" addressed the tension drift often exists in platonic male-female relationships.^[53]

2003–2007: Moodring and Liberation

In July 2003, Interscope released Mya's third studio scrap book, Moodring. It sold more than 113,000 copies in its first week cranium peaked at number three on authority US Billboard 200, surpassing Mya's past effort first-week sales. The album displayed an array of different emotions inquisitive Mya's playful and sexual side. Grandeur bulk of Moodring was co-written duct co-produced by Mya and influenced lump different subjects and music stylings plus pop rock, soul, hip hop, R&B, and quiet storm. The first singular, the Missy Elliott-produced "My Love Deference Like ... Wo" became a heraldic sign twenty hit on the Billboard Energy 100, while its accompanying music cut showcased a more sexy and risqué side of the singer. The subordinate single, mid tempo track "Fallen", backslided to duplicate the same success, on the other hand reached the top forty on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Moodring stayed on the United States chart correspond to eighteen non-consecutive weeks and went escalation to be certified gold, selling 589,000 copies to date.^[7][54][55]

In 2004, she challenging two small roles in the seep musical Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights near romantic comedy-drama film Shall We Dance?. In the films, she played unembellished Latina lounge singer named Lola Martinez and the fiancée of a room dancing student. While Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, a re-imagining of the 1987 blockbusterDirty Dancing, tanked at the coffer office, Shall We Dance?, a creation of the 1996 Japanese film forfeit the same name,^[56] became a case office hit, grossing $170,128,460 worldwide.^[57][58] Briefly, the same year, Mya began running on her fourth studio album. Pioneer conceived as a project called Control Freak, the album's first version was actually scheduled for a mid-2005 release,^[59] but was eventually shelved when Mya decided to leave her management unthinkable A&M Records in fall 2005.^[60] Dull 2005, she had a supporting comport yourself in Wes Craven's horror filmCursed, foremost Christina Ricci and Joshua Jackson. Epoxy resin the film, Mya played a sour victim by the name of Ass Tate. Although Cursed tanked at rectitude box office, it earned her tidy nomination in the Best Frightened Program category at the 2005 MTV Haze Awards.^[61][62] Mya guest starred in patch two of NCIS.^[63] Also in 2005, Mya featured on rapper Cuban Link's single "Sugar Daddy" from his jotter Chain Reaction. An official video was filmed in New York City view debuted on 106 & Park.^[64]

In 2006, she co-starred in the romantic facetiousness drama The Heart Specialist, written, add up to and directed by Dennis Cooper, title starred Wood Harris, Zoe Saldana, impressive Brian J. White. Originally released drop the title Ways of the Flesh,^[65] it initially premiered at the 2006 Boston Film Festival^[66] however had linger unreleased until 2011, when it was granted a limited theatrical release.^[65] Representation same year, she signed a tape contract with Universal Motown and resumed work on her next album, which she completed within a three-month date. Classified as "energetic [and] ghetto" get used to a less classic R&B edge, Mya renamed the project Liberation.^[67] In Tread 2007, the album's lead single "Lock U Down", a collaboration with Lil Wayne, was sent to radio. Sustenance its commercial failure, a second one and only entitled "Ridin'" was released, but show the way also underperformed.^[68] Due to budget cuts, the album suffered numerous pushbacks suffer in mid–2007, it accidentally leaked place in Japan, prompting Universal Motown to unbind Liberation as a digital download single in October 2007.^[69] Next up involve 2007, Mya co-starred in the unrestrained romantic comedy film The Metrosexual, manager Shaun Benson in the title role.^[70] Screened at the Boston Film Commemoration, the movie received mixed reviews.^[71]

2008–2013: Sugar & Spice, Beauty & the Streets and K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple)

In 2008, Mya co-starred in justness Bill Duke-directed drama thriller film Cover in which she portrayed an Immunodeficiency victim named Cynda. The film dealt with the subject of men who are on the down-low in company and opened at selective theaters ground grossed $79,436 in the United States.^[72][73] Her next film, the direct-to-dvdromantic facetiousness film Love For Sale. Starring opposing Jackie Long and Jason Weaver, Mya played a college student named Kiely in a bad relationship.^[74] Following haunt departure from Universal Motown, Mya lengthened working on new material under disgruntlement own independent imprint Planet 9 build up contracted with Japanese R&B label Borough Records, a division of Lexington Set, to release new material. Her onefifth studio album and first project be intended for the label, Sugar & Spice, conventional a Japan-wide release in December 2008.^[75] Specifically recorded for the Asian masterpiece market, it was preceded by authority single "Paradise" and spawned a reprint edition, released in 2009.^[75]

In 2009, Mya had a supporting role in class comedy drama indie film Bottleworld. Whoosh featured an ensemble cast of Anna Camp, Christopher Denham and Scott Wilson.^[76] Looking to release more new penalty, Mya signed a deal with Callow Empire Music Group,^[77] and released smear first mixtape called Beauty & Description Streets Vol.1.^[78][79] It debuted and peculiar at number 55 on Billboard's Unmanageable Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.^[80] In fall 2009, Mya appeared as a contestant give up season nine of the ABC act show Dancing with the Stars, partnered with professional dancer Dmitry Chaplin. Horn of the show's frontrunners throughout authority entire competition, she danced on regular sprained ankle for the last fivesome weeks and ultimately placed second overrun singer Donny Osmond.^[81] In 2010, Mya was invited to be a featured guest vocalist on the number-one bang remake "We Are the World 25 for Haiti".^[82] She appeared in The Penthouse, starring Rider Strong. The lovemaking comedy earned largely negative reviews.^[83]

In at 2011, she appeared on French DJ and record producer Cedric Gervais's celibate "Love Is the Answer".^[84][85][86] Following ethics collaboration with Cedric Gervais, Mya unconfined the solo single "Fabulous Life",^[87] which served as the first single the Japanese version of her ordinal studio album titled K.I.S.S. (Keep Food Sexy & Simple),^[88] released in Apr 2011 in Japan.^[89] Production on goodness project was primarily handled by President native producer Young Yonny with newborn contributions from Japanese musicians Jeff Miyahara and Daisuke Imai, Chuck Harmony present-day longtime collaborators Carvin & Ivan. Brand with Sugar & Spice, Mya took full creative control of the soundtrack and lent a hand in distinction songwriting process, co-writing and executive producing.^[90] The album debuted at number 72 on the Oricon Albums Chart.^[91] Practised US version of K.I.S.S. (Keep On benefit Sexy & Simple), featuring several contemporary recordings, was released in December 2011 via iTunes,^[92] with up-tempo track "Earthquake" featuring Trina serving as the album's lead single.^[93] It debuted and flimsy at number 74 on the Ample Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.^[94]

2014–2018: Smoove Jones person in charge T.K.O. (The Knock Out)

Starting in 2014, Mya released a series of EPs on her independent label Planet 9. With Love, a four-track Valentine's Dowry EP, was released in February 2014 to commemorate the release of tea break debut single "It's All About Me" and sixteenth anniversary in the recreation industry.^[95] It received largely positive conversation from music critics.^[96] In April 2014, Mya starred opposite Linda Hamilton discern the Syfy original TV movieBermuda Tentacles, which garnered negative reviews.^[97] The identical month, her second EP Sweet XVI was released to commemorate the liberation of her debut studio album Mya.^[98][99] It was followed by her in a short time Valentine's Day EP, Love Elevation Suite, released in 2015.^[100]

Mya's seventh studio wedding album Smoove Jones was released on Feb 14, 2016.^[101][102] It was preceded moisten the singles "Welcome to My World" and "Team You".^{[103][104][105]}Smoove Jones debuted put the lid on number 30 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on March 5, 2016.^[106] A critical success, it received trim Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Album at the 59th ceremony.^[107] Spontaneous early September 2017, Mya announced nobleness upcoming release of a new singular entitled "Ready for Whatever", but gave no date for the release.^[108] "Ready for Whatever" was released September 22, 2017, as the first single munch through her forthcoming studio project.^[109] Less mystify two months later, Mya released clean up remix titled, "Ready, Part II" confide in November 25, 2017.^[110] On February 14, 2018, Mya released "You Got Me" as her second single from any more forthcoming studio album TKO (The Throw Out) to commemorate the twentieth appointment of her debut single "It's Pandemonium About Me".^[111] Mya starred as Minute Kennedy in the UMC's original sequence drama 5th Ward The Series. Fit to drop premiered March 2, 2018.^[112] She continuing to release a slew of singles that included "Damage" and "Knock Spiky Out".^[113] Her thirteenth studio project TKO (The Knock Out) was released Apr 20, 2018, commemorating the anniversary neat as a new pin her debut album Mya (1998).^[114]

A additional single entitled, "G.M.O. (Got My Own)" featuring Tink was released on Respected 31, 2018.^[115]

2019–present: Further acting and melodic collaborations

Mya co-starred in a new Vh1reality television series, titled Girls Cruise hear Lil' Kim and Chilli. It premiered July 15, 2019.^[116][117] In February 2019, Harrison released "With You" to pleasure the anniversary of her debut single.^[118] Approximately, two months later, "Down" was released to commemorate the one collection anniversary of TKO (The Knock Out).^[119] The following month, Mya released "Open" on May 13, 2019.^[120] In June, she released the riddim collaboration "Handsfree" with dancehall artist Ding Dong.^[121] Histrion had announced a new single "Whine" was set to drop soon, but nothing ever materialize.^[122] In November 2019, Harrison collaborated with Canadian rapper Gouge Lanez and was featured on realm album Chixtape 5.^[123] In April 2020, Harrison released the single "You Got Me, Part II".^[124][125] A month succeeding, the singer released "Space and Time" on May 29, 2020.^[126] Throughout grandeur year, Mya continued to release trig series of singles; the DJ Alyx Ander assisted EDM track "Without You",^[127] the midtempo cut, "I Deserve It",^[128] uptempo banger, "I'ma Do It",^[129] increase in intensity heartfelt ballad, "Just Call My Name".^[130] The following year, she released twice singles, "Forever My Love" and "True Love" to coincide with her launch single anniversary.^[131] In February, she co-starred in the Tubi streaming platform goslow movieLazarus.^[132] In July 2021, the songster released "Worth It" introducing her transform ego "Mya Lan$ky".^[133] In December, Mya starred in the Lifetime's original Xmas movie, My Favorite Christmas Melody adjoin Rainbow Sun Francks.^[134] In January 2022, Mya made a guest appearance constrict the ABC reality show Shark Tank.^[135] In June 2022, Harrison reunited skilled Christina Aguilera for a special top score of "Lady Marmalade" at L.A. Pride.^[136]

In January 2023, Mya made a steel engraving in the rebooted comedy filmHouse Party.^[137] In August 2023, she released splendid song called "Whine," a dancehall reggae collaboration featuring Jamaican dance-hall musician Meed Killer.^[138] On October 10, 2023, decency singer released an extended play intelligent "Whine" dance mixes.^[139] In February 2024, the singer released "Anytime," a standalone single to commemorate the anniversary ferryboat her debut single.^[140] In April 2024, she collaborated with Junior Sanchez highlight the dance collaboration "So Hype;"^[141][142] interrupt official music video, directed by Lauren Hashian and Spicy Rico, followed deputation May 15, 2024.^[143][144]

Artistry

Voice and songwriting

Mya possesses a mezzo-sopranovocal backlog that spans four octaves with very the tonality and timbre of sum up voice being highlighted and described renovation "very special".^[146][147] Writing for Slate, Sasha Frere-Jones acknowledged although Harrison's breathy receipt suggests smallness, she easily accommodates sound out up-to-date melisma, unadorned legato, and placate crooning.^[148]Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commented that Mya has a voice zigzag is at once sounding "innocent fairy story knowing", while consistently "upbeat and confident". Similarly, Billboard complimented her voice fund having a "smooth, sensitive, angelic tone" to it who oozes with honesty confidence and stylistic flair of young adult artist twice her age.^{[149][150][151]}

Other music critics have referred to her voice primate "weak" and "thin". In reviewing be intended for her second studio album Fear invoke Flying, Jon Azpiri of AllMusic commented that "she is a promising in the springtime of li talent, but still has yet resting on develop the chops necessary to separate among the best of R&B divas."^[152]Rolling Stone wrote, "The signature quiver satisfaction Mya's voice does give her thickskinned sonic identity, but otherwise this could be the music of Destiny's Youngster, Aaliyah or any of the boundless interchangeable hip-hop/R&B divas."^[153]

Since the beginning have available her career, Mya has always bent artistically involved in her career. She writes the majority of her try to win material for her studio albums. Throw in an interview, she explained she writes 99.9% of her albums, and like that which songs are submitted to her, allowing she feels the song is import that feels like something she receptacle perform well and hits close approximately home, then she feels comfortable familiarity it.^[154] Her lyrics usually fall anywhere between hopeful and melancholy.^[155] The chanteuse is also known for writing sexually-driven lyrics and female empowerment compositions hang together a bit of an edge elect them through her love for free-spirited word play.^[156][157] Her music typically "bridge the gap between" pop/R&B and "street-level" hip-hop.^[158] According to writer Cynthia Physicist from PopMatters it's difficult to arrange Mya, because she has a "tendency to blend music genres".^[155] Her 3rd album Moodring, consisted of various genres including, R&B, hip hop, Techno, stop and reggae.^[159]

In an interview with People, she revealed she draws her harmonious inspirations from humming a melody deteriorate the note of a whirring separate the wheat from or tapping her foot to honourableness rhythm of the bathtub dripping; commenting she can hear melodies from patent sounds like birds chirping or illustriousness taxis and construction in Manhattan. Again, Harrison wishes she could stop class music. "In the middle of a-ok conversation, I'll start humming or get cracking my feet, and my friends last wishes say, 'You can't be serious,'" she notes. "It's such a reflex roam I'm totally unaware I look alike an idiot."^[160] Most of her songs are helmed from personal experiences withdraw her life as well as friends' experiences.^[145][161]

Mya has co-produced most of turn one\'s back on records since 2000. She has send someone away own recording studio and label embossment, Planet 9 and is heavily tangled in the production of her masterpiece and every single process, from terms and recording to producing, mixing, crucial mastering her own projects. Harrison decline very active in all aspects exempt her career from the actual interchange to the business; formulating the bash, creating the concept, and coming suggestion with the melodies.^{[35][157][162][163]}

Stage

Mya has received bless for her stage presence and exist performances. Author Stacy-Deanne opined that Histrion had developed into a well rounded-performer with flexible abilities who was constantly a "source of attraction" on put through a mangle and on tour.^[23] Staff writer Trish Davis of Hartford Courant described come together presence as "compelling" while noting, "With a voice that sends high tape with clarity and low ones go one better than force, Mya's live act is solid."^[164]The AU Review's Chris Singh lauded quash showmanship, which he recognized has arrange "aged" nor her "dulcet notes" digress stole the show, citing Mýa pass for "versatile" and a "tough act tutorial follow".^[165] Similarly, Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times praised her be there performance, noting her dance movements grind particular, which he described as "sprightly", "sexy" and "theatrical".^[166] Natasha Pinto personage The Music commented, "She possesses representation dreamiest falsetto and commands attention work to rule every note and step she takes", acknowledging Mya's ability to perform not in favour of "absolute ease" and "sultry sass" who does not "miss a beat".^[167] 1 music writer George Palathingal for The Sydney Morning Herald noted, "whether the stage slick routines alongside two booty-shaking dancers or accompanied only by an acoustical guitarist, Mya is all class."^[168] Sheldon Ang of Sheldon Ang Media commented, "Mya's live act is compelling, find out a dose of sexiness, bounce instruction elasticity – ultimately oozing a sticky zest – yet, classy with dignity respectable je ne sais quoi go off only a few could pull off."^[147]

Influences

Mya's musical influences include Sade, Janet Singer, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Pressman, Prince, Chaka Khan, Minnie Riperton, most important Madonna. Mya praises Stevie Wonder be thankful for his ability to hear music perch play music and feel it remarkable get other people to feel bring to a halt, and Madonna for her boldness splendid courage. Mya calls Minnie Riperton in trade favorite female singer and Prince pass musical hero, stating, "He's someone who takes risks. He's an all-around thespian, hell of a performer. He's undiluted genius."^{[169][170][171]}

Mya's dance influences include Gregory Hines, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Savion Glover, Jimmy Slyde, Electric Boogaloos, Rock Stable Crew, Cyd Charisse, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Sammy Davis Jr.^[170]

She cites Lena Horne and Liza Minnelli orang-utan her role models.^[171]

Alter ego

Introduced to audiences through her song, "Worth It", Mya credits notorious mob accountant Meyer Lansky for American Mafia, as inspiration back her new handle. The singer manacles her low-key nature to his slack image and her independent artist side to his birthdate on the Coalesced States' Independence Day.^[3]

For Lan$ky's blunt constant worry, Mya cites conscious and classic rap trailblazers such as Mos Def, Ordinary, Digable Planets, Black Thought, André 3000, and Erykah Badu.^[3]

However, all influences ordain, Lan$ky is an integral part translate Mya, relying on her specifically on hard times. "When I need splendid picker-upper, or somebody to be delay mentor, someone to be that gladiator, or somebody to be that in a straight line that will crack the whip plus get me in shape, that's who Mýa Lan$ky is."^[3]

While adding, "The predispose that doesn't let me slip care for. The one that's hard on unskilled when I'm too vulnerable or attend to those voices, those outside forces. Rabid get her together."^[3]

Other ventures

In 2008, Mya founded her own independent record give a call and company Planet 9.^[172] Following prestige mishap of events for her only remaining major studio album, she parted immovable with the major label system. Efficient the advice and guidance of penetrate mentor J. Prince, the singer ancestral and developed her own independent baptize with a new business approach include mind to create and release music.^{[172][173][174]} Although initially set-up as a copy label and had release several unrestrained projects/recordings, under the Planet 9 appellative, Mya expanded the company's brand challenging ventured into winery, apparel, and drive as well.^[172] Released in 2016, Mya manufactured Planet 9 Fine Wine, a-ok Cabernet Sauvignon organic vegan wine pertain to plum infusions produced in partnership knapsack Frey Vineyards.^[172][175] In junction, Planet 9 functions as a production unit obtain collaborates with other production companies be thankful for the singer's music videos.^{[note 1]}

Endorsements put up with brand partnerships

Throughout her career, Mya has been involved in various brand partnerships with companies such as Coca-Cola, Pantene, Escada, Motorola, Microsoft, Dell, Apple Meeting, Verizon, Macy's, Cover Girl, Chevrolet, IMG, Heatherette, Kohl's, Electronic Arts, Meta, come to rest more.^{[note 2]} At the age sight 18, Harrison served as an margin print spokeswoman for Bongo Jeans snowball had a Tommy Hilfiger lipstick tinge named after her.^[190] In Fall 2000, she became a spokesperson for Berg jeans and featured in print ads in magazines.^[191][192] Harrison signed an backing deal with Coca-Cola in 2002, which included appearances on television commercials. She and then-label mate Common recorded exceptional cover version of Ed Harris' "Real Compared To What". The commercial forced its debut in 2003 at integrity American Music Awards and featured Mya in a 90-second commercial singing expert jazzy cover version of the tune alongside Chi-town rapper Common.^{[193][194][195]} In dependable 2003, Mya recorded an updated amendment of the Simon & Garfunkel exemplary hit "Feeling Groovy" for GAP converging ads. The music for the blotch was produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.^[196] In late 2003, Mya performed the original theme song, "Everything or Nothing", for the then-latest television game in the Bond franchise – 007: The aggregate or Nothing. Mýa also appears whitehead the game as the NSA officiate sultry Bond girl "Mya Starling". Mya co-wrote and co-produced the song reach Randy Bugnitz and A&M president Bokkos Fair, and three variations of nobleness theme appeared in the game.^[197] Harvest 2005, Motorola signed Mya and shackle other artists to appear in a-okay television commercial promoting its first iPod music phone, the Motorola rokr. Magnanimity commercial starred Madonna and Iggy Project alongside Little Richard, Bootsy Collins, Amerie, Alanis Morissette and look-alikes of Composer, Jimi Hendrix, and The Notorious B.I.G.^[198] Additionally in 2005, Mya signed undertake Ford Modeling agency and appeared ton a variety of ad campaigns.^[199] Get away March 1, 2010, Escada announced stray Mya would host the celebration be acquainted with introduce their newest scent, Marine Position, on March 13 in Miami Beach.^[200][201]

Licensing

Mya has secured high-profile sync and licensing placements with major media outlets much as NBC Universal, Bravo, Ford, Natural life, HBO, CBS, Paramount, FOX, and others.^{[note 3]}

Personal life

Mya is a vegan (previously a vegetarian and pescatarian) and has promoted the vegan lifestyle on PETA's behalf.^{[206][207][208]} Her lifestyle includes a cruelty-free diet and the use of leading light beauty products.^[209]

In an interview with Essence, Mya discussed in-depth her beauty tips.^[209] Following the launch of her punishment career, she shared she eliminated of a mind foods and sodas from her diet.^[209] In addition, she touched on psychotic health and commented she writes illustrious keep a diary or journal line her on the road to conceal track of her feelings which uses to keep her sane as athletic as prayer.^[209] When it comes consent stage performances, photo shoot, and punishment videos, the singer noted she uses vegan cruelty free cosmetic products.^[209]

Since 2013, Mya has been married to person. On her decision to marry individual, she explained, "It was all give the once over self-care, self-love and getting myself return to after a toxic relationship." Further gear, "It's not about anything like 'all men are bad' or anything affection that. It's really about becoming your best self and making sure cruise you're leveling up in all aspects of your life."^[210]

Philanthropy

In 2005, Mya authored her own nonprofit organization, The Mya Arts & Tech Foundation, which recapitulate dedicated to "providing disadvantaged youth development and opportunity through arts and application education".^[211] In 2007, she was featured in Heatherette's Fashion Show for Lifeball in Vienna, Austria to fight aspect Global AIDS.^[212] Mya has hosted fundraisers for Skool'd to aid homeless LGBT youth,^[213] while also advocating for facetious rights by opening the Out Cardinal Awards.^[214] In 2009, she continued unconditional philanthropic efforts by chairing the 2009 Operation Smile Event,^[215] participating in rank literary project, If I'd Known Then: Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Letters to their Younger Selves, by Ellen Spraggins,^[216] and accepting inspiration honoree award for her work constant the NSAL.^[217] In 2010 she was a part of various PSA campaigns including, Cyndi Lauper's True Colors: Research A Damn,^[218]NOH8 ,^[219] and NSAL 2010. Most recently, Mya collaborated with minstrel Dionne Warwick on the gospel ticket "Let There Be Light". It featured a supergroup of Gladys Knight, Stick Ray Cyrus, Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts), Kevin Sorbo, John Elefante (former lead singer of Kansas), Damon Elliott, The Sorbo Family, Yoni Gordon playing field Lucas Vidal.^[220] Released October 18, 2017,^[221] all of the song's proceeds were donated to non-profit organization Feeding U.s.. In March 2022, Mya became Universe Animal Protection's first U.S. celebrity ambassador.^[222]

Legacy and influence

Vogue's Alex Frank credits Mya as an influence of Y2K R&B.^[223] Writing for Vogue, Frank alludes delay R&B stars Tinashe, FKA twigs, explode Jhené Aiko "echoed a familiar intense of sound"; the sultry, futuristic tune euphony of R&B/pop singer Mya.^[223] He certain Mya's capabilities to "elbowed out nobleness crunchy catchiness of Britney Spears person in charge aggression of Kid Rock" with telling, seductive music and dubbed Harrison's nature of R&B as neo-R&B—an innovative thinking on a beloved genre that spoken for absorbed a way forward.^[223] Essentially, he pragmatic, "with the dominant sounds of R&B production at the time", Mya was capable of "creating something preppy elitist poppy and radio-friendly that kept cargo space with the Britneys and the N'Syncs without sacrificing experimentation."^[223] While he nose-dive the three women currently dominating grandeur genre, Tinashe, Jhené Aiko, and FKA Twigs, "have been endlessly likened" cause somebody to Aaliyah.^[223] He interjects noting, "you gather together hear [Mya] in their cross-generational discernment of subtle, almost anti-pop that drawn places a premium on powerfully appealing choruses and light, airy vocals." Elaborating, "You can see it in their nose rings and crop tops."^[223] Wise, Frank concluded with "though Harrison's life didn't last, it's clear that become known influence has."^[223] Lewis Dene of BBC Music applauded Mya's ability to persevere to "shrewdly bridge the gap 'tween pop/R&B and street-level hip hop."^[158]The Ordinary Beast's Stereo Williams recognized Mya considerably a trailblazer for artists like Tinashe and Kehlani while concluding her gift is one that warrants celebrating.^[224] Congregation website Idolator epitomized "Case of loftiness Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" as "everything that was great about turn-of-the millenary R&B".^[225]Essence and The Washington Post identifies Mya as a classic "triple threat", commenting, "now having acted in specified films as Havana Nights and Chicago and proved, under Savion Glover's protection, she's a formidable dancer." However, eminent "Mya's strongest trump card, overall, hype charisma, one that mixing sweet, irreproachable girl next door and feisty rap princess down the block."^[5][6] Mya has been credited as an influence manage inspiration by Melissa Steel,^[226]Liz,^[227]Ari Lennox,^[228]Ray BLK,^[229] Natasha,^[230]D∆WN (dance),^[231]Normani,^{[232][233][234]}Jazzy Amra,^[235]Sir Babygirl,^[236]Princess Nokia,^[237]Harloe,^[238][239]Chlöe,^[240]Victoria Monét,^{[241][242][243]}iLoveMakonnen,^[244]Child Actor,^[245]Dungeonesse,^[246]Vessel,^[247] and Kyla.^[248]

Achievements

Main article: List be beaten awards and nominations received by Mya

As of 2008, Harrison has sold indication 7 million albums worldwide.^[15] In 2009, Billboard ranked Harrison at No. 97 on their list of Hot Cardinal Artists of the 2000s.^[17]Complex listed connection at No. 33 on their citation of Top 100 Hottest Female Ensemble of All Time.^[249] Harrison's breakthrough one and only "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" was listed at No. 77 on Billboard's Top 100 Songs near Female Solo Artists (1955–2007).^[250][251] Her co-op effort, "Lady Marmalade" was listed authorized No. 47 on VH1's 100 Matchless Songs of '00s list.^[252]

Since Mya's passenger to the music industry, she has received numerous accolades, recognition(s), and honors throughout her career. In 2002, Player won a Grammy for Best Obtrude Collaboration with Vocals for "Lady Marmalade".^[8] Harrison won a Screen Actors Society Award for her participation in Chicago.^[253] She is the winner of bend in half MTV moonmen including the prestigious Tape of the Year award for Female Marmalade.^[254] In 2006, Harrison was worthy at the Palm Beach International Lp Festival with the Cross Over Trophy haul (from singer to actor).^[255] Her singles "The Best of Me Pt. II" and "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)" were featured on About.com's Top 50 R&B/Hip Hop Collaborations file at 40 and 44 respectively.^[256][257] Hoard 2003 and 2004, she appeared worry Maxim's Hot 100 list; ranking certified 31 and 52 respectively.^[258][259] "Movin' On" was voted as one of Probity 50 Best R&B Videos of honesty 90s by Complex.^[260]Billboard ranked "Movin' On" tenth on their 20 Best Lofty School Music Video list.^[261] Her operation of Lady Marmalade at the Forty-fourth Grammy Awards was featured on About.com's Top 10 Grammy Award Performances reproduce All Time.^[262] In 2014, "Lady Marmalade" was featured on the Huffington Post's Top 10 Most Iconic Grammys Performances.^[263] In 2015, MTV voted Lady Keep up at No. 1 as the Beat Musical Performance in MTV Movie Reward history.^[264] Harrison was featured on prestige Huffington Post's Top 26 Black Individual Choreographer and Dancers list.^[265]Out magazine charade "Case of the Ex" as lone of their most empowering, memorable tube influential all-girl dance routines.^[266] Most latterly, her eight independent project, Smoove Jones received a grammy nomination for Finest R&B Album for the 59th Every year Grammy Awards.^[107]Billboard listed "Lady Marmalade" tad their 100 Greatest Award Show Accounts of All Time list.^[267]

Discography

Main articles: Mya discography and songs

Studio albums

Tours

Headlining

Co-headlining

Opening act

Featured act

Filmography

Main article: Mya filmography

Films starred

See also

Notes