Mya k biography

American singer and actress (born )

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

Not to adjust confused with Maya (singer).

Mya Marie Harrison (;^[4] born October 10, ),^[1] known professionally as Mýa, is an American singer, songster, dancer, record producer, and competitor. Classified as a "triple warning entertainer,"^[5][6] Mýa was born presume Washington, D.C., later living be sold for the adjacent suburb of An area of open land around a city, Prince George's County, Maryland, circle she graduated from Eleanor Writer High School in ^[7] Owing to a child and teenager, Mýa has stated that her parents greatly influenced her love be more or less the arts, encouraging her put the finishing touches to study violin, ballet, jazz, countryside tap dance styles. Her clergyman was a performing jazz artiste, who often had band rehearsals at the family home, from the past her mother was a chaste musician who taught her high-mindedness piano.

Mýa's entertainment career at or in the beginning began in television, performing despite the fact that a dance posse member be at odds BET's Teen Summit. In blue blood the gentry mids, she signed with classify executiveA. Haqq Islam's University Rolls museum (an imprint of Interscope Records), through which she would good her eponymous debut studio sticker album () at the age range Lyrically, the record explores love affair, heartache, and other coming-of-age possible situations or sequences of events. Met with critical and profitable success, the album was mystified by the debut single "It's All About Me" (featuring Dru Hill lead singer Sisqo), which peaked within the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot Following singles from the album, "Movin' On" (with Silkk the Shocker) and "My First Night capable You", also saw mainstream go well, with the former reaching Negation. 4 on the R&B charts. Also in , Mýa's vocals on two collaborations brought newfound success, notably with "Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)", along with rappers Pras courier Ol' Dirty Bastard; the concert, which samples "Islands in goodness Stream" () by Kenny Dancer and Dolly Parton, peaked disapproval No. 15 on the Ooze , and was a overall global hit that reached Pollex all thumbs butte. 1 in many countries. She also appeared on "Take Lay out There" with R&B quartet Blackstreet and rappers Mase and Blinky Blink, which peaked at Inept. 10 on the Hot promote was featured on the reputation to Nickelodeon's Rugrats film ().

Mýa's sophomore studio album, Fear of Flying, released in , was met with an initially-lukewarm response, but would be trite and rereleased later that vintage, following the success of "Case of the Ex", arguably particular of her biggest solo hits. Fear of Flying experienced too commercial success upon its rerelease, and presented a more "mature" sound and image. The copy peaked at No. 15 press on the Billboard , received pt certification by the Recording Trade Association of America (RIAA), become more intense was supported by the singles "The Best of Me" (featuring Jadakiss) and "Free".^[8] She practised further international success that gathering when she was featured interlude Jamaican artist Beenie Man's nonpareil "Girls Dem Sugar".

The followers year, Mya participated on rank Missy Elliott-produced single "Lady Marmalade", along with fellow artists Christina Aguilera, Pink and Lil' Tail off, for the musical film Moulin Rouge! (). A reworking work for the namesake recording by Patti LaBelle and funk rock stripe Labelle, "Lady Marmalade" topped honesty mainstream Billboard charts (along converge at least 12 international charts), staying for five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on depiction Hot The collaboration won Cap Pop Collaboration with Vocals soft the 44th Annual Grammy Acclaim in ^[9] At the cooperation of the performance, the gathering featured Patti LaBelle herself breadth the stage. Taking a very active role in the producing of her subsequent releases, President was granted wider creative catch of her third studio medium, Moodring ().^[10] The album spawned two charting singles, "My Attraction Is LikeWo" and "Fallen", queue received gold certification by primacy RIAA.^[8]

Following a departure from Interscope in favor of Universal Motown Records, her fourth studio photo album, Liberation () was met live critical and commercial failure. Halfway the leak of the baby book in Japan, Mýa parted dogged with the label following take the edge off release. In , under influence mentorship of J. Prince, she founded her own label, Earth 9.^[11] Her fifth and 6th studio albums, Sugar & Spice () and K.I.S.S. (Keep Hole Sexy & Simple) (), catered to her Japanese fans, essence some of her most pop- and club-oriented releases.^[12][13] Beginning be next to , she released a triad of R&B–rooted extended plays (EPs) independently: With Love (), Sweet XVI (), and Love Honour Suite (). In , draw seventh album, Smoove Jones, traditional a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 59th Reference Grammy Awards. Its follow-up, T.K.O. (The Knock Out), in , commemorated the 20th anniversary hark back to her debut album.

Aside stay away from music, Harrison also has ventured into acting, on film, verify, broadway, and in gaming. She made her cinematic feature tegument casing debut in crime thrillerIn Besides Deep (). Following her launch, she appeared in minor illustrious supporting roles, in both vinyl and television series, such trade in Chicago (), Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (), Shall We Dance? (), Missing (), NCIS (), Cursed (), Girls Cruise (), and House Party (). Advise , Harrison competed in Dancing with the Starsseason nine, presumption second place in the competition.^[14] Harrison has sold million albums in the U.S. and 20 million records worldwide.^[15][16][17] Her accolades include a Grammy Award, straight Screen Actors Guild Award, cool Critics' Choice Movie Award near two MTV Video Music Distinction. Billboard has listed her amidst their top "Hot Artists emblematic the s" listicle.^[18]

Early life

Mya Player, a native of Washington, D.C., is the eldest of twosome children. Her father Sherman "Hajji" Harrison is a singer snowball performs in an R&B cluster, Jump Street^[19] and her local Theresa worked as an comptroller. She grew up in Ruler George's County with her link younger brothers Chaz and Nijel.^[20] In her youthful years, Mya dealt with bullying growing base as a biracial young male with a Black father service a white mother.^[21]

At the queue of two, her father ugly her in the Reflecting Siphon off between the Washington Monument careful Lincoln Memorial, where she danced. She started ballet classes in a minute afterward in , followed get by without tap and jazz, but missing interest when she was eight.^[20] At 12, she found watching videos of her fulgurate and her interest in shake off was rekindled.^[20][22]

Mya studied tapes be unable to find Tony Award winner Savion Glover, the tap dance prodigy say to best known for the Concoct hit Bring in da Din, Bring in da Funk, till she learned his routines remarkable then joined the group T.W.A. (Tappers With Attitude). She was solo before heading to Advanced York to study with Glover in a residency with authority famed Dance Theater of Harlem. Soon after, she earned keen reputation for improvisation and potent impressed Glover gave her pure solo spot during a Airport Center performance.^[20][23]

Mya subsequently appeared practised BET's Teen Summit and began to teach dance to descendants when she was She likewise had taken violin lessons owing to the fourth grade. Her charge upbringing emphasized the value eliminate school and working hard carry out get good grades. When drop father first heard her unexpected, he had her record indication tapes and took them sentinel a club where he was playing. There he met Topping. Haqq Islam, President and Overseer of University Music. Islam listened to the tapes and united to come to Mya's residence, where she sang him one En Vogue songs. Impressed nuisance her audition, Islam signed turn down to deal via his term and negotiated a distribution arrangement through Interscope Records.^[20][22]

After graduating exotic Eleanor Roosevelt High School worry Greenbelt, Maryland at 16, she enrolled in the University show Maryland in speech communications. Mya left college after one relations to focus on preparing subtract debut album.^[20][24]

Career

– Debut with Mya

After signing with major label Interscope Records, Mya spent the support two years recording her launch studio album. Using his liaison, Islam was able to enlist an elite team of collaborators to work with her, as well as Missy Elliott, Babyface, Diane Writer, Dru Hill, Darryl Pearson don Silkk Tha Shocker, while probity staff at Interscope had visualized to market Mya as their main female R&B artist, competing with fellow teen singers Aaliyah, Brandy and Monica.^[25] Released expose April to generally favorable reviews, Mya peaked at number 29 on the US Billboard contemporary sold million copies domestically.^[26] Detach received a platinum certification impervious to the Recording Industry Association be expeditious for America (RIAA), denoting shipments agree US retailers of over 1,, units.^[8] In total, the publication sold two million copies worldwide.^[27][28][29]Mya yielded three successful singles, as well as her debut single, "It's Entire About Me" featuring fellow R&B singer Sisqó, which became trig top-ten hit on the Abounding Billboard Hot , as satisfactorily as "Movin' On" and "My First Night with You".^[25]

The volume earned her several accolades, which included two Soul Train Punishment Award nominations for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist focus on Best R&B/Soul Album – Warm and an NAACP Image Stakes nomination for Outstanding New Artist.^[28][30] In addition to her on one's own work, Mya, along with Blackstreet, Blinky Blink, and Mase, was featured on "Take Me There" from the soundtrack of picture Nickelodeon animated feature film The Rugrats Movie (). It reached number one in the Contemporary Zealand Singles Chart and became a top twenty hit charge several nations, including the Allied Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, become calm United States.^[31] Harrison also developed with rapper Ol' Dirty Bugger on Pras' single "Ghetto Supastar", recorded for his debut alone studio album, Ghetto Supastar (). A worldwide number-one hit, representation song topped the charts modern more than a dozen benevolence and earned Mya her extreme Grammy Award nomination in rendering Best Rap Performance by spruce up Duo or Group category. "Ghetto Supastar" was also featured innovation the soundtrack for the civil satire film Bulworth.^[31] In , Mya made her acting first performance in the crime thriller crust In Too Deep, directed incite Michael Rymer. In the ep, she played a young bride named Loretta starring opposite Link Cool J and Omar Epps.^[32]In Too Deep received generally impure reviews,^[33][34] but managed to refund its budget.^[35]

– Fear of Flying and Lady Marmalade

Additionally in insensible , Mya began production path an album that would finally become Fear of Flying, which involved a variety of producers, including Rodney Jerkins, Swizz Beatz, Jimmy Jam & Terry Writer, and Wyclef Jean. The nickname was partially inspired by Heath Jong's same-titled novel, which communal a lot of similarities be a symptom of female sexuality and development matching second-wave feminism. Mya, who outspoken some writing on her premiere album, was heavily involved forecast the production of Fear condemn Flying, from writing and footage to producing, mixing, and mastering.^[36] Released in April to manifold reviews, Fear of Flying debuted at number 15 on glory Billboard with first week profitable of 72, copies. Upon primary release, its first single "The Best of Me" featuring Jadakiss had underperformed on the charts and suffered from the dread sophomore slump.^[37] The album's alternate single, the confrontational "Case outline the Ex", proved to keep going a different matter. "Case blond the Ex" became Mya's worldwide breakthrough hit, topping the Inhabitant Singles Chart for two orthodox weeks,^[38] while reaching number team a few and three in the Great and the United Kingdom, separately, and in turn, solidified Fear of Flying as a hit.^[39][40]

With the success of "Case have fun the Ex", Interscope re-released Fear of Flying in November , with a revised track itemization featuring two new songs, inclusive of the third single "Free". Fear of Flying earned Mya fastidious Soul Train Music Award place for R&B/Soul Album – Ladylike and a MOBO nomination manner Best Album.^[41][42] A multiplatinum success,^[43] the album sold million copies in the United States see eventually received a platinum testimony by the Recording Industry Club of America.^[26][8] Subsequently, it attained gold certifications from Canadian Tape measure Industry Association and Australian Put on tape Industry Association.^[8]

In spring of , Mya paid tribute to Janet Jackson at MTV Icon. She performed her own rendition exercise Jackson's classic hit "The Interference Principle".^[44] By mid , she had already amassed an noble nine Top 10 hits deliver sold more than six meg albums worldwide.^[45] The same harvest, she was featured on ethics Atlantis: The Lost Empire history, performing the Diane Warren-penned come through ballad "Where the Dream Takes You". The song was featured during the closing credits describe the animated feature.^[46] Her support music project, Mya collaborated hash up singers Christina Aguilera, Lil' Skate, and Pink on the rebuild of Labelle's hit "Lady Marmalade", which served as the control single from the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack.^[47] A worldwide success, follow reached number one in humble yourself fifteen countries, including the Mutual States, where it spent fin consecutive weeks at the take over of the Billboard Hot ^[48][49] At MTV Video Music Commendation, "Lady Marmalade" was nominated hold six awards and won match up for Best Video from unadorned Film and Video of distinction Year.^[50][51] In , the piece performed "Lady Marmalade" at excellence 44th Grammy Awards and won a Grammy for Best Protrude Collaboration with Vocals.^[9][52]

After the set free and success of Fear catch the fancy of Flying and "Lady Marmalade", Mya began to dabble into activity with a small supporting function in the musical film, Chicago (), based on the stage-musical of the same name. Fated by Rob Marshall, it grossed more than $ million club and was critically lauded, palatable Mya several awards in high-mindedness ensemble categories, including the Critics' Choice Movie Award and class Screen Actors Guild Award.^[53] Scam March , Mya appeared compromise hip hop alternative group Period 5's remix version of leadership song "Thin Line". Chosen chimpanzee their second single and work up R&B driven, "Thin Line" addressed the tension that often exists in platonic male-female relationships.^[54]

– Moodring and Liberation

In July , Interscope released Mya's third workshop album, Moodring. It sold enhanced than , copies in loom over first week and peaked mind number three on the Attentive Billboard , surpassing Mya's anterior effort first-week sales. The tome displayed an array of discrete emotions exploring Mya's playful point of view sexual side. The bulk guide Moodring was co-written and co-produced by Mya and influenced bypass different subjects and music stylings including pop rock, soul, alert hop, R&B, and quiet thunder. The first single, the Girl Elliott-produced "My Love Is Approximating Wo" became a top note hit on the Billboard Ooze , while its accompanying sonata video showcased a more exciting and risqué side of dignity singer. The second single, halfway tempo track "Fallen", failed allure duplicate the same success, nevertheless reached the top forty try Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs rough idea. Moodring stayed on the Banded together States chart for eighteen non-consecutive weeks and went on make use of be certified gold, selling , copies to date.^[8][55][56]

In , she had two small roles get through to the dance musical Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights and romantic comedy-drama film Shall We Dance?. Check the films, she played top-hole Latina lounge singer named Lola Martinez and the fiancée believe a ballroom dancing student. Make your mind up Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, clever re-imagining of the blockbusterDirty Dancing, tanked at the box business, Shall We Dance?, a renovate of the Japanese film elaborate the same name,^[57] became out box office hit, grossing $,, worldwide.^[58][59] Subsequently, the same yr, Mya began working on disgruntlement fourth studio album. Originally planned as a project called Control Freak, the album's first anecdote was actually scheduled for calligraphic mid release,^[60] but was at the end of the day shelved when Mya decided standing leave her management and A&M Records in fall ^[61] Be sure about , she had a supportive role in Wes Craven's irrational fear filmCursed, starring Christina Ricci promote Joshua Jackson. In the vinyl, Mya played a young sacrificial lamb by the name of Jennet Tate. Although Cursed tanked unsure the box office, it justifiable her a nomination in say publicly Best Frightened Performance category infuriated the MTV Movie Awards.^[62][63] Mya guest starred in season yoke of NCIS.^[64] Also in , Mya featured on rapper Land Link's single "Sugar Daddy" break his album Chain Reaction. Public housing official video was filmed bind New York City and debuted on & Park.^[65]

In , she co-starred in the romantic clowning drama The Heart Specialist, certain, produced and directed by Dennis Cooper, and starred Wood Marshall, Zoe Saldana, and Brian Document. White. Originally released under authority title Ways of the Flesh,^[66] it initially premiered at nobleness Boston Film Festival^[67] however confidential remain unreleased until , as it was granted a fixed theatrical release.^[66] The same origin, she signed a recording put your name down with Universal Motown and resumed work on her next medium, which she completed within practised three-month period. Classified as "energetic [and] ghetto" with a bulky classic R&B edge, Mya renamed the project Liberation.^[68] In Advance , the album's lead nonpareil "Lock U Down", a quislingism with Lil Wayne, was suggest to radio. After its remunerative failure, a second single honoured "Ridin'" was released, but unfilled also underperformed.^[69] Due to outgoings at all costs cuts, the album suffered legion pushbacks and in mid–, square accidentally leaked in Japan, persuasion Universal Motown to release Liberation as a digital download one and only in October ^[70] Next allocate in , Mya co-starred ready money the independent romantic comedy hide The Metrosexual, starring Shaun Benson in the title role.^[71] Masked at the Boston Film Holy day, the movie received mixed reviews.^[72]

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

In , Mya co-starred in the Valuation Duke-directed drama thriller film Cover in which she portrayed come AIDS victim named Cynda. Character film dealt with the gist of men who are throng the down-low in society stomach opened at selective theaters dispatch grossed $79, in the Collective States.^[73][74] Her next film, primacy direct-to-dvdromantic comedy film Love Sort Sale. Starring opposite Jackie Spread out and Jason Weaver, Mya hurt a college student named Kiely in a bad relationship.^[75] Adjacent her departure from Universal Motown, Mya continued working on fresh material under her own unrestricted imprint Planet 9 and narrow with Japanese R&B label Borough Records, a division of Town Group, to release new question. Her fifth studio album status first project for the title, Sugar & Spice, received expert Japan-wide release in December ^[76] Specifically recorded for the Indweller music market, it was preceded by the single "Paradise" tell spawned a reissue edition, at large in ^[76]

In , Mya difficult to understand a supporting role in decency comedy drama indie film Bottleworld. It featured an ensemble chuck of Anna Camp, Christopher Denham and Scott Wilson.^[77] Looking lay at the door of release more new music, Mya signed a deal with Teenaged Empire Music Group,^[78] and insecure her first mixtape called Beauty & The Streets Vol.1.^[79][80] Timehonoured debuted and peaked at edition 55 on Billboard's US Apex R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.^[81] In fall , Mya appeared as a opponent compeer on season nine of rectitude ABC reality show Dancing deal with the Stars, partnered with educated dancer Dmitry Chaplin. One go together with the show's frontrunners throughout honourableness entire competition, she danced trick a sprained ankle for probity last five weeks and one of these days placed second behind singer Donny Osmond.^[82] In , Mya was invited to be a featured guest vocalist on the number-one hit remake "We Are picture World 25 for Haiti".^[83] She appeared in The Penthouse, primary Rider Strong. The sex amusement earned largely negative reviews.^[84]

In ill-timed , she appeared on Nation DJ and record producer Cedric Gervais's single "Love Is magnanimity Answer".^[85][86][87] Following the collaboration clatter Cedric Gervais, Mya released birth solo single "Fabulous Life",^[88] which served as the first nonpareil from the Japanese version be in opposition to her sixth studio album highborn K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple),^[89] released in April swindle Japan.^[90] Production on the endeavour was primarily handled by Metropolis native producer Young Yonny constant additional contributions from Japanese musicians Jeff Miyahara and Daisuke Imai, Chuck Harmony and longtime collaborators Carvin & Ivan. As trusty Sugar & Spice, Mya took full creative control of honesty album and lent a unsympathetic in the songwriting process, co-writing and executive producing.^[91] The textbook debuted at number 72 exert yourself the Oricon Albums Chart.^[92] Efficient US version of K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple), featuring several new recordings, was floating in December via iTunes,^[93] ordain up-tempo track "Earthquake" featuring Trina serving as the album's usher single.^[94] It debuted and faint at number 74 on depiction US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.^[95]

– Smoove Jones and T.K.O. (The Punch Out)

Starting in , Mya unconfined a series of EPs value her independent label Planet 9. With Love, a four-track Valentine's Day EP, was released on the run February to commemorate the welfare of her debut single "It's All About Me" and onesixteenth anniversary in the entertainment industry.^[96] It received largely positive consider from music critics.^[97] In Apr , Mya starred opposite Linda Hamilton in the Syfy virgin TV movieBermuda Tentacles, which garnered negative reviews.^[98] The same thirty days, her second EP Sweet XVI was released to commemorate leadership release of her debut cottage album Mya.^[99][] It was followed by her second Valentine's Daylight EP, Love Elevation Suite, unconfined in ^[]

Mya's seventh studio publication Smoove Jones was released ruminate February 14, ^[][] It was preceded by the singles "Welcome to My World" and "Team You".^[][][]Smoove Jones debuted at circulation 30 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on March 5, ^[] A critical success, organized received a Grammy Award post for Best R&B Album sought-after the 59th ceremony.^[] In steady September , Mya announced authority upcoming release of a in mint condition single entitled "Ready for Whatever", but gave no date straighten out the release.^[] "Ready for Whatever" was released September 22, , as the first single unearth her forthcoming studio project.^[] Absent than two months later, Mya released a remix titled, "Ready, Part II" on November 25, ^[] On February 14, , Mya released "You Got Me" as her second single evade her forthcoming studio album TKO (The Knock Out) to solemnize the twentieth anniversary of inclusion debut single "It's All Be almost Me".^[] Mya starred as Minah Kennedy in the UMC's beginning series drama 5th Ward Ethics Series. It premiered March 2, ^[] She continued to break a slew of singles consider it included "Damage" and "Knock Cheer up Out".^[] Her thirteenth studio activity TKO (The Knock Out) was released April 20, , observance the anniversary of her inauguration album Mya ().^[]

A new unique entitled, "G.M.O. (Got My Own)" featuring Tink was released have a feeling August 31, ^[]

–present: Further deceit and musical collaborations

Mya co-starred interest a new Vh1reality television heap, titled Girls Cruise with Lil' Kim and Chilli. It premiered July 15, ^[][] In Feb , Harrison released "With You" to honor the anniversary lose her debut single.^[] Approximately, connect months later, "Down" was floating to commemorate the one period anniversary of TKO (The Punch Out).^[] The following month, Mya released "Open" on May 13, ^[] In June, she out the riddim collaboration "Handsfree" constitute dancehall artist Ding Dong.^[] Player had announced a new nonpareil "Whine" was set to wheel soon, however nothing ever materialize.^[] In November , Harrison collaborated with Canadian rapper Tory Lanez and was featured on king album Chixtape 5.^[] In Apr , Harrison released the unmarried "You Got Me, Part II".^[][] A month later, the minstrel released "Space and Time" unequaled May 29, ^[] Throughout ethics year, Mya continued to break a series of singles; ethics DJ Alyx Ander assisted EDM track "Without You",^[] the midtempo cut, "I Deserve It",^[] uptempo banger, "I'ma Do It",^[] title heartfelt ballad, "Just Call Embarrassed Name".^[] The following year, she released dual singles, "Forever Unfocused Love" and "True Love" set about coincide with her debut lone anniversary.^[] In February, she co-starred in the Tubi streaming dais action movieLazarus.^[] In July , the singer released "Worth It" introducing her alter ego "Mya Lan$ky".^[] In December, Mya marked in the Lifetime's original Xmas movie, My Favorite Christmas Melody alongside Rainbow Sun Francks.^[] Entice January , Mya made clean guest appearance on the ABC reality show Shark Tank.^[] Get in touch with June , Harrison reunited familiarize yourself Christina Aguilera for a key performance of "Lady Marmalade" bogus L.A. Pride.^[]

In January , Mya made a cameo in probity rebooted comedy filmHouse Party.^[] Newest August , she released uncomplicated song called "Whine," a dancehall reggae collaboration featuring Jamaican dance-hall musician Bounty Killer.^[] On Oct 10, , the singer unconfined an extended play of "Whine" dance mixes.^[] In February , the singer released "Anytime," orderly standalone single to commemorate loftiness anniversary of her debut single.^[] In April , she collaborated with Junior Sanchez on description dance collaboration "So Hype;"^[][] plug up official music video, directed saturate Lauren Hashian and Spicy Law, followed on May 15, ^[][]

Artistry

Voice and songwriting

Mya possesses a mezzo-sopranovocal range that spans four octaves with particularly righteousness tonality and timbre of time out voice being highlighted and dubious as "very special".^[][] Writing stake out Slate, Sasha Frere-Jones acknowledged notwithstanding Harrison's breathy voice suggests size, she easily accommodates with current melisma, unadorned legato, and hushed crooning.^[]Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commented that Mya has topping voice that is at wholly sounding "innocent and knowing", childhood consistently "upbeat and confident". By the same token, Billboard complimented her voice backer having a "smooth, sensitive, godly tone" to it who oozes with the confidence and highfalutin flair of an artist scruple her age.^[][][]

Other music critics put on referred to her voice gorilla "weak" and "thin". In assess for her second studio past performance Fear of Flying, Jon Azpiri of AllMusic commented that "she is a promising young gift, but still has yet figure up develop the chops necessary keep from rank among the best gradient R&B divas."^[]Rolling Stone wrote, "The signature quiver in Mya's schedule does give her some transonic identity, but otherwise this could be the music of Destiny's Child, Aaliyah or any confiscate the countless interchangeable hip-hop/R&B divas."^[]

Since the beginning of her life's work, Mya has always been nicely involved in her career. She writes the majority of other half own material for her flat albums. In an interview, she explained she writes % catch the fancy of her albums, and when songs are submitted to her, providing she feels the song laboratory analysis something that feels like signification she can perform well concentrate on hits close to home, for that reason she feels comfortable doing it.^[] Her lyrics usually fall blare out between hopeful and melancholy.^[] Rendering singer is also known sustenance writing sexually-driven lyrics and someone empowerment compositions with a strip 2 of an edge to them through her love for free-spirited word play.^[][] Her music usually "bridge the gap between" pop/R&B and "street-level" hip-hop.^[] According kind writer Cynthia Fuchs from PopMatters it's difficult to categorize Mya, because she has a "tendency to blend music genres".^[] Wise third album Moodring, consisted recognize various genres including, R&B, nurture hop, Techno, pop and reggae.^[]

In an interview with People, she revealed she draws her mellifluous inspirations from humming a song off the note of spruce whirring fan or tapping time out foot to the rhythm near the bathtub dripping; commenting she can hear melodies from unusual sounds like birds chirping obliging the taxis and construction amuse Manhattan. Occasionally, Harrison wishes she could stop the music. "In the middle of a chit-chat, I'll start humming or like a statue my feet, and my firm will say, 'You can't produce serious,'" she notes. "It's much a reflex that I'm perfectly unaware I look like fleece idiot."^[] Most of her songs are helmed from personal memoirs in her life as athletic as friends' experiences.^[][]

Mya has co-produced most of her records because She has her own pick up studio and label imprint, Globe 9 and is heavily concerned in the production of in exchange music and every single key up, from writing and recording change producing, mixing, and mastering cook own projects. Harrison is extremely active in all aspects position her career from the upright production to the business; formulating the beat, creating the belief, and coming up with blue blood the gentry melodies.^[36][][][]

Stage

Mya has received praise assimilate her stage presence and last performances. Author Stacy-Deanne opined digress Harrison had developed into trim well rounded-performer with flexible grant who was consistently a "source of attraction" on television stand for on tour.^[24] Staff writer Trish Davis of Hartford Courant dubious her presence as "compelling" interminably noting, "With a voice desert sends high notes with commitment and low ones with vigour, Mya's live act is solid."^[]The AU Review's Chris Singh imperishable her showmanship, which he lawful has not "aged" nor brew "dulcet notes" that stole ethics show, citing Mýa as "versatile" and a "tough act give somebody no option but to follow".^[] Similarly, Kelefa Sanneh in this area The New York Times legend her live performance, noting move up dance movements in particular, which he described as "sprightly", "sexy" and "theatrical".^[] Natasha Pinto earthly The Music commented, "She possesses the dreamiest falsetto and instruction attention with every note skull step she takes", acknowledging Mya's ability to perform with "absolute ease" and "sultry sass" who does not "miss a beat".^[] Senior music writer George Palathingal for The Sydney Morning Herald noted, "whether performing slick routines alongside two booty-shaking dancers edict accompanied only by an remedy guitarist, Mya is all class."^[] Sheldon Ang of Sheldon Collide with Media commented, "Mya's live deed is compelling, with a prescribe of sexiness, bounce and ductility – ultimately oozing a humid zest – yet, classy accost the respectable je ne sais quoi that only a not many could pull off."^[]

Influences

Mya's musical influences include Sade, Janet Jackson, Archangel Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Historiographer, Prince, Chaka Khan, Minnie Riperton, and Madonna. Mya praises Stevie Wonder for his ability arranged hear music and play concerto and feel it and liveliness other people to feel park, and Madonna for her resolution and courage. Mya calls Minnie Riperton her favorite female chanteuse and Prince her musical exemplar, stating, "He's someone who takes risks. He's an all-around player, hell of a performer. He's a genius."^[][][]

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

She cites Lena Horne and Mullet Minnelli as her role models.^[]

Alter ego

Introduced to audiences through draw song, "Worth It", Mya credits notorious mob accountant Meyer Lansky for American Mafia, as stimulus for her new handle. Depiction singer ties her low-key connect to his laid-back image become peaceful her independent artist status stop working his birthdate on the Unified States' Independence Day.^[3]

For Lan$ky's articulate cadence, Mya cites conscious duct classic hip-hop trailblazers such monkey Mos Def, Common, Digable Planets, Black Thought, André , favour Erykah Badu.^[3]

However, all influences let fall, Lan$ky is an integral get ready of Mya, relying on rustle up specifically during hard times. "When I need a picker-upper, on the other hand somebody to be that guide, someone to be that hero, or somebody to be think about it person that will crack influence whip and get me oppress shape, that's who Mýa Lan$ky is."^[3]

While adding, "The one drift doesn't let me slip gift wrap. The one that's hard advocate me when I'm too irritable or hearing those voices, those outside forces. I get scratch together."^[3]

Other ventures

In , Mya supported her own independent record earmark and company Planet 9.^[] Adjacent the mishap of events on the side of her last major studio lp, she parted ways with grandeur major label system. At grandeur advice and guidance of brew mentor J. Prince, the chanteuse established and developed her shut down independent label with a newborn business approach in mind turn into create and release music.^[][][] Even though initially set-up as a classify label and had release a few independent projects/recordings, under the Satellite 9 moniker, Mya expanded glory company's brand and ventured effect winery, apparel, and production though well.^[] Released in , Mya manufactured Planet 9 Fine Vino, a Cabernet Sauvignon organic veg wine with plum infusions in a recover from in partnership with Frey Vineyards.^[][] In junction, Planet 9 functions as a production unit view collaborates with other production companies for the singer's music videos.^{[note 1]}

Endorsements and brand partnerships

Throughout make public career, Mya has been elaborate in various brand partnerships respect companies such as Coca-Cola, Pantene, Escada, Motorola, Microsoft, Dell, Apple Music, Verizon, Macy's, Cover Juvenile, Chevrolet, IMG, Heatherette, Kohl's, Electronic Arts, Meta, and more.^{[note 2]} At the age of 18, Harrison served as an be foremost print spokeswoman for Bongo Jeans and had a Tommy Hilfiger lipstick shade named after her.^[] In Fall , she became a spokesperson for Iceberg jeans and featured in print ads in magazines.^[][] Harrison signed settle endorsement deal with Coca-Cola incline , which included appearances effectiveness television commercials. She and then-label mate Common recorded a guard version of Ed Harris' "Real Compared To What". The fruitful made its debut in disagree with the American Music Awards point of view featured Mya in a beyond commercial singing a jazzy disclosure version of the song jump Chi-town rapper Common.^[][][] In trustworthy , Mya recorded an updated version of the Simon & Garfunkel classic hit "Feeling Groovy" for GAP television ads. Dignity music for the spot was produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.^[] In late , Mya performed the original notion song, "Everything or Nothing", edgy the then-latest video game hard cash the Bond franchise&#;&#; Everything example Nothing. Mýa also appears charge the game as the NSA agent sultry Bond girl "Mya Starling". Mya co-wrote and co-produced the song with Randy Bugnitz and A&M president Ron Natty, and three variations of rectitude theme appeared in the game.^[] In , Motorola signed Mya and eight other artists unity appear in a television advertizing promoting its first iPod theme phone, the Motorola rokr. Glory commercial starred Madonna and Iggy Pop alongside Little Richard, Bootsy Collins, Amerie, Alanis Morissette concentrate on look-alikes of Beethoven, Jimi Guitarist, and The Notorious B.I.G.^[] Besides in , Mya signed indifference Ford Modeling agency and comed in a variety of incensed campaigns.^[] On March 1, , Escada announced that Mya would host the celebration to launch their newest scent, Marine Opening, on March 13 in Metropolis Beach.^[][]

Licensing

Mya has secured high-profile synchronise and licensing placements with superior media outlets such as NBC Universal, Bravo, Ford, Lifetime, HBO, CBS, Paramount, FOX, and others.^{[note 3]}

Personal life

Mya is a lacto-vegetarian (previously a vegetarian and pescatarian) and has promoted the vegetable lifestyle on PETA's behalf.^[][][] Attendant lifestyle includes a cruelty-free food and the use of void beauty products.^[]

In an interview darn Essence, Mya discussed in-depth cross beauty tips.^[] Following the set in motion of her music career, she shared she eliminated processed foods and sodas from her diet.^[] In addition, she touched not go against mental health and commented she writes and keep a file or journal with her collection the road to keep railroad of her feelings which uses to keep her sane gorilla well as prayer.^[] When purge comes to stage performances, pic shoot, and music videos, grandeur singer noted she uses someone who avoids animal products cruelty free cosmetic products.^[]

Since , Mya has been self-married. Mold her decision to marry living soul, she explained, "It was beggar about self-care, self-love and acquiring myself back after a virulent baleful relationship." Further adding, "It's fret about anything like 'all soldiers are bad' or anything need that. It's really about smooth your best self and assembly sure that you're leveling cultivate in all aspects of your life."^[]

Philanthropy

In , Mya created deduct own nonprofit organization, The Mya Arts & Tech Foundation, which is dedicated to "providing browbeaten youth growth and opportunity because of arts and technology education".^[] Reveal , she was featured fuse Heatherette's Fashion Show for Lifeball in Vienna, Austria to altercate against Global AIDS.^[] Mya has hosted fundraisers for Skool'd ingratiate yourself with aid homeless LGBT youth,^[] behaviour also advocating for gay insist on by opening the Out Awards.^[] In , she continued companion philanthropic efforts by chairing interpretation Operation Smile Event,^[] participating sound the literary project, If I'd Known Then: Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Handwriting to their Younger Selves, lump Ellen Spraggins,^[] and accepting resourcefulness honoree award for her ditch with the NSAL.^[] In she was a part of several PSA campaigns including, Cyndi Lauper's True Colors: Give A Damn,^[]NOH8 ,^[] and NSAL Most lately, Mya collaborated with singer Dionne Warwick on the gospel melody "Let There Be Light". Rap featured a supergroup of Gladys Knight, Billy Ray Cyrus, Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts), Kevin Sorbo, John Elefante (former rule singer of Kansas), Damon Elliott, The Sorbo Family, Yoni Gordon and Lucas Vidal.^[] Released Oct 18, ,^[] all of high-mindedness song's proceeds were donated appoint non-profit organization Feeding America. Incline March , Mya became False Animal Protection's first U.S. renown ambassador.^[]

Legacy and influence

Vogue's Alex Share your feelings credits Mya as an purpose of Y2K R&B.^[] Writing espouse Vogue, Frank alludes that R&B stars Tinashe, FKA twigs, famous Jhené Aiko "echoed a devoted kind of sound"; the sticky, futuristic music of R&B/pop soloist Mya.^[] He acknowledged Mya's faculties to "elbowed out the crispy catchiness of Britney Spears boss aggression of Kid Rock" change interesting, seductive music and named Harrison's brand of R&B whilst neo-R&B—an innovative take on copperplate beloved genre that promised expert way forward.^[] Essentially, he experimental, "with the dominant sounds authentication R&B production at the time", Mya was capable of "creating something preppy and poppy status radio-friendly that kept pace line the Britneys and the N'Syncs without sacrificing experimentation."^[] While loosen up accepted the three women latterly dominating the genre, Tinashe, Jhené Aiko, and FKA Twigs, "have been endlessly likened" to Aaliyah.^[] He interjects noting, "you buoy hear [Mya] in their cross-generational appreciation of subtle, almost anti-pop that still places a extra on powerfully catchy choruses shaft light, airy vocals." Elaborating, "You can see it in their nose rings and crop tops."^[] Thus, Frank concluded with "though Harrison's career didn't last, it's clear that her influence has."^[] Lewis Dene of BBC Sound applauded Mya's ability to at to "shrewdly bridge the hole between pop/R&B and street-level adversity hop."^[]The Daily Beast's Stereo Ballplayer recognized Mya as a guide for artists like Tinashe streak Kehlani while concluding her donation is one that warrants celebrating.^[] Music website Idolator epitomized "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" as "everything that was great about turn-of-the millennium R&B".^[]Essence and The Washington Post identifies Mya as a classic "triple threat", commenting, "now having contaminated in such films as Havana Nights and Chicago and submissive, under Savion Glover's aegis, she's a formidable dancer." However, distinguished "Mya's strongest trump card, whole, is charisma, one that blending sweet, innocent girl next threshold and feisty hip-hop princess dispose the block."^[5][6] Mya has bent credited as an influence gathering inspiration by Melissa Steel,^[]Liz,^[]Ari Lennox,^[]Ray BLK,^[] Natasha,^[]D∆WN (dance),^[]Normani,^[][][]Jazzy Amra,^[]Sir Babygirl,^[]Princess Nokia,^[]Harloe,^[][]Chlöe,^[]Victoria Monét,^[][][]iLoveMakonnen,^[]Child Actor,^[]Dungeonesse,^[]Vessel,^[] and Kyla.^[]

Achievements

Main article: List of awards be first nominations received by Mya

As endorse , Harrison has sold clue 7 million albums worldwide.^[16] Hurt , Billboard ranked Harrison imprecision No. 97 on their allocate of Hot Artists of position s.^[18]Complex listed her at Cack-handed. 33 on their list extent Top Hottest Female Singers supporting All Time.^[] Harrison's breakthrough unmarried "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" was listed affection No. 77 on Billboard's Honour Songs by Female Solo Artists (–).^[][] Her collaborative effort, "Lady Marmalade" was listed at Thumb. 47 on VH1's Greatest Songs of '00s list.^[]

Since Mya's appearance to the music industry, she has received numerous accolades, recognition(s), and honors throughout her calling. In , Harrison won boss Grammy for Best Pop Association with Vocals for "Lady Marmalade".^[9] Harrison won a Screen Shy Guild Award for her condition in Chicago.^[] She is glory winner of two MTV moonmen including the prestigious Video allude to the Year award for Female Marmalade.^[] In , Harrison was honored at the Palm Coast International Film Festival with grandeur Cross Over Award (from chorister to actor).^[] Her singles "The Best of Me Pt. II" and "Ghetto Supastar (That Esteem What You Are)" were featured on 's Top 50 R&B/Hip Hop Collaborations list at 40 and 44 respectively.^[][] In see , she appeared on Maxim's Hot list; ranking at 31 and 52 respectively.^[][] "Movin' On" was voted as one tip off The 50 Best R&B Videos of the 90s by Complex.^[]Billboard ranked "Movin' On" tenth shoot their 20 Best High Secondary Music Video list.^[] Her background of Lady Marmalade at illustriousness 44th Grammy Awards was featured on 's Top 10 Grammy Award Performances of All Time.^[] In , "Lady Marmalade" was featured on the Huffington Post's Top 10 Most Iconic Grammys Performances.^[] In , MTV balanced Lady Marmalade at No. 1 as the Best Musical Lend a hand in MTV Movie Award history.^[] Harrison was featured on character Huffington Post's Top 26 Murky Female Choreographer and Dancers list.^[]Out magazine included "Case of character Ex" as one of their most empowering, memorable and painstaking all-girl dance routines.^[] Most not long ago, her eight independent project, Smoove Jones received a grammy position for Best R&B Album quota the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.^[]Billboard listed "Lady Marmalade" on their Greatest Award Show Performances disbursement All Time list.^[]

Discography

Main articles: Mya discography and songs

Studio albums

Tours

Headlining

Co-headlining

Opening act

Featured act