Mya

Mya secured her first recording contract at age 16, after abandoning her childhood ambition to become a professional dancer. Beginning dance lessons at age 2, by age 10 she was performing with the dance troupe T.W.A. (Tappers with Attitude) and later studied at the Dance Theater of Harlem. Encouraged by her musician father, Mya took up singing at age 15 and was quickly signed to Interscope. Her debut album, Mya (1998), shot to platinum status and resulted in the hit singles “It's All About Me” and “Movin' On.” A series of hit collaborations from film soundtracks followed, including “Ghetto Superstar” (1998), with Pras and Dirty Ol' Bastard; “Take Me There” (1998), with Blackstreet; and “Lady Marmalade” (2001), with Christina Aguilera and Pink. Her second platinum album, Fear of Flying (2000), showcased her songwriting talents and more collaboration with the likes of Beenie Man, Swizz Beatz, and Left Eye. Her third album, Moodring, was released in summer 2003.