Mya’s debut album 1998 self titled album went double platinum.
She’s collaborated with Christina Aguilar, Jay-Z, beanie man, Sean Paul and Swizz Beatz, Missy Elliott, Lil Kim and more. She has won both a Grammy and Screen Actors Guild award. Mya released the deluxe version of her debut album in honor of her 25th anniversary in the music industry and entertainment space.
During the Mya 1824 press conference many gems were shared by the artist. She shared an author by the name of Donald Passman who is an expert in the music business. She talks about the magical opportunities that can come from your joy and art. So we asked “If you could speak to 20 year old Mya what advice would you give to her?”
Mya responded, “20 year old Mya let’s think about Where I was. I was very busy and I would definitely say lean on your Faith, obviously hold on, that means like you will not be throwing in the towel anytime soon. That joy is a very important keyword for me as a young adult coming into her own self in front of the world. Return to Joy in moments of uncertainty and take your time. You do not have to be in a race. I think when you’re stepping into a business, there’s a lot of pressure in sort of digesting that you are a brand you are a product and there has to sort of be a degree of separation to understand not to take things personally. Criticism is very key because you have a team working for you. You have so many different components to make one situation work and once again, to I think understand everyone’s position, and the aspect of them being a key player and essential to your success is asking questions, and not being afraid to ask questions which leads me to another gem remaining a student for the rest of your life but of course when I am 20 years old as a baby, and a very, very youthful, very young very green and still learning just the basics of business or interview etiquette, etc. so you’re learning so many different things in so many different arenas that you must show up in front 100% not having a clue you know what you’re doing but enjoying the moment is very key and another piece of advice to my 20 year old self would be no pain no gain but if it’s not joyful, it’s not worth it. Put in the work and embrace the grind. Yeah it can get very taxing on anyone. Physically but it’s all a blessing and so gratitude is key as well. And it’s a game of juggling mentally, physically creating balance in how you process things when you’re very green stepping into new territory, and I believe in taking my time. I watched a lot of young artists go through the strain of fighting for adulthood, and the respect of an adult, but not necessarily being well-versed in their craft or well-versed in understanding the mechanics of a team or a machine and I’m glad that I have taken my time but young people I would definitely advise a lot of those things.”
Mya is incredibly graceful and wise. Definitely learned a lot from the 1824 press conference. Here is a link to Mya’s music from 1998. Follow here on instagram to catch up on what she’s been up to.
