Teyana Taylor talks about Kanye West

IT'S NOT EVERY day you get a Kanye West protégé turning up on your doorstep, but then Sole DXB is no ordinary festival. Ostensibly a meeting for sneaker enthusiasts, if you think all people do is turn up and look at shoes for three days you are hideously uninformed. What we found when heading to the opening night over the weekend was one of the most culturally diverse, excitingly inventive and eclectically put-together celebrations we've ever had the pleasure to attend. Whether it's the Japanese themed entrance, the container bin-like stores full of street-wear, food from all over the world, talks from acclaimed designers or world-class performances, this year's Sole had it all - not least an appearance and show on Saturday night from one of the hottest up and coming hip-hop stars and Reebok ambassador, Teyana Taylor. Shooting to fame in the Kanye West video for his song Fade, we caught up with the performer to get her thoughts on her debut Dubai appearance.  

What's it like being in Dubai? 
I'm having the time of my life! This is my first time in Dubai and the place is crazy, everything is so big. It's great to be here as I'd only been through the airport before and knew I needed go get out next time to see what is going on.

What do you have planned for your time here?
I want to get up and try dune bashing out in the desert and just see what the place's vibe is saying.

How did your collaboration with Reebok come about? 
I had my own version of a shoe last year and I've been a fan of Reebok since I was four, so it's always be a genuine love. I remember my first pair of 54-11s and I remember my mother giving me a pair of every colour. 

Sneakers over anything else?
Always sneakers over heels any day. If I have to wear heels I'll wear them, but I'll definitely make sure I've a pair of sneaker in my bag!

Music life is treating you well, how has being signed with Kanye West helped? What impact has he had on your life?
A huge impact. His passion, his drive, the fact he's a perfectionist makes him amazing to work with and I'm super excited that he's producing my whole album. He's really taking it very seriously and it's just so dope to see someone that's passionate not only about themselves, but also about others.

You're known to be a massive Janet Jackson fan. How has she influenced you?
When I first met Janet Jackson it all came out of me. I was just balling crying. You're going to think I'm a weirdo but I couldn't answer one real question as I was just looking at here thinking "you're so stunning". When I met her all I could do or say was just "you are so stunning" over and over again!

She has influenced me not only as a person, but also as an artist as well because she brings passion to entertainment, live performance and records. She makes me comfortable with expressing that sexy side and is a big reason I put a lot of effort into my shows.

How do you go about writing a tune? 
It's hard to explain, but you know it's all about the beat. You hear a beat and it gives you an idea. I need a beat that makes me feel inspired, happy, sad, what I'm thankful for. Then you need to make your story rhyme and put it to that beat, that's how it normally happens.

What can we expect music-wise in 2018?
Finally a new album is what I've got planned! At this point I wouldn't care if it was even a whole jazz album or what it is. I'm just so excited to have music out as I've been waiting for so long