Multifaceted talent Serayah McNeill is hustling her way to the top of the entertainment world. Her breakout role as Tiana Brown on the award-winning television series Empire may have catapulted her to success, but it doesn’t stop there. In addition to her thriving acting career, Serayah is a flourishing model, dancer, and philanthropist who’s an active supporter of the Fem the Future organization (founded by fellow singer Janelle Monáe). You may also recall her cameo as a member of Taylor Swift’s fierce girl squad in the iconic ‘Bad Blood’ video.

Now, Serayah is shifting her focus to pursue her budding music career. After dropping Addicted in April, the R&B singer continues to build on her momentum releasing a new single and jaw-dropping music video for ‘So Good.’

Serayah is currently preparing for the debut of Empire season 5 in September but found the time to share with Vydia about her experiences on the show, her music career, and the time she met Beyoncé. Here’s what she had to say:

You star as Tiana Brown on the hit show Empire, has been a featured dancer in multiple music videos (including Taylor Swift’s ‘Bad Blood’), and have successfully launched your music career. Of the three, which is your favorite passion: acting, dancing, or singing?

I love music!! I started writing when I was 9. But acting has definitely taken me by storm. It’s an amazing process creatively to transfer my energy to play someone else’s life.

As an active member of the ‘Fem The Future” organization, can you tell us more about your role within the organization and what it means to you?

I am a new supporter of the organization and very happy to be! Supporting women in their careers and encouraging other women to keep reaching for the top, while sharing my journey! Inspiring and giving recognition to other women while doing so.

In your audition for Empire you rapped a verse from Nicki Minaj’s “Itty Bitty Piggy”, would you say she is your biggest musical influence?

I wouldn’t say biggest. But she has had a role in hip-hop for me growing up. My friends and I practiced all her verses.

In an interview with Billboard, you reveal that you have received praise from the Queen B (Beyoncé) herself. What was that experience like and has it further motivated you to pursue music?

It was so exciting and motivating. Just because she’s so BIG and such an ICON I feel like I can conquer the world and all my wildest dreams like she did. It also showed me no matter how big you get you can always show love to the next.

Do you foresee working with Beyoncé on new music?

That would be an outer body experience!

Has your role as Tinana influenced your music or changed your approach to creating content?

Not too much. I keep her separate so I can be true to my character for my personal music. We have different personal experiences.

Acting as a regular on Empire while releasing your first EP is quite the accomplishment. How are you able to balance acting and launching your musical career?

A lot of acting classes and vocal lessons. Just staying a student of the game allows me to execute everything much more efficiently.

What was the story behind the video for your hit track “So Good”?

MYA! I’ve always looked up to Mya and her dancing ability. And that’s what I wanted to do for “So Good”! DANCE! Inspired by her “Like Woah” video.

What can we expect from your next video?

I’m not sure! I like to let life guide me.

What’s the best piece of advice you received as a creator?

Be yourself, be authentic to your real life experiences.

What advice would you give to aspiring creators?

The same thing! It’s sometimes the hardest to be yourself. But it’s really the key.

What is a fun fact that no one knows about you?

I’m very silly. And I want to host my own annual comedy show featuring all new and known comedians!

The journey is just beginning for this rising star and we can’t wait to see what’s next. To ensure you don’t miss out on any Serayah action, make sure you follow her on social media and share ‘So Good’ with your friends!

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