It was a fresh and crisp Spring in 1998 when 18 year-old, R&B singer Mya Marie Harrison hit the scene with her first single "It's All About Me" featuring R&B singer Sisqo, from her self-titled debut studio album, Mya. The hit single "It's All About Me" was both written and composed by Sisqo (Dru Hill) and Darryl Pearson.
"Mya" was released by University Music Entertainment and Interscope Records on April 21, 1998 with creative direction by University Music Entertainment's CEO A. Haqq Islam.
Mya - "It's All About Me" (1998)
Hit makers and music-shakers Diane Warren, Baby Face, Dru Hill, Missy Elliott were on boarded to bring even more fire to the album and artistry. I mean can you imagine being groomed by some of the worlds greatest?!
The self-titled album Mya boasted two other singles "Movin' On (ft. Silk the Shocker)" and Babyface / Diane Warren penned ballad "My First Night with You" which received favorable critique from her music industry peers. Mya hit its highest ranking of #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 , number 29 on Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In September 1998,
Mya - "Movin' On"
Mya - "My First Night With You"
A couple of my personal favs from the album that weren't released as singles are "What Cha Say", "Baby It's Yours", "We're Gonna Make Ya Dance", "If You Were Mine", "Bye Bye" and "Don't Be Afraid" .
Let's just say the whole album is a listen from start to finish.
At at time when female artists were dominating the charts, Mya held her own.
First Year in the Game (1998) Accolades: MYA
- Lady of Soul /Soul Train Music Award - Best R&B/Soul or New Artist (NOMINEE)
- Lady of Soul /Soul Train Music Award - Best R&B/Soul Album (NOMINEE)
- NAACP Image Award - Outstanding New Artist (NOMINEE)
- Billboard Music Video Awards - Best New R&B/Urban Clip (NOMINEE)
- MTV - Best Rap Video (NOMINEE)
- MTV Video Music Awards - "Ghetto Superstar" (NOMINEE)
To celebrate 25 years since her self titled debut album hit shelves, Mya re-released "Mya" in April 2023, with six remixed tracks. In addition, she gave us a new version of "It's All About Me" (25th Anniversary Remix). Check the visual dance rendition below:
Drop your favorite Mya track in the comments.
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Written by: Jovon Pavielle/@JoJoJovon for Haus of Blog
