Retrospect (Mya album)

Retrospect
Studio album by
Mýa
ReleasedMay 1, 2026[1]
Label
Producer
Mýa chronology
T.K.O. (The Knock Out)
(2018) 		Retrospect
(2026)
Singles from Retrospect
  1. "A.S.A.P."
    Released: January 30, 2026

Retrospect is the upcoming ninth studio album by the American singer Mýa. Scheduled to be release May 1, 2026, it marks singer's first album in eight years. It is preceded by the album's lead single "A.S.A.P." and features production by longtime collaborators Lamar "MyGuyMars" Edwards, Mike & Keys, and the singer herself with confirmed guest appearances from rappers 21 Savage, Snoop Dogg, ADÉ, Too $hort, D-Nice and Joyner Lucas.[2][1]

Background

Following the release of her last studio effort T.K.O. (The Knock Out) (2018), the singer ventured back into acting and foray into reality television. For two season (2018–2020), she starred in the ALLBLK drama 5th Ward The Series.[3][4] Next, the singer appeared in the reality television show Girls Cruise (2019) alongside Lil Kim and Chilli from TLC.[5] Mýa continued to act and starred in her first Lifetime Christmas movie My Favorite Christmas Melody (2021).[6] In 2023, she returned to the silver screen with a cameo in the rebooted comedy House Party.[7] In the meantime, while in the production process for her next studio effort, she released a slew of singles regularly just to hold fans over.[8] Aside from releasing standalone singles throughout the years, the singer celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of her sophomore album, Fear of Flying (2000). She commemorated the occasion with a vinyl reissue and a Dolby Atmos streaming release for fans as well in late October 2025.[2][9]

Development

"This album is a celebration of the kind of funk that never fades. It’s a bridge between the past and the future, honoring the greats, my inspirations, while forging something new."

Mýa on the creation of Retrospect with Billboard.[2]

Production on Retrospect began and concluded between 2016–2021.[2] During her time while recording T.K.O. with her production partner MyGuyMars, they began to create blueprints of other projects in mind.[8] By a chance encounter with production duo Mike & Keys working in the same studio, the singer hi-jacked a track from the duo and penned "Give It To You," a song she first began shaping in early 2017 and one of the first track(s) she cut for Retrospect.[8] By mid 2021, in a promotional interview with Rated R&B she had shared Projects 14 and 15 were on the way, being mixed, and she was in the midst of putting features on one of the albums. In addition, the singer mentioned she was aligning her teams which included a publicity, marketing, radio, and visual team and focused on getting her film money to invest in it. Lastly, the singer explained early on Retrospect according to her was "growth," "evolution," "content," "penmanship," and "timelessness," but it also pays homage. It's all of the music the singer grew up on in her blood, veins, and living room.[10] Upon completion in 2021, the singer announced Retrospect had been mixed, mastered, and paid for.[8][11] Years in the making, Mýa appointed the project's delay due to "legal processes," "featured artist agreements," "label clearances," and the untimely death of her and her production partner's mixing engineer. Set to be a celebration of all the sounds the singer has loved over the years; Retrospect in her words, is a blend of the combined eras – late 70's, early 80's funk, hip hop, R&B, pop – from over years with contemporary sounds. Originally, slated for a late 2025 release, however after playing the album for Terry Lewis of Jam & Lewis since she was honoring the pioneers of the funk era and at the suggestions of the pointers he gave her and her mixing engineer as well "to make sure the things that need to be brought up sonically are brought out," before the world hears it, the singer delayed the project once more due to the fact she was still in the process of mixing the whole thing in Dolby Atmos. Far as features are concerned on Retrospect, Mýa teased that artists have been jumping on board to feature on the record. She confirmed at least four or five are expected to appear on the album.[8]

Production and recording

A collaborative effort between the singer and her production partner MyGuyMars, Retrospect is built on "creative intentions" and "celebration" rather than "market-driven formulas." Recorded between Smoove Jones (2016) and T.K.O. (The Knock Out) (2018) as with all of her projects, it encompasses crisp vocals, dancer-level precision, and songwriting that centered around romance, confidence, and self-respect. Adapting a blend of R&B, soul, pop, and funk, musically and sonically, Retrospect derives from the raw, synths-driven pulse of late '70s and '80s Minneapolis funk.[12][13][14]

Marketing

Title

Writing for Rolling Out magazine, photojournalist Nagashia Jackson perceived the album's title as an "artistic statement." She opined its title suggest "a meditative examination of the singer's musical legacy while simultaneously pointing toward new creative directions." Acknowledging the eight-year gap between the singer's major releases, she reflected on the subject commenting, "This extended development period indicates a deliberate approach to album construction, allowing for thoughtful curation and sonic experimentation." With the inclusion of 21 Savage and Joyner Lucas on the album, the journalist took notice of the "cross-generational appeal" that "demonstrates her continued relevance within hip-hop's contemporary landscape."[12]

Distribution

Normally, the singer releases her projects on a "boutique level."[15] However, seeking alternatives to traditional industry structures, for Retrospect Mýa opted for a partnership with Virgin Music Group, marking a strategic alignment that allows the singer to maintain "creative control" while accessing "broader distribution infrastructure."[12]

Promotion

To kick off the album's campaign, in May 2025, the singer released standalone "Face to Face" where she visited Good Morning Washington and Fox 5 Washington to discuss and promote the single.[16][17] In June 2025, she performed at 25th BET Awards in tribute to 106 & Park.[18] In July 2025, the singer previewed new music and offered a first look at her new projects at the Urban 1 summit.[19] In August 2025, she was featured and interviewed for UK publication Principle magazine.[8] In August 2025 as well, she guest co-hosted Fox 5 New York's Good Night New York where she previewed a glimpse of her music video for "Face to Face."[20] In September 2025, she graced the cover of Hype Hair magazine and attended the third annual Caribbean Music Awards where she was a presenter and first teased the new album Retrospect with Billboard.[2][21][22] In October 2025, she graced the cover of Scorpio Jin magazine and performed at the Las Vegas Aces championship celebration parade.[23][24][25] On February 2, 2026, she made an appearance on Sherri, where she announced the album and an accompanying tour.[2] That same month, the singer sat down with Complex News in a promotional interview where she discussed the upcoming album, advice Prince gave her on going independent, and twenty-fifth anniversary of "Lady Marmalade."[26] On February 18, 2026, LA Travel magazine hosted a private rooftop celebration at the W Hollywood hotel where the magazine unveiled the singer as their Winter issue cover and previewed new music as well at the event.[27]

In March 2026, Mya performed at the Essence's Black Women In Hollywood luncheon.[28] She performed her single "Unbreakable."[29] That same month, Mya was announced as a supporting act for the Pussycat Dolls' PCD Forever Tour for the North America concerts.[30][31]

Singles

"A.S.A.P." was released as Retrospect's lead single on January 30, 2026. Described as a sultry, 1980's "informed," "tinged," mid-tempo groove centered around the themes of open communication and honesty.[2][32][33] Commercially, ahead of its official launch, "A.S.A.P." became one the most added songs at R&B radio. It debuted at number twenty-two on Adult R&B Songs chart, it marks the singer's first entry on that chart.[2][33][34][35] An accompanying music video for "A.S.A.P." was released on February 14, 2026, directed by City James.[36] A remix featuring 21 Savage was released February 27, 2026.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Samuels, Keithan (February 27, 2026). "Mýa Taps 21 Savage for 'ASAP (Remix)': Listen". Rated R&B. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Denis, Kyle (February 2, 2026). "Mýa Announces First Studio Album In 8 Years Celebrating 'The Kind of Funk That Never Fades'". Billboard. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  3. ^ Magnum, Trey (February 13, 2018). "Watch The Exclusive Trailer For Houston-Set Series, 'Fifth Ward,' Starring Mya And Carl Anthony Payne". Blavity. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  4. ^ Pedersen, Erik (May 25, 2020). "Summer Premiere Dates 2020: Here's What's On As Lockdown Starts To Lift". Deadline. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  5. ^ Petski, Denise (July 10, 2019). "VH1 Orders 'Girls Cruise' Reality Series Starring & Executive Produced By Lil' Kim For July Premiere". Deadline. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  6. ^ Wang, Connie (December 13, 2021). "The Complete Lifetime Christmas Movie Schedule for It's a Wonderful Lifetime 2021". Parade. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  7. ^ Lang, Cady (January 13, 2023). "All the Cameos You Might Have Missed in House Party". Time. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Magnocavallo, Fabio (August 7, 2025). "Mya Interview: 'My new album is a blend of many influences'". Principle. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  9. ^ Armstrong, Sam (October 31, 2025). "Mya Celebrates 'Fear Of Flying' 25th Anniversary With Vinyl Reissue". UDiscoverMusic. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  10. ^ Folk, Antwane (July 20, 2021). "Introducing Mýa Lan$ky". Rated R&B. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  11. ^ Shahryar, Sabrina (May 30, 2023). "R&B Legend Mýa Celebrated 25 Years In The Music Industry And The Release Of Her Debut Album". Crucial Rhythm. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  12. ^ a b c Jackson, Nagashia (February 3, 2026). "Grammy award-winning Mýa announces album 'Retrospect'". Rolling Out. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
  13. ^ "Mýa Blends Classic Soul, Funk, and Modern Groove in brand new single 'ASAP'" (Press release). Maryland: Hip Video Promo. EIN Presswire. February 27, 2026. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  14. ^ Powell, Jon (January 26, 2026). "Mýa's discography: Revisit the albums that built her legacy". Revolt. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  15. ^ Thompson, Erica (December 15, 2011). "Mya Talks 'K.I.S.S.' Deluxe Album, New 'Catty' Single, & Trina Collabo". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
  16. ^ "Grammy winner Mýa debuts new single Face to Face and talks about her D.C. roots". WJLA-TV. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  17. ^ "Grammy Award-winning singer Mya talks new music and self-care journey". WTTG. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  18. ^ Saponara, Michael (May 6, 2025). "'106 & Park' to Celebrate 25th Anniversary With Host Reunion & Performances at 2025 BET Awards". Billboard. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  19. ^ Noelle, Nia (July 25, 2025). "Mya Talks New Music, Career, and Future Projects at the Urban 1 Summit". Black America Web. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  20. ^ "Good Night New York: Special co-host R&B singer Mya, Da'ville, back-to-school fashion". Fox 5. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  21. ^ "Mya Teases New Album Coming & Celebrating 25 Years of 'Girls Dem Suga' With Beenie Man". Billboard. September 2, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  22. ^ "Mýa Returns: An Exclusive Cover Celebration with Hype Hair". Hype Hair. September 4, 2025. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  23. ^ Ramirez, Dania (October 29, 2025). "Mýa In The Spotlight". Scorpio Jin. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  24. ^ Katsilometes, John (October 15, 2025). "Aces deal the headliners for Las Vegas Strip victory party". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  25. ^ "Aces celebrate third WNBA title with Vegas parade". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  26. ^ "Mya talks New Album "Retrospect," Her Iconic Jersey Dress, and Advice from Prince". Complex Networks. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  27. ^ "LA Travel Magazine: An Evening with Mýa". LA Guestlist. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  28. ^ Stewart, Shelby (March 4, 2026). "ESSENCE Honors Black Women Trailblazers In Hollywood With Star-Studded Lineup". Essence. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  29. ^ Victorian, Brande (March 12, 2026). "LaTanya Richardson Jackson Sends Message to "Wake Up, Stay Woke" at Essence Black Women in Hollywood". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  30. ^ Quinn, Dave (March 12, 2026). "The Pussycat Dolls Reunite as a Trio, Drop New Song and Announce Global Tour Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Debut Album". People. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  31. ^ "The Pussycat Dolls To Return For Massive World Tour With Mya & Lil' Kim". iHeart. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  32. ^ Samuels, Keithan (January 30, 2026). "Mýa Releases New Single 'ASAP': Listen". Rated R&B. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  33. ^ a b Williams, Stero (January 30, 2026). "The Listening: J. Cole, Mya, Wiz Khalifa, Dave East & Joyner Lucas, Terrace Martin and More". Okayplayer. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
  34. ^ "Mya Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. February 7, 2026. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
  35. ^ Samuels, Keithan (February 4, 2026). "Chart Brief: Brent Faiyaz Leads Billboard Adult R&B Airplay, Tank's 'Control' Hits Top 10". Rated R&B. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  36. ^ Lane, Vincent (February 17, 2026). "Mýa Keeps Momentum Going With New "ASAP" Video". The Garnette Report. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
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