Syleena Johnson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Syleena Johnson
Johnson in 2020
Background information
Birth name	Syleena Thompson
Born	(1976-09-02) September 2, 1976 (age 48) Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
Origin	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter actress television presenter
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Shanachie E1 Aneelys Blackbyrd Jive
Associated acts	Kanye West Musiq Soulchild Syl Johnson

Syleena Johnson (born Syleena Thompson on September 2, 1976) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is famous for her powerful voice in the R&B and soul music genres.

Many people know her from her feature on Kanye West's hit 2004 song "All Falls Down". The song was a huge success, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She also worked with West again in 2021 on his album Donda.

Johnson has released several of her own albums, including Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness (2001), Chapter 2: The Voice (2002), and Chapter 3: The Flesh (2005).

Early Life and Family

Syleena Johnson was born in Harvey, Illinois. Her father was the famous R&B singer Syl Johnson, and her mother, Brenda Thompson, was the first Black female police commissioner in Harvey. Syleena has two older sisters. Growing up in a musical and trailblazing family helped shape her future.

Music Career

Starting with the "Chapters"

Johnson began her official music career with Jive Records. She released a series of albums that she called "Chapters," telling stories through her music.

Her first album, Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness, came out in 2001. The single "I Am Your Woman" became popular on the radio. Her next album, Chapter 2: The Voice (2002), was also praised by critics. The magazine Mojo called it a "classy" and "engaging R&B album."

In 2005, she released Chapter 3: The Flesh. This album received excellent reviews, with some critics calling it one of the best albums of the year for its quality.

Working with Kanye West

One of the biggest moments in Johnson's career was in 2004. She was the vocalist on Kanye West's song "All Falls Down" from his album The College Dropout. West originally wanted to use a sample of singer Lauryn Hill, but he was not able to get permission. Johnson stepped in and recorded the vocals, helping to make the song a massive hit.

In 2021, Johnson and West worked together again. She was featured on the opening track of his album Donda, called "Donda Chant".

Later Albums and Projects

Johnson continued to release music, including Chapter 4: Labor Pains in 2009. USA Today praised the album, saying she had a "gorgeous voice and evocative storytelling."

From 2012 to 2014, Johnson was a star on the TV One reality show R&B Divas: Atlanta. The show followed the lives of several female R&B singers. In 2013, she also released a duet album with singer Musiq Soulchild called 9ine.

Personal Life

In 2015, Johnson achieved a major personal goal by graduating from Drake University with a degree in nutrition science. She earned the highest honors, summa cum laude, 21 years after she first started college.

Johnson married Kiwane Garris, a professional basketball player, in 2007. They have two sons, Kiwane Jr. and Kingston.

She is also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, a community service organization.

Discography

• Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness (2001)
• Chapter 2: The Voice (2002)
• Chapter 3: The Flesh (2005)
• Chapter 4: Labor Pains (2009)
• Chapter 5: Underrated (2011)
• Chapter 6: Couples Therapy (2014)
• Rebirth of Soul (2017)
• Woman (2020)
• The Making Of A Woman: The Deluxe Edition (2021)
• Legacy (2024)

Awards and Nominations

Syleena Johnson has been recognized for her music with several awards and nominations.