R&B icon Mya is stepping back into the spotlight with intention. The Grammy Award-winning singer recently opened up about her upcoming album, “Retrospect,” set to drop in Spring 2026, while reflecting on a career that has remained remarkably self-directed.

During a candid discussion about her creative journey, Mya shared insights into the philosophy that has guided her decades-long career — one rooted in independence, discipline and protecting her personal happiness.

At a time when many artists rely on massive teams and major label backing, Mya made it clear she has intentionally kept her operation small.

“I’ve always had a small team,” she explained. “I’m still a boutique operation.”

That boutique approach has allowed the singer to maintain creative control while navigating an industry she says can be unpredictable.

Prince’s Advice on Independence Still Guides Mya’s Career

One of the most influential voices in Mya’s journey came from the late music legend Prince, who reached out to her personally early in her career.

According to Mya, Prince offered guidance that still shapes how she approaches business today.

“If he saw a bit of himself in you, he reached out,” she recalled. “He just really truly believed in fairness.”

Prince encouraged her to understand the business side of music and to remain intentional about her independence.

He advised artists to perform their due diligence, reminding them that artistry alone isn’t enough to sustain a long career.

“He talked about making sure artists do their due diligence of being artists,” Mya explained. “Live below your means, and also preserve your happiness.”

The message resonated deeply. For Mya, independence is not only about ownership — it is also about peace of mind.

She acknowledged that while record labels can be helpful, the system itself often changes rapidly.

“Labels serve their purpose,” she said. “But they’re very unpredictable. There’s always mergers, staff changes and shifts happening.”

That unpredictability ultimately pushed her toward building a career structure she could control.

“Lady Marmalade” Turns 25 & A Surprising Missy Elliott Connection

As Mya prepares for her next chapter with “Retrospect,” she is also celebrating a milestone moment from the past.

The hit collaboration “Lady Marmalade” — featuring Mya, Pink, Christina Aguilera and Lil’ Kim — recently reached its 25th anniversary.

The iconic track remains one of the most recognizable pop and R&B collaborations of the early 2000s.

Interestingly, Mya revealed that the project also marked the only time she has ever been in the studio with Missy Elliott.

Despite Missy previously writing Mya’s hit “My Love Is Like… Whoa,” the two never actually recorded together until the “Lady Marmalade” era.

According to Mya, everything about the song and video unfolded naturally.

“It just flowed seamlessly,” she said.

The track’s explosive success cemented its place in pop culture history, with the Moulin Rouge soundtrack single dominating charts worldwide.

The Jersey Dress That Defined a Generation

Mya also addressed one of the most memorable visual moments of her career — the famous jersey dress look that dominated early 2000s fashion.

Today, the style frequently resurfaces on social media mood boards inspired by the Y2K era.

However, Mya revealed that the now-iconic look was never part of a calculated branding strategy.

Instead, credit belongs to her stylist.

“That was all June,” Mya said.

What fans often assume was a highly curated fashion statement was actually the result of a quick and simple photoshoot.

“It was a simple shoot,” she explained. “It took about six hours.”

Yet the look quickly became one of the defining images of the era and remains a reference point for fashion nostalgia.

Why Mya Doesn’t Chase Accolades

Despite decades of influence in R&B, Mya says she has never been motivated by awards or public recognition.

Her focus has always remained internal.

“I don’t focus on accolades,” she said. “I give them to myself.”

For the singer, personal fulfillment and artistic freedom outweigh trophies and industry validation.

That mindset appears to carry directly into her upcoming album.

While details surrounding “Retrospect” remain limited, the title alone suggests a reflective body of work — one shaped by experience, independence and legacy.

If Mya’s career trajectory is any indication, the project will likely deliver both nostalgia and growth.

And in true Mya fashion, it will arrive on her own terms.