Once tap-danced on stage with famous tap-dancer Gregory Hines.

Professional singer

Parents are Sherman and Theresa. Younger brothers are Chaz and Nijel.

Half Jamaican

Is from the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the same Metro area as Sandra Bullock, Alan Heitz, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, Regina Hall and Dwayne Winstead.

Is a winner of Two MTV Video Music Awards and One Grammy Award.

Half Italian

She was named after Maya Angelou.

Is a vegan.

Lost out on the female lead role in Light It Up (1999).

Recorded a new version of the Patti LaBelle hit "Lady Marmalade" along with Pink, Christina Aguilera and `Kimberly `Lil` Kim` Jones` for the Moulin Rouge! (2001) soundtrack.

Got her start as a tap dancer.

Studied tap under Savion Glover of "Bring On Da Noise, Bring On Da Funk" and has performed at places such as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Smithsonian and the Shakespeare Theater.