Chyna Tahjere Griffin is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and creative artist who comes from one of the most recognized musical families in contemporary R&B and hip-hop. As the eldest child of Grammy-winning singer Faith Evans and musician and producer Kiyamma Griffin, Chyna grew up surrounded by music, recording studios, live performances, and some of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. While many people initially became aware of her because of her famous parents, she has spent years developing her own artistic identity and building a career based on her own talents.
Unlike many celebrity children who rely entirely on family connections, Chyna devoted herself to learning music, songwriting, production, and performance from a young age. Her journey reflects a combination of natural talent, professional training, and firsthand exposure to the music business. Over the years, she has worked as a singer, producer, songwriter, and performer while steadily establishing her own reputation in the industry.
Chyna Tahjere Griffin – Profile & Biography Table
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chyna Tahjere Griffin |
| Stage Name | Chyna Tahjere |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1993 |
| Age | 33 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American heritage through her family background |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Creative Artist |
| Known For | Being the daughter of Faith Evans and for her own music career as Chyna Tahjere |
| Mother | Faith Evans |
| Father | Kiyamma Griffin |
| Education | New York University, Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music |
| Occupation Industry | Music and Entertainment |
| Musical Genres | R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop Influenced Music |
| Years Active | 2010s–Present |
| First Known Single | “Grown Lady” (2012) |
| Other Known Songs | “Alright,” “Don’t Speak” and other independent releases |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly confirmed as married; generally keeps personal life private |
| Children | No publicly documented children |
| Siblings | Christopher Jordan Wallace, Joshua Jahad Russaw, Ryder Evan Russaw |
| Stepfather During Childhood | The Notorious B.I.G. |
| Residence | United States |
| Famous For Family Connection | Eldest child of Grammy-winning R&B singer Faith Evans |
| Musical Skills | Singing, Songwriting, Music Production, Keyboard Performance |
| Notable Fact | Learned music from an early age, began creating beats as a preteen, and studied music professionally at NYU. |
Who Is Chyna Tahjere Griffin?
Chyna Tahjere Griffin is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and recording artist best known as the daughter of Grammy-winning R&B star Faith Evans and music producer Kiyamma Griffin. Although she grew up connected to one of music’s most famous families, Chyna has worked to establish her own artistic identity through songwriting, music production, and recording. Her career reflects a combination of formal music education, industry experience, and creative independence.
Early Life and Childhood
Chyna Tahjere Griffin was born on April 1, 1993, in Newark, New Jersey. She arrived before her mother achieved mainstream success as a recording artist. At the time, Faith Evans was still building her music career, while Kiyamma Griffin was working as a producer and musician. Chyna therefore witnessed her parents’ professional journeys from the very beginning.
Music surrounded her throughout childhood. Recording studios, songwriting sessions, rehearsals, and performances became a normal part of her upbringing. Unlike many children who discover music later in life, Chyna experienced the music business from an early age and developed an understanding of both the creative and professional sides of the industry.
Her mother has explained that all of her children grew up around musicians and recording sessions. Chyna in particular spent significant time in studios while Faith Evans recorded some of her most successful projects. Those experiences became an informal education that shaped her future career.
Growing Up in a Famous Musical Family
Being the daughter of Faith Evans placed Chyna close to some of the most influential figures in R&B and hip-hop. Her mother became the first female artist signed to Bad Boy Records and later emerged as one of the leading voices of 1990s R&B.
As a child, Chyna also spent time around legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who married Faith Evans in 1994. Although Biggie was not her biological father, he was an important figure during her early years. His influence remains part of the extended family history that shaped Chyna’s upbringing.
Growing up in such an environment exposed her to professional recording techniques, songwriting structures, vocal arrangements, and performance preparation. These experiences helped build a strong musical foundation long before she formally studied music.
Relationship with Faith Evans
Chyna has often been recognized as the eldest child of Faith Evans. Their relationship extends beyond family ties and includes a shared passion for music. Throughout her development as an artist, Chyna received encouragement from her mother while also learning through observation.
According to interviews discussed by People magazine, Chyna learned a great deal simply by watching Faith Evans work in the studio. She explained that her mother taught her many aspects of music indirectly because she was constantly present during recording sessions and album production.
As her career progressed, Chyna also collaborated professionally with her mother and joined her on tour, gaining valuable experience performing before live audiences and learning how major music productions operate.
Her Father: Kiyamma Griffin
Chyna’s father, Kiyamma Griffin, is a musician, producer, and music executive. While he is not as publicly known as Faith Evans, he has maintained a career within the music business and contributed to Chyna’s artistic development. Several reports describe him as a producer and recording professional who introduced Chyna to additional aspects of music production and songwriting.
Because both parents worked in music, Chyna benefited from exposure to different creative perspectives. Her mother’s strength as a vocalist and songwriter combined with her father’s production experience helped shape her well-rounded understanding of music creation.
Education and Musical Training
Unlike many artists who rely solely on practical experience, Chyna pursued formal music education. She attended the prestigious Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University, one of the most respected music programs in the United States.
The program focuses on music production, songwriting, recording technology, music business, and artist development. Through this education, Chyna expanded the knowledge she had already gained from growing up in recording studios.
Her academic training helped strengthen her abilities not only as a vocalist but also as a producer, songwriter, and creative professional capable of understanding the technical side of music creation.
Discovering Her Own Musical Voice
One challenge faced by many celebrity children is developing an identity independent of their famous parents. Chyna approached this challenge by creating music that reflected her own experiences and artistic interests.
Instead of directly copying her mother’s style, she developed a sound that blends contemporary R&B, soul influences, hip-hop elements, and modern production techniques. Her music often focuses on personal growth, relationships, self-expression, and emotional honesty.
As she matured creatively, she became increasingly involved in songwriting and production, demonstrating that her talents extend beyond performing. This multi-dimensional approach helped distinguish her from many artists who focus only on singing.
Career as a Singer and Songwriter
Chyna’s professional music career developed gradually through songwriting, collaborations, independent releases, and creative projects. Industry observers often describe her as an artist who values artistic development over rapid commercial success.
Her work showcases influences from classic R&B traditions while incorporating modern sounds. She has earned recognition for her songwriting abilities and for creating music that reflects her own artistic perspective rather than relying solely on family fame.
Throughout her career she has continued building a reputation as a serious musician dedicated to mastering multiple aspects of the creative process.
Notable Music Releases
Among Chyna’s most recognized songs are “Grown Lady” and “Alright,” which introduced many listeners to her style and abilities as a recording artist. These releases helped establish her presence within contemporary R&B circles and demonstrated her potential as both a vocalist and songwriter.
Reports also note the release of the single “Don’t Speak,” which further showcased her evolving artistry and songwriting skills. Through these projects, she continued refining her musical identity and expanding her audience.
Songwriting Contributions
One of the lesser-known aspects of Chyna’s career is her work behind the scenes as a songwriter. Her contributions extend beyond her own recordings and include participation in professional songwriting projects. A notable example is her songwriting credit on “I Deserve It,” a song by Faith Evans featuring Missy Elliott and Sharaya J. The official credits list Chyna Griffin among the song’s writers.
This accomplishment highlights her ability to contribute creatively at a professional level and demonstrates the respect she has earned within songwriting circles.
Music Production and Creative Work
In addition to singing and songwriting, Chyna has shown interest in music production. Her understanding of recording techniques and studio work developed through years of exposure to professional music environments and formal education.
This broader skill set allows her to participate in multiple stages of the creative process, from writing lyrics and melodies to helping shape the final sound of a recording. Such versatility has become increasingly valuable in the modern music industry.
Other Professional Interests
Beyond music, Chyna has worked in beauty and creative industries. Various profiles describe her experience as a makeup artist and creative entrepreneur. These ventures allowed her to explore additional forms of artistic expression while expanding her professional portfolio.
Her involvement in different creative fields reflects a broader artistic mindset that extends beyond recording music alone.
Family and Siblings
Family remains a major part of Chyna’s life. She is the oldest of Faith Evans’ four children. Her siblings include Christopher Jordan Wallace, commonly known as C.J. Wallace, Joshua Russaw, and Ryder Russaw.
C.J. Wallace
C.J. Wallace is the son of Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G. He has built careers in acting, business, and entertainment. Over the years, he has participated in projects that preserve and celebrate his father’s legacy.
Joshua Russaw
Joshua Russaw pursued music as a DJ, producer, songwriter, and performer. Like several members of the family, he developed an interest in entertainment from a young age.
Ryder Russaw
Ryder Russaw is the youngest member of the family. Faith Evans has publicly discussed his experiences on the autism spectrum and has advocated for increased awareness and support through charitable initiatives.
Influence of Family Legacy
The Evans-Wallace family occupies a unique place in music history. Through her mother’s achievements and her connection to the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G., Chyna grew up within a family whose influence extends across multiple generations of music fans.
However, Chyna’s career demonstrates a commitment to creating her own accomplishments. Rather than relying exclusively on family recognition, she has pursued education, songwriting, production, and independent artistic development.
Personal Life
Chyna generally maintains a private personal life. Most public attention remains focused on her artistic work and family background rather than personal relationships. This approach has allowed her to concentrate on professional growth and creative projects while maintaining a degree of privacy uncommon among individuals connected to major entertainment families.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Chyna Tahjere Griffin represents a new generation of artists connected to the golden era of R&B and hip-hop. She inherited a rich musical heritage, but her career shows a determination to establish her own voice and creative identity.
Through formal education, songwriting achievements, production work, and recording projects, she has demonstrated a commitment to developing as a complete artist. As her career continues to evolve, she remains an important figure among the children of legendary music performers who have successfully pursued artistic paths of their own.
Her story is ultimately one of talent, education, creativity, and perseverance. While her famous family opened the door to unique experiences, it is her dedication to music and artistic growth that continues to define her professional journey.
FAQs
1. Who is Chyna Tahjere Griffin?
Chyna Tahjere Griffin is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. She is best known as the eldest daughter of R&B singer Faith Evans and music producer Kiyamma Griffin. She has built her own career in music through singing, songwriting, and production work.
2. How old is Chyna Tahjere Griffin?
Chyna Tahjere Griffin was born on April 1, 1993, in Newark, New Jersey, making her 33 years old as of 2026.
3. Who are Chyna Tahjere Griffin’s parents?
Her parents are Faith Evans, a Grammy Award-winning R&B artist, and Kiyamma Griffin, a musician and producer who worked in the music industry.
4. Is Chyna Tahjere Griffin related to The Notorious B.I.G.?
Chyna is not the biological daughter of The Notorious B.I.G.. However, after Faith Evans married the legendary rapper in 1994, he became her stepfather during part of her childhood.
5. What does Chyna Tahjere Griffin do for a living?
Chyna works as a singer, songwriter, producer, and creative artist. She has released her own music and has also contributed to songwriting projects within the music industry.
6. Does Chyna Tahjere Griffin have siblings?
Yes. She has three younger siblings: Christopher Jordan Wallace, Joshua Jahad Russaw, and Ryder Evan Russaw. The siblings come from different chapters of Faith Evans’ family life and maintain a close family connection.
