I first started my blogging journey in 2005 as an mp3 site. The purpose was to bring about awareness to new artists and their releases. However, shortly after the crackdown of Napster, legal implications with copyright infringements and a fighting back music industry, resulted in me being forced to take on a different angle.
I was more interested in exploring the urban pop avenue, and would write music reviews, celeb gossip and even spilled some tea, while serving snark, wit and sarcasm (which would often land me in trouble many times over!) I thought it was really fun to say the least. My popularity grew massively. I was getting recognised by all the major record labels, the BBC, and multi-platinum selling artists like Brandy, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Also, a lot of reputable news sites were linking back to me. I even got a follow from none other than former President Barack Obama! Things got crazy. I had to pinch myself and ask, is this real life?!
But in the 20 years I've been blogging, my journey hasn't always been plain sailing. I've lost my blog several times, had to deal with hosting issues, and my domains getting stolen twice. These are some of the issues I had to deal with, and they don't even scratch the surface! I've come close to giving up many times!
Some of you have been with me for the entire 20 years. For that, I will forever remain grateful for the unwavering love and support. As often said though, all good things must come to an end. And sadly, today, I make the announcement that I will no longer be continuing with Toya'z World, indefinitely.
Yours Truly just didn't want to leave the blog in limbo without saying anything, but I've taken the blog as far as I can go. Maybe one day I'll venture into podcasts and other digital forms of content. But for now, this is more of a "see ya later", than a "goodbye." It has been an absolute pleasure!
Kind Regards
Toya
xoxo
23 Comments:
I’ve been with you for almost the entirety of the 20 years. I’ve rarely posted a comment but I’ve read everything. Always checked back when you’ve taken breaks, and always looked forward to your hot takes on recently released and upcoming music that aligns perfectly with my tastes. I’m sad to see this ends but all good things must. I don’t know where else to follow you but if this is the forum to wait for any kind of news if anything materializes in the future then I’ll still continue to check in from time to time. Wishing you the best in the future, Toya. Thanks for letting me be a part of your world.
Toya, I've been rocking with you from forever! Im so sad. I check this blog everyday. Sending you much love from the Virgin Islands! Love you always!
Thank you for everything Toya. I'm so sad you won't continue with this blog but I totally understand and will miss seeing your updates here. I check here everyday still lol. I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do. Much love to you xxxxx 💜💜💜💜
Toya, it’s hurts me to see you go because you are one of the automatic websites I type into my phone without thinking. You’ve made me laugh, made me not so happy sometimes, but your perspective, your insight, your ability to appreciate R&B artists even when the genre was largely dismissed by pop radio, are things I will never forget. I stumbled upon your blog sometime in early 2007, just a little 18 year old making my way into college in the U.S. and you carried me through college, grad school, work and life in ways I don’t think you understand.
Music is the soundtrack to all of our lives, and long before Spotify recommendations and Apple Music, you contributed to a lot of the soundtrack to my life that I treasure so deeply. I wish you all the best because you have committed for so long to making us here in the comments section find true enjoyment in your posts and music suggestions. I will leave you with one last thing. Your impact is your legacy and as you conclude this chapter, I will always look back on this fondly. Best wishes Toya and many blessings.
Same as me. Thank you Toy for being a huge part of my life :)!
Toya! This has been great. Been rocking with you since about 2007. I’m a huge Ciara fan and I know you didn’t always have the best takes on Ciara but I always appreciated how unbiased you were. Thank you for all the great articles and reads. God bless you, Toya! I am lowkey about to cry 😢
Been checking your blog(s) since I was a teenager, will definitely miss your updates!
Will miss you terribly, as other people have said, you’re one of the few websites I just type automatically. I’ve been here from the very early days, thank you so much for all the insight and all the rich pop culture updates. Sending you all the best.
💜💜💜
Me three! Thank you so much and very best of luck :-) xxxxxx
Toya!! We love you and send you warm hugs and we'll wishes as you end this legacy and chapter and begin new ones. Thank you for making me laugh, think, ponder. I always felt you aimed to be fair even when you didn't like a song or the choices of an artist and it was one of the many reasons I loved you for that. Thank you also for your diligence and meticulous reporting on certain details that would have been easier to simply pass over. You've been a landmark for many of us through life seasons. And I hope you enjoy many rewards for the light you put out into the world for these past 20 years. Wishing you Godspeed and God Bless on whatever next ventures or work you put your hands to. Thank you for everything and sending you lots of love. ♥️
I’m shocked but understandable. I’ve been reading your blog daily as I was wanting make sure I didn’t miss anything.
Thank you for the past years had brought new, gossip and everything in between.
This site is my go-to everyday and it’s bookmarked. I personally will miss checking this site (since I’ve been doing it for years, DAILY) but as you said, all good things come to an end. I wish you well! Greetings from Hawaii! Mahalo and Aloha! ❤️
Wow, Toya — what a journey you’ve taken me on!
I’ve been following your blog since 2005, after my brother first introduced me to it, and it’s been a consistent source of comfort and insightful updates ever since. In a world that moves so quickly, I can only imagine how challenging it must be to keep up. But I just wanted to say — your voice matters, and it has always been deeply appreciated.
Personally, I’d love to see you step into podcasting — I think your presence would translate beautifully into that space. Please don’t see this as the end; there’s still so much more you can share in whatever form feels right to you.
All good things come to an end. You inspired me to start my own blog which was very successful. I made and met friends through the interactions on your site, you helped me through depression, struggles of motherhood, and I wish you the very best in life - Mileka
I’m so shocked that I’m am deleting a blog I used to check daily. You’ve been a Toya.
I have no words!! Your blog is awesome and like everyone said I always automatically and check up on it haha!! Thanks for your insight on the great music over the years! I Love the little sprinkle of UK stuff every now and then too!! Please always do what feels right to you!! much love and I hope to refresh a google search someday and see you come back in some capacity! If not thanks for making some core memories!! Much love and prayers!!
I first discovered your blog when I was 18, I’m now 35! I have your site bookmarked and have religiously checked for updates since 2008! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication in keeping us all in the loop. Just know we appreciate you and thank you!
As everyone else has stated, I have rarely left comments but I always have come to your site for any kind of update. I’ve been following you since 2006 when I discovered you along with Concrete Loop. Thank you for your honest and unbiased posts. There’s no other site like yours but I have noticed since social media started, your influence is definitely noticed on a lot of media outlets. I wish you the best and hopefully one day you’ll be back in some way. Much love and many blessings to you. 💜
because of you I discovered PARTY (HOW WE DO) and it's been my anthem for when I have a new crush. Thanks dear Toya, may you be happy always.
Been rocking with you since the beginning - the ups, downs, stan wars (before stan was even a term) and all the changes. Thank you for everything - you will be missed!!!! All the best with everything. ♥️♥️♥️
Toya! I'm a 30 year old American who started reading you and kevipod when I was 11 almost 12. This isn't the end, just the beginning of a new era. I discovered Cherri V because of you and didn't always agree with your opinion but enjoyed a varying view. Take care and keep us updated should you come back to media making :) - Jorge
Toya girl!!! Nicki Minaj is usining your posts to black SZA!
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