7 Shocking & Sweetest Moments On Joey Bada$$ And Serayah's Relationship Timeline (From Empire Star To Engaged Power Couple)

The romance between rapper Joey Bada$$ and actress Serayah has been one of the most talked-about celebrity journeys in recent memory, culminating in major life milestones that have captivated fans globally. As of December 2025, the couple has moved beyond just dating, cementing their status as a Hollywood power couple with an engagement and the recent arrival of their first child, a baby boy. This article dives deep into their unique relationship, chronicling their journey from a chance meeting to becoming one of the freshest and most celebrated families in the entertainment industry.

Complete Profile: Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott and Serayah Ranee McNeill

To fully appreciate the union of this dynamic duo, it is essential to look at their individual careers and backgrounds. Both are highly successful artists in their own right, bringing a wealth of talent and influence to their partnership.

Joey Bada$$ (Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott)

• Full Name: Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott
• Born: January 20, 1995
• Age (as of 2025): 30
• Origin: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Rapper, Actor, Producer
• Notable Works (Music): *1999* (Mixtape), *B4.DA.$$, All-AmeriKKKan Bada$$, 2000* (Albums)
• Notable Works (Acting): Role as Leon in *Mr. Robot*, Unique in *Power Book III: Raising Kanan*
• Affiliations: Co-founder of the hip-hop collective Pro Era (Progressive Era)
• Style: Known for his rugged, lyrical, and conscious East Coast hip-hop style.

Serayah (Serayah Ranee McNeill)

• Full Name: Serayah Ranee McNeill
• Born: June 20, 1995
• Age (as of 2025): 30
• Origin: California, U.S. (Raised in various locations including Atlanta and Los Angeles)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Model
• Notable Works (Acting): Best known for her breakout role as the pop star Tiana Brown on the Fox musical drama series *Empire* (2015–2020)
• Notable Works (Music): Singles like "Driving Me," "Miss You," and contributions to the *Empire* soundtrack.
• Modeling/Other: Has appeared in campaigns and walked in fashion shows, including New York Fashion Week.
• Claim to Fame: Her character Tiana Brown was a fan favorite, establishing her as a versatile performer.

The Relationship Timeline: From Mutual Friends to Engagement Confirmation

The story of Joey Bada$$ and Serayah is a perfect example of a modern, low-key celebrity romance that gradually grew into a public declaration of love and commitment. Their journey is marked by subtle hints, viral moments, and significant life steps.

1. The First Meeting in 2021

The couple’s initial connection was laid back and organic. They first crossed paths in 2021 at a mutual friend’s birthday party. At the time, their relationship was strictly platonic, a simple friendly acquaintance that would later blossom into something much deeper. This initial meeting was the quiet prelude to their highly-publicized romance.

2. The "Show Me" Music Video Sparks Romance (Early 2023)

The spark that ignited their romantic relationship occurred in early 2023. Serayah appeared in Joey Bada$$'s music video for his song, "Show Me," from his album *2000*. Working closely together on the set of the video allowed them to reconnect and spend quality time, which quickly turned their friendship into a budding romance. This marked the beginning of their official dating period.

3. Going Public on Serayah's Birthday

While they had been quietly dating since early 2023, the couple decided to make their relationship officially public on Serayah’s birthday in June. Joey Bada$$ confirmed they were an item, a move that sent their fans and the media into a frenzy of excitement. This public announcement solidified their status as one of the newest "it" couples in the industry.

4. The Viral Pregnancy Reveal at NYFW

One of the most memorable moments in their relationship was Serayah’s pregnancy reveal. In February 2024, she made a stunning appearance on the runway at the Adore Me fashion show during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Her appearance subtly hinted at her pregnancy, sparking immediate rumors that were soon confirmed, announcing they were expecting their first child together. This public, fashionable reveal was a major viral moment.

5. The Arrival of Their Newborn Baby Boy

In 2024, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy. The birth of their son marked a beautiful new chapter in their lives, transitioning them into parenthood. Serayah shared a two-month postpartum update, reflecting on her new life as a mother and expressing gratitude for her "greatest blessing". The news of their newborn baby further established their commitment to building a family together.

The Engagement Confirmation and Future Plans

The excitement didn't stop with the baby's arrival. The couple also took the next major step in their relationship: getting engaged.

6. The Cryptic Diss Track Bar

The engagement news first surfaced in a surprisingly unconventional way: a cryptic bar in a diss record by Joey Bada$$. While the context was unexpected, the hint immediately fueled speculation that the couple was heading down the aisle. This unique form of announcement is a testament to the rapper’s characteristic style.

7. Serayah Confirms the Engagement and Shows Off the Ring

The rumors were officially put to rest when Serayah herself confirmed the engagement. She has since shared updates on her "life lately" with her fiancé, Joey Bada$$, often showing off her engagement ring and embracing her new roles as a mother and a bride-to-be. The actress has openly discussed the excitement of planning a wedding while navigating the joys of new motherhood. The journey of Joey Bada$$ and Serayah McNeill is a refreshing narrative in the celebrity world. They have successfully blended their high-profile careers—from the Brooklyn hip-hop scene and the Pro Era collective to the dramatic sets of *Empire*—with a genuine, evolving personal life. Their relationship timeline, marked by their initial connection, the public announcement, the memorable pregnancy reveal at NYFW, the birth of their son, and the confirmed engagement, has made them a true Hollywood power couple to watch. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter, which will undoubtedly involve a beautiful wedding and continued success in their respective artistic endeavors.