Solé facts for kids

Tonya Michelle Johnston (born July 17, 1973), who is known by her stage name Solé, is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. She became famous in the late 1990s for her hit songs and successful album.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Solé was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Phyllis Frazier and James Johnston. She comes from a family with many talented musicians, singers, and songwriters. This inspired her to start rapping when she was only six years old.

In 1986, she and her best friend, Shurhea Mitchell, formed a rap group called Divine. They performed at local talent shows. In 1990, they won a trip to New Orleans to perform for music company leaders. They were offered a record deal, but her father, who was their manager, felt it wasn't the right opportunity for them.

After high school, Solé went to cosmetology school to learn about hair and beauty. She also studied Political Science and Psychology in college before her music career took off.

Music Career

Rise to Fame

In 1997, Solé started recording music again with artists from Kansas City. She later met a producer named Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, who signed her to a deal with his company, Red Zone Entertainment.

Her big break came in the summer of 1999. She was featured on the hit single "Who Dat" by rapper J.T. Money. The song was a huge success. It reached number 1 on the U.S. Rap chart and stayed there for eight weeks. It also won "Rap Single of the Year" at the Billboard Music Awards.

Debut Album and Success

Following the success of "Who Dat," Solé released her first album, Skin Deep, in September 1999. The album was very popular and achieved Gold status, which means it sold over 500,000 copies. For her work, Solé was nominated for "Rap Artist of the Year" at the Billboard Music Awards.

Later Work and Collaborations

After taking a break from the music industry, Solé returned with a new goal. She wanted to create music that was empowering and inspiring for her listeners.

Over the years, she has worked with many other artists.

• In 2011, she was featured on the song “Naal Naachna" by British Indian artist Jassi Sidhu.
• In 2012, she appeared on the song "A New Look" by the artist Focus.
• In 2017, she collaborated with the famous group Public Enemy on their 30th-anniversary album.

On September 29, 2019, Solé released her second album, titled Encoded.

Personal Life

Solé met the singer Ginuwine in 1999, and they were married in 2003. They have two daughters together, Story (born in 2001) and Dream (born in 2002). The couple's marriage ended in 2015.

Solé has two older daughters, De'jan and Cypress, from a previous relationship. She is also a grandmother.

On August 27, 2017, Solé married Professor Griff, a member of the rap group Public Enemy. After her marriage, she legally changed her name to Aja Shah.

Discography

Studio Albums

Singles

Solo

As featured performer

Guest appearances