Tonya Michelle Johnston (born July 17, 1973), known professionally as Solé, is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri.
Early life and education Solé was born on July 17, 1973, in Kansas City, to Phyllis Frazier and James Johnston. (Fact 7) Her siblings are Sean and Charles "Chuck" Johnston, Sierra and Tamika Gamble. (Siblings and their ages) She is of East African, Tamil (South Indian), Native American descent through her mother's side and North African, Eastern European and British descent through her father's side. She attended cosmetology school and college in the early 1990s, where she studied political science and psychology before securing a record deal with DreamWorks Records and RedZone Entertainment. (Fact 9)
Career Solé descended from a family of musical talent, songwriters, singers and musicians. She began rapping at the age of 6 and formed a group called Divine with her best friend Shurhea Mitchell in 1986. They would perform at local talent shows and in 1990 they won a trip to the BRE (Black Radio Exclusive) in New Orleans, to perform at a showcase in front of record label execs and other artists. They were offered a record deal by JDK Records and flew to New York to record. Her father, who was managing them at the time, didn't feel it was a good deal so they went back home and started college.
She once again began recording in 1997 with Tech N9ne and Don Juan of Kansas City fame and traveled to LA to record. She met Thabiso Nkhereanye who introduced her to Christopher Tricky Stewart of Red Zone Entertainment, who signed her to a production deal. Her career took off as a hardcore female hip hop artist by attracting attention in the summer of 1999 with her appearance on J.T. Money's hit single "Who Dat," which reached number 1 on the US Rap chart, remaining there for 8 weeks (a record at the time), winning number 2 on the US R&B chart, and number 5 on the US Hot 100. "Who Dat" won "Rap Single of the Year" at the 1999 Billboard Music Awards as well.
In September 1999, she released her debut album Skin Deep, which was an overall success in the United States. She also went on to win several ASCAP Music awards that same year.
In 2011 she was featured on “Naal Naachna" by UK based bhangra artist Jassi Sidhu lead singer of British-Indian bhangra band B21.
In February 2012 she featured on a song called "A New Look" by Focus.
In 2017 she was featured on "SOC MED Digital Heroin" from Public Enemy 30th-anniversary album Nothing Is Quick in the Desert.
On September 29, 2019, Solé released her second album Encoded.
Following a hiatus from the music industry, Solé transitioned into a career as a holistic wellness practitioner, spiritual guide, and certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher. She later founded Devi Tribe Wellness, incorporating modalities such as sound healing, herbalism, and Ayurveda into her practice.
Personal life Solé met Ginuwine in June 1999 and began dating in October 1999. The two became engaged in August 2000. They resided in Brandywine, Maryland. They have two daughters together: Story (b. March 29, 2001)Sole/Ginuwine have daughter and Dream Sarae Lumpkin (b. November 1, 2002). G tells Niki of Sister 2 Sister mag that his second daughter was born on November 1 and that he has had a vasectomy Solé married Ginuwine on September 8, 2003, in Grand Cayman.
Solé has four daughters in total and one granddaughter. Her daughters De'jan Nicole Lee, born in 1992, and Cypress Soleil Lee, born in 1995, are from a previous relationship. Her granddaughter, Sage Lotus Lee, was born May 17, 2020.
In 2014, Solé filed for divorce; Ginuwine announced their separation in November of that year. Their divorce was finalized July 22, 2015.
On August 27, 2017, Solé married Public Enemy band member and rapper Professor Griff, taking his last name Shah and legally changing her full name to Aja Shah. In October 2026, she announced that they had separated after nine years together.
Discography Studio albums Year Album Chart Positions US US Hip-Hop 1999 Skin Deep 127 272019Encoded——
Singles Solo Year Title Peak chart positions AlbumBillboard Hot 100Hot R&B/Hip-Hop SongsHot Rap SinglesRhythmic Top 40 1999"4, 5, 6" (featuring JT Money and Kandi) 21 9 1 24Skin Deep 2000"It Wasn't Me" (featuring Ginuwine) — 44 — 192019"Encoded" — — — —Encoded"Pranayama" — — — —"Under the Veil" — — — —"The Formula" — — — —"Daughter of The Earth" — — — —
As featured performer Year Title Peak chart positions AlbumBillboard Hot 100Hot R&B/Hip-Hop SongsHot Rap Singles 1999"Baby" (Before Dark feat. Sole) — 48 —Daydreamin'"Who Dat" (JT Money feat. Sole) 5 2 1Pimpin' on Wax "—" indicates singles that did not chart.
Guest appearances YearSongArtist(s)Album1999"Straight Thuggin'" (also featuring Twista)Kane & AbelRise to Power"Clueless" (also featuring Larone Burnette)Tech N9neThe Calm Before the Storm"Let Him Go" Tamar BraxtonTamar: Just Cuz"Better Than Me" (Mario Winans Remix)Terry DexterBetter Than Me (single)2001"Get Up On It"Tyrese2000 Watts"Contagious (Mercenary Mix)"The Isley BrothersContagious (Remix)2002"Costa Nostra"Don JuanMizery Won't Stop2003"Sex"GinuwineThe Senior2011"Naal Nuchuna"Jassi SidhuSinging Between the Lines2012"A New Look"Focus...2017"SOC MED Digital Herion"Public EnemyNothing Is Quick in the Desert
References
External links Solé's Official Website
Solé interview on Youtube