Tonya Michelle Johnston[1][2][3] (born July 17, 1973), known professionally as Solé, is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri.
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[7] [citation needed] Solé descended from a family of musical talent, song writers, 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.
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.
[citation needed] She met Thabiso Nkhereanye who introduced her to Christopher Tricky Stewart of Red Zone Entertainment, who signed her to a production deal.
[citation needed] 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.