Hailing from New Jersey, Sonyae Elise is one of the newest and freshest R&B talents to hit the market in quite sometime. Her approach to the rhythm and soul lane is much different from what the current norm of autotune and digital sounding clones we are brainwashed to.

Sonyae's new single “We Heard (ReTweet)” off of her highly anticipated 'Lady Rebel' Mixtape is shaking up the industry and creating quite the internet frenzy. Signed to Midi Mafia's BBM Group, Sonyae Elise is poised for success.

QtheQuestion chopped it up with the emerging songstress about her music, single and much more. We hear, now it your turn!

QtheQuestion: We are real excited to have you with us today Sonyae, let the readers know the story behind the name “Lady Rebel”

Sonyae Elise: Lady Rebel is synonymous with Sonyae Elise: Rebellious, Raw, Heartfelt and Passionate. That’s why I love music. It allows me to be all that I am; without judgment, and gives me the venue to channel, release and share my experiences with those who support me.

Q: Hailing from Jersey home to a lot of east coast talent how do you intend to keep Jersey on the map in the R&B scene?

SE: I bow to those who have come before me and thank them for laying the foundation that I am standing on right now.  Some may say that I have big shoes to fill.  However, I choose to believe otherwise. I am not looking to fill the shoes of greats such as Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill, I am simply looking to carry the torch that they have ignited as far as I can and eventually pass it off to the next talented, focused and dedicated individual who will continue to represent for New Jersey. I intend on staying true to myself and never losing sight of my beginning during my journey to my end.  I plan to treat my first like my last, my last like my first and my thirst like the first song I sang.

Q: Your hot new single “We Heard (ReTweet)” off your new mix tape “Lady Rebel” is very catchy.  How did you all come up with that?

SE: It’s a fast tempo, high energy, slick-talking type of record.  “Re-tweet” refers to the reiteration of different points and ad-libs throughout the song.  In the song I talk about the bitters and gossipers of the world.  I also take a few shots at those who sit behind the safety net of their computer screen and hate on the next person. I certainly have had many experiences with that.  Overall it’s a fun, sarcastic song that I am sure people are going to enjoy.

Q: Is there a particular sound you look for when working on a new track for your next mixtape with iStandard and Coast 2 Coast?

SE: I prefer dynamics.  I love tracks that move and have some elevation.  I love a good build up.  I love drums, horns and overall just music that feel alive.  When it comes to performing, I would always prefer to sing with a live band; it’s truly my forte.

Q: You have a deep resume in acting, what made you decide to start concentrating on your music career?

SE: My reason for pursuing lyricism was based on a desire to tell my own stories.  I have so many thoughts and emotions bottled up inside of me that I need to share with the world, and lyricism is allowing me to do that. Acting allowed me to bring life to the stories of others, but my music is allowing me to bring life to the many stories that I need to tell.

 Q: I know working with Midi Mafia has been crazy let us know what the chemistry and creative approach is like.

SE: Midi Mafia is genius.  However, most people don’t know but Midi Mafia is like family to me.  I have known them many years. I met them when I was 14 or 15 in New York at Sony Records.  I gave them a CD and since then, we have been family.  The creative approach with them is always truly organic. They let Sonyae be Sonyae and that’s what I love about them. 

Q: How would you describe the current state of R&B?

SE: I have so much respect for many of the RnB artists out today.  However, I do feel that the passion in RnB is gone.  I remember growing up and hearing music that brought some sort of feeling onto me.  I want that back.  That’s the type of music I plan to give my listeners.  No matter the tempo of the song, I want all my listeners to leave a song feeling a certain way.

Q: Ms. Elise what’s the next move?

SE: I am excited to say that “Lady Rebel Vol. 1” dropped on June 14^th, 2010.   I am also back in the studio working on my next mixtape “Lady Rebel Vol. 2” and simultaneously recording new songs for my first official LP.

Q: If we want to find out more about you, where can we go?

SE: Youtube.com/SonyaeElise, Twitter.com/SonyaeElise, SonyaeElise.com, and Myspace.com/Sonyae_Elise.

Q: Any last shout outs or comments?

SE: Shout out to God, Midi Mafia, all of my supporters and of course Q The Question for supporting me and showing me so much love. Rebel approved!