We’ve been following Missy Elliot’s new pop/hip hop protégé Sharaya J for a couple of years now. Back in 2013 she put out club banger Banji (an acronym for “Be Authentic Never Jeopardize Individuality), produced by Elliot, with cheeky lyrics like “If he gotta girl, bet I can make you leave her”. But since then, we haven’t heard much from the Jersey girl. That’s all about to change. The 30 y/o rapper who grew up in the animated NYC ballroom scene, walking for the House of Lebeija in Face and Runway categories, is hoping to bring that same frentic energy back to the dance floors. “I know for sure that we need to start dancing again”, says Sharaya. “It’s a way to express yourself, to get away from problems, to just be real and work it all out on the dance floor with your people.” Sharaya J’s debut album is due out this month. (via The Fader)