A songwriter signed to the Sony/Work label (with her own recording contract) after she found success as a songwriter with "Look What You've Done" for Asante in 1996, Sabelle grew up in New York City as a child success, winning talent shows and performing on Showtime at the Apollo. She made several appearances vocalizing behind artists such as Donna Summer and Lisa Lisa during the early '90s, and signed to the Tommy Boy label, recording two singles, "Where Did the Love Go (Say What, Say What, Say What)" and "Old Thing." After spending time writing songs instead of performing, she signed to Sony/Work in 1996 and released her self-titled debut album one year later.