Before the release of any material, Foxy Brown gained recognition through her contributions to multiple platinum singles in 1995-1996. She made her first mark on the music scene with collaborations on tracks like LL Cool J’s “I Shot Ya,” Total’s “No One Else” remix, Jay-Z’s “Ain’t No…” remix, Toni Braxton’s “You’re Makin’ Me High” remix, and Case’s “Touch Me, Tease Me.” This early success sparked a bidding war among major labels in early 1996. By March of the same year, Brown signed with the Def Jam label, solidifying her status as a rising star among young female rappers.
Born in Brooklyn in 1979, Foxy Brown showcased her talent from a young age. In 1994, as a teenager, she won a talent contest in Brooklyn and was given the opportunity to freestyle on stage. Her breakthrough moment came when Trackmasters, while working on LL Cool J’s Mr. Smith album, allowed her to rap over “I Shot Ya,” which became a hit. This success propelled Brown’s career, leading to collaborations with Total, Braxton, Case, and her involvement in the Firm posse alongside Nas, AZ, and Cormega. Brown’s debut album, Ill Na Na, produced by Trackmasters, featured notable artists like Blackstreet, Method Man, and Kid Capri, achieving a top spot on the album charts in its first week.