Originating from the soul capital of America, Philadelphia, Wright grew up on gospel music (her father sang regularly at their local church), but owing to her family's strict religious background, had to sneak listening to R&B hitmakers such as Earth, Wind and Fire. Wright eventually formed her own group, Philly Blunts, which lasted for several years, before the singer began to hone her vocal skills playing clubs (and recording demos) in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia.