Price was born in Far Rockaway, Queens and began singing in church as a toddler. Her first professional engagement was with George Michael at Madison Square Garden in January 1992. During rehearsals for the 1992 Grammy Awards the next month, Price was overheard singing in the rehearsal hall by Mariah Carey while everyone else was on a meal break. Price was later introduced to Carey's husband, Sony Columbia's then CEO Tommy Mottola, and was offered a job as a background singer for Carey, which she accepted until 1997. She made a name for herself as a backing and guest vocalist, appearing on a number of hit singles such as Mariah Carey's "Fantasy", The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Mo Money Mo Problems", Mase's Feel So Good, and Whitney Houston's "Heartbreak Hotel". She has sung background vocals for Faith Evans, Aretha Franklin, Brian McKnight, SWV and R. Kelly.