After obtaining the record contract, Olivia ended her deal with Tallest Tree Records. At age 17, she was the first artist attached to the record label, earning her the nickname "the First Lady of J". Olivia was recorded in various recording studios, including Right Track Studios, in Newport News, West Orange, and Los Angeles. Olivia has co-writing credits on six of the album's twelve songs. She also worked in a suite in New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel where J was headquartered. In a 2001 Billboard article, she said Davis encouraged her to "explore every part of [herself] on this album". She described it as containing "variety" and having "a whole bunch of elements" that reflects her make up, though she said that she wanted it to be cohesive. She explained: "You won't get lost, though, because each track coincides with the other."
