Chanté Moore, the daughter of a minister, grew up on gospel music and albums by George Duke and Lee Ritenour, sometimes applying her lyrics to their music. Moore decided as a teenager that she wanted to become a singer after an inspirational performance in a high-school rendition of +The Wiz. In addition to her writing and singing talents, she was a successful beauty pageant contestant.
Before releasing her debut CD, Precious, Moore lent her talents to El DeBarge's In the Storm; the track "You Know What I Like" showcases Moore's vocals on the chorus.