Contemporary R&B artist Sparkle landed on urban contemporary radio playlists in 1998 with her debut single, "Be Careful." An international hit, the slow jam propelled the understated yet powerful singer's self-titled debut album to gold status. Also a songwriter, Sparkle co-authored much of Told You So, her 2000 follow-up for Motown, but she wouldn't release more solo material until 2018, returning with a single that led to her Obstacle Course EP in 2022. One of the first public figures to speak out against R. Kelly, the producer of her debut, Sparkle is also a public speaker and advocate for victims of sexual abuse.