Kuraki had inspiration to become a singer from Whitney Houston's music and seeing the dance moves of Michael Jackson. While in high school, Kuraki sent a demo tape to Giza Studio and they signed her to the label. However, before Kuraki made her debut in Japan, she made her American debut Under Giza USA and Kuraki released the single "Baby I Like" under the stage name Mai K. The single even impressed executives from the major label East West Records, prompting the label to distribute it. But the song failed to chart on the Billboard charts and Giza sent her back to Japan.