A New York City native, Ilham Moumou grew up in the Queensbridge housing development. She aspired to be involved with music at a young age, and soaked up information by watching artist interviews. She wrote songs in exchange for studio time, and learned more about the industry through an internship with major-label Capitol (after she graduated from Cornell University). During her time in the Capitol Records building in Los Angeles, Ilham met her manager and consequently linked up with the 740 Project, a Capitol-affiliated marketing firm and label. In 2018, Ilham made her debut with 41-10, a set she co-wrote with a small team of collaborators. Tracks with featured appearances from Dave East ("Last Night") and Arin Ray ("Cycle of Games") fared particularly well. Another highlight, "None of Your Friends Business," was used in an episode of Insecure. With Time, an EP of similar makeup that Ilham likewise co-wrote, followed in 2019.