Rapper McGruff debuted in 1995 on Big L's Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous and also appeared with Heavy D on Monifah's "I Miss You." Signed to his own contract, for Uptown/Universal, the Harlem rapper dropped his debut single, "Before We Start," in early 1998. The album Destined to Be followed in June, with appearances from Heavy D, the LOX, and Mase.