Multi-instrumentalist and Manhattan School of Music classical-singing graduate Marina met Roy Kamen at the Music House in N.Y.C. before starting a long-term relationship and business partnership. They launched MRK Records with the release of a single called "Ti Amo," based on a well-known Italian hit. After issuing "Do You Wanna Dance," featuring rapper Kraze, the dance music diva emerged with an EP entitled The Dream Lover, covering Jewel's "Foolish Games." In 1999, Marina recorded a version of Eurythmics' "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves," before releasing her first album, Um Lotty Da.