Rexha was born on August 30, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York City, from Albanian parents originating from Debar, Republic of Macedonia. Rexha began her approach to music at the age of 4, and continued to pursue her love for music through high school, taking part in musicals such as Hello, Dolly!, Jesus Christ Superstar and Fiddler on the Roof.[2] She was inspired by musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Tori Amos, John Legend, and The Temptations.[2] Rexha earned the "Best Teen Songwriter" at the National Academy of Recording Arts & Science’s annual New York "Grammy Day" event,[2] that allowed her the opportunity to meet many successful music producers