Anthony began his career as a session vocalist for freestyle music

Anthony started off as a session vocalist for underground New York house groups and freestyle artists. Anthony performed as a lyricist and backup vocalist for musical groups Menudo and the Latin Rascals after changing his name to prevent confusion with his namesake. Anthony cemented his place as one of the most significant new salsa performers to emerge in the 1990s by selling more salsa recordings than any other performer on the earth by the early 1990s. Unlike the 1980s' highly produced "romantic" salsa performers or the 1960s-era, 1970s-era, and more socially concerned New York salsa musicians. Anthony became well-known for his salsa performances that were more influenced by the urban and African American music that he grew up listening to, such as rhythm and blues and house.

His first single, "Rebel," was released in 1988 by the Bronx-based Bluedog Records label. Marc Anthony continued to play in New York City clubs and write songs, frequently working with Todd Terry and Little Louie Vega. As Tito Puente's opening act in 1992, Vega and Anthony performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Soon after, Anthony began singing salsa and other Spanish songs instead of Freestyle and House. Marc Anthony launched his debut Spanish-language album in 1993, drawing influence from legends like Puente, Ruben Blades, and Juan Gabriel. It featured the salsa song "Hasta que te conoci" and was titled Otra Nota (Until I Met You).