Floetry was an English R&B duo comprising of Marsha Ambrosius ("the Songstress") and Natalie Stewart ("the Floacist"). The group achieved two studio albums, one live album, and sold over 800,000 records worldwide. Formed in 1997, Ambrosius and Stewart began writing songs and playing shows in and around London.
In 2002, the duo released their first album entitled, Floetic. The album sold over 788,000 copies in the United States.[1] The album spawned the singles "Floetic", the top ten song "Say Yes", and "Getting Late". Following their success, Floetry released their live album Floacism, featuring the single Wanna B Where U R (Thisizzaluvsong).
In 2005, Floetry released their second album Flo'Ology. From the album was release of two singles "SupaStar" and "Lay Down". Later in 2007, Natalie Stewart ("the Floacist") left the duo and was later replaced by femcee and MTV2 personality Amanda Diva.
Early life
The two met due to their love of basketball. Stewart, who hails from London, was a superstar on her court, while Ambrosius wowed fans in her local English neighborhood. They were competitive, but not rivals, so a friendship was formed. Music was also a passion. Stewart relished in her reggae roots while Ambrosius had been raised in the funk and soul tradition. While attending Brits Performing Arts School, Ambrosius studied business and finance, but made room for courses in voice, performance technique, and recording. Stewart split her time between acting and directing. Later, Ambrosius and Stewart headed to college.
Ambrosius planned to attend Georgia Tech University on a basketball scholarship, but injury forced her to bow out. Stewart headed for Middlesex University, eventually transferring to North London University. Still, they two kept in touch and raved about music. It wouldn't be until Stewart's girl group, 3 Plus 1, disbanded that Floetry would actually give music a serious shot. In 1997, Ambrosius and Stewart began writing songs and playing shows in and around London. Three years later, they moved to America in search of something bigger. A brief stint in Atlanta didn't pan out, but their time spent in Philadelphia proved golden. Ambrosius and Stewart befriended Julius Erving III, basketball great Julius Erving's son, in mid-2000.
Musical career
Beginnings (1997-2002)
Since moving to the US in 2000, they have written for Jill Scott, Jazz of Dru Hill, Glenn Lewis (Marsha only), Bilal, and Michael Jackson, for whom Marsha penned the hit 2002 single "Butterflies".
Floetic and Floacism (2002-2003)
In 2002, they signed with DreamWorks Records and released their debut album Floetic, which featured the singles "Floetic", "Say Yes", and "Getting Late". The album was also released in the UK with additional tracks, one of which features British singer/songwriter and producer Sebastian Rogers. Their song "Where's The Love" was featured in the film " Bringing Down the House".
Floetry released a live album titled Floacism in 2003. The two-disc set consisted of a CD and DVD and included the single "Wanna B Where U R (Thisizzaluvsong)" featuring rapper Mos Def.
Flo'Ology (2005-2006)
Their third and final album Flo'Ology was released in November 2005. The album debut at #7 on Billboard's Hot 200 and #2 on the Top R&B charts, and selling over 77,000 copies in its first week.[2] The album included the single "Supastar" featuring rapper Common.
New Beginnings After Flo'Ology(2007)
After Floetry released their third and final album. It was their final album with member Natalie Stewart. In 2007, Floetry replaced Natalie Stewart with new member Amanda Diva on tour. After Floetry finished promoting with new member Amanda Diva,Floetry broke up in early 2007. After Floetry broke up, Marsha Ambrosius was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment as a solo artist.
Epilogue
Ambrosius is currently signed to Dr. Dre's record label, Aftermath Entertainment, as a solo musician.
"I have waited a long time for this, so the last thing I want to do after waiting all these years, is to rush the album and be disappointed. I am aiming to release the album this summer. I am focusing on making this a classic album, that will stay relevant across time. I have been doing some stuff with Scott Storch, Dre & Vidal, Cool and Dre... I'm a music maker, I love to create so I'm reaching for the best out of different situations. The creative relationship between Dre, the Aftermath in-house production team and myself has become so strong that it may not be necessary to use any other producers. But why not?! If I gotta call Just Blaze, Neptunes, Kanye, whoever, I just want the music to be right".
Ambrosius has been featured on several songs including Styles P's "I'm Black"; The Game's "Start from Scratch" and "Why You Hate The Game" (also featuring Nas); Busta Rhymes' "Get You Some" and "Cocaina"; Nas' "Hustlers" (also featuring The Game; and Hi-Tek's "Music for Life". The group has also collaborated with Earth, Wind & Fire on their most recent album, Illumination, on the track "Elevated". Ambrosius is also featured on a track (Freak'in Me) on Jamie Foxx's 3rd album "Intuition"
Discography
Albums
| Year |
Title |
Chart positions[3] |
Sales/certification |
| U.S. |
U.S. R&B |
| 2002 |
Floetic
- 1st studio album
- Released: October 1, 2002
|
19 |
4 |
|
| 2003 |
Floacism
- Live album
- Released: November 18, 2003
|
74 |
11 |
- RIAA certification: N/A
- U.S. sales: N/A
|
| 2005 |
Flo'Ology
- 2nd studio album
- Released: November 8, 2005
|
7 |
2 |
- RIAA certification: N/A
- U.S. sales: 77,000+[5]
|
Singles
Awards
| Year |
Category |
Genre |
Title |
Result |
| 2003 |
Best Contemporary R&B Album |
R&B |
"Floetic" |
Nominated |
| 2003 |
Best R&B Song |
R&B |
"Floetic" |
Nominated |
| 2003 |
Best Urban/Alternative Performance |
R&B |
"Floetic" |
Nominated |
| 2004 |
Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocal |
R&B |
"Say Yes" |
Nominated |
| 2006 |
Best Urban/Alternative Performance |
R&B |
"Supastar" |
Nominated |
References
External links
