A smooth urban beat rings from Floetry’s 16-tracked debut album, “Floetic.” Hmm, now that’s something different.
As I’m folding laundry, finally getting time to kick back and listen to the newly released album on Dreamworks Records, I realize that this is a poetic sound with an urban hip-hop flavor that I won’t soon be turning off. Poetic flow mixed with singing creates their unique sound. As I gathered from the first track on the CD, which is an interlude named “Big Ben” that throws you for a loop, I knew this wasn’t just any ordinary R&B duo.
Now residing in Philadelphia, the duo originated in London. Marsha Ambrosius, “The Songstress” and the singer-songwriter of the two, and Natalie Stewart, “The Floacist” and the emcee-songwriter, agree that their music is the fusion of soul and spoken word that is Floetry.
These two are also much sought-after songwriters, having composed songs from “Butterflies” on Michael Jackson’s “Invincible” album to “Love Again” for Philly native Jill Scott.
Meeting through basketball, Stewart and Ambrosius were both superstars on the court in their part of London eventually formed a bond musically, creating a unique sound.
Coming from a musical background with a father as a bass guitar player, Ambrosius was destined for a life in the music industry. At the age of 16, Ambrosius formed a singing group for a local talent show. She got to the finals, her singing partner was taken ill, and couldn’t perform.
This was Ambrosius’ moment; she performed and won, realizing that she had a passion for singing.
Growing up in a military household and the youngest of three, Stewart found herself moving around a lot, as well as, trying keep up with older brother and sister who where 5 and 7 years older, which served as a catalyst that allowed Stewart to spend time alone. It was this time alone that allowed her to realize her passion for writing.
While enrolled in North London University she formed a poetry group with three friends called 3 Plus 1. But as egos clashed Stewart decided to go her own way, and invited her old friend Ambrosius to join her act. The two would soon form a blend that would overtake London.
After gaining success in the London circuit, the duo, encouraged by a friend, explored the poetry scene in Atlanta and blew audiences away. This quickly took them to Philly where they met J. Erving (Julius Erving’s son) who became the duo’s manager. Eventually the duo went to cut 100 songs, about half for other artists.
This debut album, “Floetic,” is straight poetry. Something right out of Def Poetry Jam, each song with its own distinctive message. With a touch of originality, which can sometimes be scarce in today’s R&B/Hip-hop scene, these ladies add to the flourishing world known as neo-soul.
Floetry is simply a breath of fresh air, mixing neo-soul and poetry, adding a taste of jazz and soul.
They not only explore the worlds of optimism, but also touch on sexuality and, of course, the male/female relationship. “Floetic” is a CD that should definitely be added to the collection of greats and is a worthy investment on what could surely be used to purchase a meal. For all neo-soul, R&B and hip-hop heads out there, definitely go cop the album.