Biography
Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart form the neo-soul duo Floetry, where they operate as its funky divas. During the mid-1990s the pair first surfaced as sought-after songwriters whose credits extend to several major successes of the new millennium, among them compositions for Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, and Bilal. Although they earned considerable esteem working behind the scenes, Floetry offered the vehicle through which they could step into the spotlight.
Ambrosius handles the vocal duties while Stewart embodies the spoken-word role of “floacist.” Their initial connection grew out of a shared enthusiasm for basketball: Stewart, originally from London, dominated her local court, whereas Ambrosius drew crowds in her English neighborhood. The two competed fiercely yet never became adversaries, allowing a lasting friendship to develop. Music supplied another bond; Ambrosius drew deeply from reggae traditions, and Stewart gravitated toward funk and soul. While enrolled at Brits Performing Arts School, Ambrosius pursued studies in business and finance alongside classes in voice, performance technique, and recording, and Stewart divided her schedule between acting and directing. Both later advanced to university-level education.
Ambrosius had secured a basketball scholarship to Georgia Tech University, only to withdraw after sustaining an injury. Stewart began at Middlesex University before transferring to North London University. Throughout these transitions the friends remained in contact, exchanging excited thoughts about music. Only after Stewart’s girl group 3 Plus 1 dissolved did the pair commit seriously to Floetry.
In 1997 they started composing songs and performing at venues throughout London. Three years afterward they relocated to the United States seeking wider opportunities. A short period in Atlanta yielded little, yet their time in Philadelphia proved decisive. There, in mid-2000, they met Julius Erving III, son of the basketball legend Julius Erving. An immediate rapport formed, leading Erving to become their manager and to arrange studio sessions with Jeff Townes, better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff. Recording opportunities soon followed, confirming Floetry’s professional status and realizing a long-held ambition. In 2002 the duo signed with DreamWorks, refined existing material, and prepared their first album. Floetic reached stores in October 2002; its successor, Flo’Ology, entered the Top Ten three years later.
Ambrosius handles the vocal duties while Stewart embodies the spoken-word role of “floacist.” Their initial connection grew out of a shared enthusiasm for basketball: Stewart, originally from London, dominated her local court, whereas Ambrosius drew crowds in her English neighborhood. The two competed fiercely yet never became adversaries, allowing a lasting friendship to develop. Music supplied another bond; Ambrosius drew deeply from reggae traditions, and Stewart gravitated toward funk and soul. While enrolled at Brits Performing Arts School, Ambrosius pursued studies in business and finance alongside classes in voice, performance technique, and recording, and Stewart divided her schedule between acting and directing. Both later advanced to university-level education.
Ambrosius had secured a basketball scholarship to Georgia Tech University, only to withdraw after sustaining an injury. Stewart began at Middlesex University before transferring to North London University. Throughout these transitions the friends remained in contact, exchanging excited thoughts about music. Only after Stewart’s girl group 3 Plus 1 dissolved did the pair commit seriously to Floetry.
In 1997 they started composing songs and performing at venues throughout London. Three years afterward they relocated to the United States seeking wider opportunities. A short period in Atlanta yielded little, yet their time in Philadelphia proved decisive. There, in mid-2000, they met Julius Erving III, son of the basketball legend Julius Erving. An immediate rapport formed, leading Erving to become their manager and to arrange studio sessions with Jeff Townes, better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff. Recording opportunities soon followed, confirming Floetry’s professional status and realizing a long-held ambition. In 2002 the duo signed with DreamWorks, refined existing material, and prepared their first album. Floetic reached stores in October 2002; its successor, Flo’Ology, entered the Top Ten three years later.
Albums
Singles
