Floetry

Floetry is an English neo-soul duo formed in London by singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius and spoken-word poet and emcee Natalie Stewart. Ambrosius, known as the Songstress, and Stewart, known as the Floacist, began their collaboration after connecting over a shared interest in basketball and later transitioned to writing songs and performing on London's performance poetry circuit. Their style, described as poetic delivery with musical intent, combines Ambrosius's soulful vocals with Stewart's rhythmic spoken word, creating a distinctive blend within the R&B and neo-soul genres.

After relocating to the United States, Floetry established themselves in Philadelphia, becoming regular performers at Black Lily jam sessions and collaborating with producer DJ Jazzy Jeff. Ambrosius contributed as a songwriter for artists such as Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, and Bilal, with her composition "Butterflies" featured on Jackson's album "Invincible." The duo signed with DreamWorks Records and released their debut album, "Floetic," which achieved commercial success, earning RIAA gold certification and reaching number four on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album received multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best Urban/Alternative Performance, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the single "Say Yes."

Floetry followed with the live album and concert film "Floacism Live," recorded at the New Orleans House of Blues, and their second studio album, "Flo'Ology," which debuted in the Top Ten and featured the Grammy-nominated single "SupaStar" with rapper Common. The duo eventually parted ways, with Ambrosius pursuing a Grammy-nominated solo career and Stewart continuing as a spoken-word artist under the name the Floacist.

Floetry's influence remains significant in contemporary R&B and neo-soul. Their music is recognized for its vulnerability, lyrical intimacy, and innovative approach, continuing to resonate with audiences and serving as a reference point in modern R&B.