Floetry

By Raette Johnson

Aug 28 2003

Who would have thought that competing on the basketball courts some 10 years ago would lead to a musical chemistry unlike any other? No one did -- not even singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius and emcee/songwriter Natalie Stewart, better known as the hit-making duo Floetry.

The only thing Marsha and Natalie thought they had in common was their love of basketball. When their paths crossed again a few years later, they found out that they both had an even bigger love and passion for music. They started out as simply “Nat and Marsh” on the London music scene, mixing Natalie’s spoken word with Marsha’s soulful voice. After encouragement from a friend, they came to the United States and established themselves as Floetry.

Although they are considered to be very different from each other, Floetry has come together beautifully with their musical creativity and talent. They have written songs for Glenn Lewis, Bilal and Jill Scott, and one of their most successful hits was “Butterflies,” recorded by Michael Jackson. They soon became a songwriting duo in high-demand, but Floetry wanted to do more for Floetry.

In October 2002, they released their debut album, Floetic, which produced such chart-topping hits as the title cut and “Say Yes.” This album is still receiving rave reviews, having been nominated for three 2002 Grammy Awards and most recently two BET Awards.

Floetry’s time is now, with the neo-soul sound taking over the airwaves. But the best way to describe Floetry’s sound is what it is: poetry that flows.