Marsha Ambrosius Explained

Marsha Ambrosius
Background:solo_singer
Alias:The Songstress
Birth Date:1977 8, df=yes
Birth Name:Marsha Angelique Ambrosius
Origin:Liverpool, England
Genre:R&B
Years Active:1997–present
Current Member Of:
Child:yes
Children:1

Marsha Ambrosius-Billups[1], born Marsha Angelique Ambrosius[2] [3] (born 8 August 1977) is an English singer and songwriter. She began her musical career as a member of the R&B duo Floetry. Ambrosius released her debut solo album Late Nights & Early Mornings in 2011. It was followed by Friends & Lovers (2014), Nyla (2018), and Casablanco (2024).

Musical career

Early career with Floetry

Original Floetry members Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart met through their love of basketball.[4] [5] Both Stewart and Ambrosius attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology where Ambrosius studied Business and Finance and Stewart Performing Arts, Media and Art. For college Ambrosius planned to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, but could not due to an injury. Stewart attended Middlesex University in London and later transferred to North London University. During these years, the women kept in touch. Stewart was a founding member of the performance poetry group 3 Plus 1 which was rising to Han Solo in London, Birmingham and Manchester. In 1999, Ambrosius wrote and submitted a song to her publishers Perfect Songs called "Fantasize", inviting Stewart to lend some of her poetry to the song. This collaboration led to the creation of Floetry.[6]

Group success

In 2000, the duo travelled to the United States to perform on the poetry circuit. After frequenting spoken word/poetry spots in Atlanta such as Yin Yang Poets' Cafe (to positive reviews), they moved on to Philadelphia.[7] There they met Darren "Limitless" Henson and Keith "Keshon" Pelzer of DJ Jazzy Jeff's Touch Of Jazz studio and began recording. She also worked with Michael Jackson - she composed and sang as back-vocal the song "Butterflies" from the album "Invincible" released in 2001 and in 2002 a single version of this song was published. In the same year, they signed with DreamWorks Records and released their debut album Floetic, which featured the singles "Floetic" "Say Yes" and "Getting Late".[8] The album was also released in the UK with additional tracks, one of which features British singer/songwriter and producer Sebastian Rogers.[9] They released two more albums: 2003's live effort Floacism and 2005's studio album Flo'Ology.

Solo career

Ambrosius has been featured on many 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" and Jamie Foxx's "Freak'in Me". The group has also collaborated with Earth, Wind & Fire on their album, Illumination, on the track "Elevated". She provided background vocals to the Justin Timberlake single “Cry Me a River”, notably singing the ad lib “Cry me, cry meeee” at the end of the song.[10] [11] She collaborated once again with Slum Village on a song called "Cloud 9". In 2009, she guested on Wale's "Diary".

Aftermath Entertainment

Ambrosius was approached to sign to Dr. Dre's record label, Aftermath Entertainment, as a solo musician/songwriter/producer.[12] [13] In 2007, she released a mixtape entitled, Neo Soul is Dead. Parting ways with the offer in early 2009, Ambrosius pursued her song-writing/production career landing her placements with R&B and hip hop artists ranging from Alicia Keys, Raven-Symoné, Jamie Foxx and Mario to Fabolous, Slum Village and Wale.[14] [15]

Late Nights & Early Mornings

In summer 2009, Ambrosius was approached by numerous record labels offering her a solo deal after a long-awaited performance at NYC's SOB's where a sold-out crowd gathered to a show accompanied by The Roots and DJ Aktive. In December 2009, Ambrosius signed to J Records and her solo debut Late Nights & Early Mornings was released on 1 March 2011.[16] "Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)" produced by Canei Finch[17] [18] was released as the album's first single on 13 August 2010.[19] The song charted on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at No. 22. "Far Away" was released as the album's second single on 7 December 2010. The album would debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard R&B Albums chart and No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 behind Adele and ahead of Mumford & Sons, marking the first time in over 20 years that British acts had topped the US charts.[19] [20] [21]

Ambrosius won the Centric Award[22] at the BET Awards of 2011. She was also nominated for Best Female R&B Artist [23] at the BET Awards 2012.

Ambrosius won the Record of The Year (Ashford & Simpson Songwriters Award) at the 2011 Soul Train Awards for the song "Far Away."

In December 2011, she received two Grammy nominations (Best R&B Song / Best R&B Performance for "Far Away"), the night before she performed at the White House with the President and First Family at the National Christmas Tree lighting.

Friends & Lovers

In August 2011, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding J Records along with Arista Records and Jive Records. With the shutdown, Ambrosius (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release her future material on the RCA Records brand.[24] [25]

Ambrosius released her second studio album, titled Friends & Lovers, in July 2014.[26] Ambrosius received two MOBO Award nominations for the album.[27] In 2015 Ambrosius received a nomination for Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for "As," a collaboration she recorded with Anthony Hamilton for The Best Man Holiday.[28] [29]

Nyla

In March 2017, she premiered a new song "Don't Wake the Baby" produced by Dem Jointz and called it "a song for Beyoncé."[30] Additionally, she announced a summer tour with Eric Benet titled The M.E. Tour.

In May, she released her first single "Luh Ya" off her upcoming untitled album, marking her move to an independent label.[31]

In June 2018, she released the album's second single "Old Times" and premiered the music video.[32] In September, she announced her third studio album would be titled Nyla and will be released on September 28.[33] [34] The album's third single, "Flood" was also released.[35]

Casablanco

In December 2021, Dr. Dre has confirmed that he has finished recording Casablanco, an album with Ambrosius, with both artists describing the finished product as some of their “best work”.[36] The Section Quartet's founder and violinist Eric Gorfain also confirmed that he’d worked on the album.[37] In February 2023, Ambrosius and Dre held a listening session for the project in Los Angeles.[38] In December 2023, Ambrosius released the first single from the album The Greatest, under Aftermath and Interscope Records. The song was produced by Ambrosius, Dr. Dre and his production team, The ICU.[39] The album was released on June 28, 2024 via Aftermath/Interscope Records.[40]

Personal life

In November 2016, Ambrosius announced she was engaged to Dez Billups.[41] [42] In an interview in 2018, she revealed that she and Dez were married in 2017.[1] They welcomed their first child Nyla in December 2016.[43] [44] Ambrosius is a fan of Liverpool F.C.[45]

Ambrosius is an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho[46]

Discography

Studio albums

Title!rowspan="2"
Album detailsPeak chart positionsSales
US
[47]
US
R&B

US
Indie

[48]
Late Nights & Early Mornings
  • Release date: March 1, 2011
  • Label: J
21
Friends & Lovers
  • Release date: 15 July 2014
  • Label: RCA
122
Nyla
  • Release date: 28 September 2018
  • Label: Human Resources/eOne
18
Casablanco[51]
  • Release date: 28 June 2024
  • Label: Aftermath/Interscope

Singles

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:2em;"
YearPeak chart positionsAlbum
US
[52] [53] [54]
US
R&B
[55] [56]
US
Adult R&B
[57]
"Hope She Cheats on You (With a Basketball Player)"2010882215Late Nights & Early Mornings
"Far Away"
(featuring Busta Rhymes)
7431
"Late Nights & Early Mornings"20113012
"Cold War"20124518Non-album single
"Without You"
(with Ne-Yo)
201321
"Run"20144413Friends & Lovers
"Stronger"
(featuring Dr. Dre)
"Don't Wake the Baby"2017Non-album single
"Luh Ya"20Nyla
"Old Times"201817
"Flood"
"Bye"
(with REI AMI])
2020Non-album single
"The Greatest"2023Casablanco
"One Night Stand"2024
"Greedy"

Guest appearances

Title! scope="col"
YearOther artist(s)Album
"Start from Scratch"[58] 2005The GameThe Documentary
"Get You Some"[59] 2006Busta Rhymes, Q-TipThe Big Bang
"Cocaina"Busta Rhymes
"Music for Life"[60] Hi-Tek, Nas, J Dilla, Busta Rhymes, Common
"Why You Hate the Game"[61] The Game, NasDoctor's Advocate
"Hustlers"[62] Nas, The GameHip Hop Is Dead
"I'm Black"Styles PTime Is Money
"This Can't Be Real"[63] 2007FreewayFree at Last
"Reunion"[64] Ya BoyOptimus Rime
"Wanna Go Back"[65] 2008Solange, Q-TipSol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams
"The Light '08 (It's Love)"Common
"Freak'in Me"[66] Jamie FoxxIntuition
"If I Ruled the World '09"2009Nas
"Yacht Music"[67] DJ Drama, Nas, Willie the Kid, Scarface
"Stay"[68] FabolousLoso's Way
"Take Me Away (With You)"[69] Queen LatifahPersona
"Diary"[70] WaleAttention Deficit
"A's & E's"Masta Ace, Ed O.G.Arts & Entertainment
"Welcome Back"[71] 2010Stat QuoStatlanta
"All I Got to Give"[72] John ReganSorry I'm Late
"It's Alright"[73] 2011SaigonThe Greatest Story Never Told
"Streets Gone Love Me"2012Saint Nick
"Light Dreams"[74] Tyga
"Take You There"[75] CurrensyThe Stoned Immaculate
"The One"[76] Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 ChainzCruel Summer
"The Game Changer"[77] Saigon
"Right Back"[78] FreewayDiamond In the Ruff
"It Only Gets Better"[79] 2013Talib KweliPrisoner of Conscious
"Material Things"Lee MazinIn My Own Lane
"Trust"Robert Glasper ExperimentBlack Radio 2
"Alone Together"[80] 2014DaleyDays & Nights
"Wonder What You're Doing for the Rest of Your Life"TrainBulletproof Picasso
"War"2015King LosGod, Money, War
"Genocide"Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Candice PillayCompton[81]
"All in a Day's Work"Dr. Dre, Anderson Paak
"Darkside / Gone"Dr. Dre, King Mez, Kendrick Lamar
"Satisfiction"Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, King Mez
"Make it Through the Night"Joe Budden, JadakissAll Love Lost
"Dope"2016T.I.Dime Trap
"Sins of Our Fathers"The Game
"Love Star"Common, PJBlack America Again
"See I Miss Pt. 2"GoldLink
"Melatonin"A Tribe Called Quest, Abbey SmithWe Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service
"Anywhere"Tech N9neThe Storm
"No Chill"2017Davion FarrisTrenier
"Real Big"2018Nipsey HussleVictory Lap
"Grateful"Dave EastParanoia 2
"Outside"2018Royce da 5'9", Robert GlasperBook of Ryan
"Forgiven"20192 ChainzRap or Go to the League
"I Didn't Wanna Write This Song"The GameBorn 2 Rap
"Moonlight"20232 Chainz, Lil WayneWelcome 2 Collegrove

Writing credits

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Talks Motherhood, Potent Sexuality, New Music + More . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/zxhmqlCsAz8 . 2021-12-13 . live. . 2018-09-28 . 2020-04-22.
  2. Web site: Diary by Wale . umusicpub.com . Universal Music Publishing Group . 2024-07-18.
  3. Web site: Earth, Wind & Fire - Illumination (2020 CD Reissue) . discogs.com . Discogs . 2024-07-18.
  4. Web site: Floetry in motion no more (From Croydon Guardian) . Croydonguardian.co.uk . 2007-07-30 . 2011-04-02.
  5. Web site: Robert. Floetry To Feat. Rap Artist Common on SupaStar. Thug Life Army. 2 April 2011. 2005-08-23.
  6. News: Floetry lives up to smooth, soulful name. Chicago Tribune. 14 Apr 2006.
  7. News: Floetry in motion. Newsday. 5 Mar 2004.
  8. Web site: Baraka. Rhonda. Floetry Bring London Vibe To Philly Soul Movement. https://web.archive.org/web/20121107001812/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1455391/floetry-bring-london-philly.jhtml. dead. 7 November 2012. MTV. 2 April 2011. 25 June 2002.
  9. News: Music: Go with the flow . Las Vegas Mercury . 2004-02-12 . 2011-04-02.
  10. News: Cry Me a River credits. Allmusic.
  11. Web site: Stidhum. Tonja Renée. 2020-04-03. Marsha Ambrosius Reminded Everyone She Sang the Ad-Libs in 'Cry Me a River,' Not Justin Timberlake. The Root.
  12. Web site: Date: 01/30/06 . Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius signs solo deal with Dr. Dre's Aftermath. Singersroom.com . 2011-04-02.
  13. Web site: Reid . Shaheem . Floetry Singer Might Have 50 On Her Dre-Produced Solo LP - Music, Celebrity, Artist News . https://web.archive.org/web/20120209213048/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1522143/dr-dre-overseeing-floetry-singers-solo-flow.jhtml . dead . 9 February 2012 . MTV . 2006-01-26 . 2011-04-02.
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  15. Web site: Fabolous - Loso's Way (CD, Album) at Discogs. Discogs.com . 2011-04-02.
  16. News: Weekly US music releases: Lucinda Williams, Marsha Ambrosius and Lykke Li . 1 March 2011. The Independent. 6 March 2011.
  17. Web site: Finch . Nature . I Hope She Cheats . TheBoomBox.com . 2 August 2010 . 28 October 2019.
  18. Web site: Finch . Nature . Canei Finch production for marsha Ambrosius . BMI.COM . 28 October 2019.
  19. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hope-she-cheats-on-you-with/id385808658 Hope She Cheats On You (With a Basketball Player)- Single by Marsha Ambrosius
  20. Web site: iTunes Store. itunes.apple.com . 2011-02-20.
  21. Gail Mitchell . Ex-Floetry Member Marsha Ambrosius Readies Solo Set . Billboard.com . 2009-09-14 . 2011-04-02.
  22. Web site: Centric Award . https://web.archive.org/web/20110521185535/http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2011/nominees/centric-award.html . dead . 21 May 2011 . BET . 2011-11-21.
  23. Web site: Best Female R&B Artist . https://web.archive.org/web/20110521185515/http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2011/nominees/best-female-r-b-artist.html . dead . 21 May 2011 . BET . 2011-11-21.
  24. Web site: RCA's New Executive Team Named Under CEO Peter Edge Amid Layoffs (Update) | Billboard . Billboard.biz . 2011-08-23 . 2013-03-18.
  25. Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more! . FMQB . 2013-03-18.
  26. Marsha Ambrosius Debuts on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums . Billboard Magazine . 2014-07-24 . 2014-08-28.
  27. News: Mobo Awards 2014 nominations: Sam Smith and Krept and Konan lead pack . The Independent . 23 September 2014 . 2014-09-28.
  28. Web site: GRAMMY Winners 2015: See the Full List. Radio.com . 8 February 2015 . 2015-02-08.
  29. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius, Jhene Aiko, Ledisi React to Grammy Nominations. ABC News . 4 December 2014 . 2015-02-08.
  30. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius's "Don't Wake The Baby" Is A Grown-Up Sex Jam. Thefader.com. 22 January 2018.
  31. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Releases New Single 'Luh Ya' [LISTEN]]. Theboombox.com. 5 May 2017 . 22 January 2018.
  32. Web site: Watch: Marsha Ambrosius' New Music Video 'Old Times' . Vibe.com . 2018-06-18 . 2020-04-22.
  33. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Readies 'NYLA' Album for Sept. 28, Drops New Song "Flood" . ThisisRnB.com . 3 September 2018 . 2020-04-22.
  34. Web site: MARSHA AMBROSIUS - Nyla - Amazon.com Music . Amazon.com . 2020-04-22.
  35. Web site: Flood . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/mmbLTZ6ojOk . 2021-12-13 . live. . 2018-08-27 . 2020-04-22.
  36. Web site: Dr. Dre confirms collaboration with Marsha Ambrosius: "This is some of my best work!" . . 13 December 2021 .
  37. Web site: Instagram .
  38. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Says Her New Album with Dr. Dre is Their 'Trauma Bond'. Hiphopdx.com . 4 February 2023 .
  39. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Drops Stunning New Song from Dr. Dre-Produced Album: Listen. Hiphopdx.com . December 2023 .
  40. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Announces New Dr. Dre-Produced Album ‘Casablanco’. Will. Schube. Udiscovermusic.com. 4 June 2024.
  41. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Gets Engaged to Boyfriend During #MannequinChallenge. Essence.com. 22 January 2018.
  42. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Dishes on Love, Pregnancy, and the Real Reason Floetry Split - EBONY. Ebony.com. 12 August 2016 . 22 January 2018.
  43. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius Introduces Newborn Daughter Nyla on Instagram [PHOTO]]. Theboombox.com. 27 December 2016 . 22 January 2018.
  44. MarshaAmbrosius. MARSHA AMBROSIUS ©. 813427640459636738. 26 December 2016. That's love 3rd album is complete! Between falling in love and having my first baby girl on Monday... I had a lot….
  45. News: Miles. Tina. Liverpool-born singer Marsha Ambrosius celebrates US chart success . . 17 March 2011 . 11 March 2021.
  46. Web site: EE-YIP! Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Inducts Nicci Gilbert, Marsha Ambrosius, Wendy Raquel Robinson And More Into Pack Of Honorary Pretty Poodles. Bossip.com. 19 July 2022.
  47. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius . AllMusic . 1977-08-08 . 2011-04-02.
  48. Marsha Ambrosius . Billboard . 2018-10-13 . 2018-12-01.
  49. Web site: Langhorne. Cyrus. Tech N9ne Sticks Up Top 5, Rick Ross' MMG Detours Into Top 40, Marsha Ambrosius Gets Her Spot Back. SOHH.com. 15 June 2011. 15 June 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110618125057/http://www.sohh.com/2011/06/tech_n9ne_sticks_up_top_5_rick_ross_mmg.html. 18 June 2011. dmy-all.
  50. Web site: Tardio . Andres . Hip Hop Album Sales: Weird Al Yankovic, Trey Songz, Iggy Azalea, Marsha Ambrosius . HipHop DX . 2014-07-23 . 2014-07-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140725094013/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.29887/title.hip-hop-album-sales-weird-al-yankovic-trey-songz-iggy-azalea-marsha-ambrosius . 25 July 2014 . dead .
  51. Web site: Casablanco. Spotify. June 29, 2024 .
  52. Web site: US Singles Top 100 (October 16, 2010) - Music Charts . Acharts.us . 2010-10-16 . 2011-04-02.
  53. Web site: Marsha Ambrosius . AllMusic . 1977-08-08 . 2011-04-02.
  54. [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=marsha ambrosius|chart=all}} Marsha Ambrosius Album & Song Chart History]. Billboard, Prometheus Global Media. 2 April 2011.
  55. [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=marsha ambrosius|chart=all}} Marsha Ambrosius Album & Song Chart History ]. 2011-02-19 . Billboard.
  56. Mitchell. Gail. Ex-Floetry Member Marsha Ambrosius Readies Solo Set. Billboard. 20 February 2011.
  57. Marsha Ambrosius Chart History-Adult R&B. Billboard. 28 August 2014.
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