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Marsha Ambrosius

English singer and songwriter

Marsha Ambrosius
Summary

English singer and songwriter

FieldValue
nameMarsha Ambrosius
imageFloetry.New (cropped) - Marsha Ambrosius.jpg
captionAmbrosius in 2016
backgroundsolo_singer
aliasThe Songstress
birth_date
birth_nameMarsha Angelique Ambrosius
originLiverpool, England
genreR&B
years_active1997–present
label
current_member_of{{flatlist
childyes
children1
  • Floetry
  • Knightwritaz Marsha Ambrosius-Billups, born Marsha Angelique Ambrosius (born 8 August 1977) is an English singer and songwriter. She began her music career in the early 2000s with Floetry, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. Following the group's disbandment, Ambrosius released her debut solo album, Late Nights & Early Mornings, in 2011. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and included the single "Far Away", which earned two Grammy Award nominations and won The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award at the Soul Train Music Awards.

Over the course of her career, Ambrosius has received ten Grammy Award nominations and nominations at the BET Awards, MOBO Awards, American Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards. As a songwriter, she is known for penning, and providing backing vocals on Michael Jackson's "Butterflies", and has written for artists including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Solange, and Angie Stone. She has also collaborated extensively with hip hop artists, featuring on Kanye West's "The One" from Cruel Summer (2012) and appearing on four tracks from Dr. Dre's Compton (2015). Her later solo albums include 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. 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.

Group success

[[Floetry]] during their reunion in February 2016. Left, Natalie Stewart AKA [[The Floacist]], Right, Ambrosius.

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. 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". The album was also released in the UK with additional tracks, one of which features British singer/songwriter and producer Sebastian Rogers. 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. 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. 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.

''Late Nights & Early Mornings''

Ambrosius performing in London, December 2010.

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. "Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)" produced by Canei Finch was released as the album's first single on 13 August 2010. 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.

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

Ambrosius released her second studio album, titled Friends & Lovers, in July 2014. Ambrosius received two MOBO Award nominations for the album. 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.

''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." 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.

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

''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". The Section Quartet's founder and violinist Eric Gorfain also confirmed that he’d worked on the album. In February 2023, Ambrosius and Dre held a listening session for the project in Los Angeles. 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. The album was released on 27 June 2024 via Aftermath/Interscope Records.

Personal life

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

Ambrosius is an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho.

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positionsSalesUS
US
R&B
US
Indie
Late Nights & Early MorningsFriends & LoversNylaCasablanco
21—
122—
——18
———

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbumUS
US
R&B
US
Adult R&B
KOR Int.
Korean International Digital Chart peaks:"Hope She Cheats on You (With a Basketball Player)""Far Away"
(featuring Busta Rhymes)"Late Nights & Early Mornings""Cold War""Without You"
(with Ne-Yo)"Run""Stronger"
(featuring Dr. Dre)"Don't Wake the Baby""Luh Ya""Old Times""Flood""Bye"
(featuring Rei Ami)"The Greatest""One Night Stand""Greedy"
2010882215—Late Nights & Early Mornings
7431—
2011—3012—
2012—4518—rowspan="2"
2013——2172
2014—4413—Friends & Lovers
————
2017————
——20—Nyla
2018——17—
————
2020————
2023————Casablanco
2024————
————

:Charted on US R&B Airplay

Guest appearances

TitleYearOther artist(s)Album"Start from Scratch""Get You Some""Cocaina""Music for Life""Why You Hate the Game""Hustlers""I'm Black""This Can't Be Real""Reunion""Wanna Go Back""The Light '08 (It's Love)""Freak'in Me""If I Ruled the World '09""Yacht Music""Stay""Take Me Away (With You)""Diary""A's & E's""Welcome Back""All I Got to Give""It's Alright""Streets Gone Love Me""Light Dreams""Take You There""The One""The Game Changer""Right Back""It Only Gets Better""Material Things""Trust""Alone Together""Wonder What You're Doing for the Rest of Your Life""War""Genocide""All in a Day's Work""Darkside / Gone""Satisfiction""Make it Through the Night""Dope""Sins of Our Fathers""Love Star""See I Miss Pt. 2""Melatonin""Anywhere""No Chill""Real Big""Grateful""Outside""Forgiven""I Didn't Wanna Write This Song""Moonlight"
2005The GameThe Documentary
2006Busta Rhymes, Q-TipThe Big Bang
Busta Rhymes
Hi-Tek, Nas, J Dilla, Busta Rhymes, CommonHi-Teknology²: The Chip
The Game, NasDoctor's Advocate
Nas, The GameHip Hop Is Dead
Styles PTime Is Money
2007FreewayFree at Last
Ya BoyOptimus Rime
2008Solange, Q-TipSol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams
Common
Jamie FoxxIntuition
2009Nas
DJ Drama, Nas, Willie the Kid, ScarfaceGangsta Grillz: The Album (Vol. 2)
FabolousLoso's Way
Queen LatifahPersona
WaleAttention Deficit
Masta Ace, Ed O.G.Arts & Entertainment
2010Stat QuoStatlanta
John ReganSorry I'm Late
2011SaigonThe Greatest Story Never Told
2012Saint Nick
TygaCareless World: Rise of the Last King
CurrensyThe Stoned Immaculate
Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 ChainzCruel Summer
SaigonThe Greatest Story Never Told Chapter 2: Bread and Circuses
FreewayDiamond In the Ruff
2013Talib KweliPrisoner of Conscious
Lee MazinIn My Own Lane
Robert Glasper ExperimentBlack Radio 2
2014DaleyDays & Nights
TrainBulletproof Picasso
2015King LosGod, Money, War
Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Candice PillayCompton
Dr. Dre, Anderson Paak
Dr. Dre, King Mez, Kendrick Lamar
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, King Mez
Joe Budden, JadakissAll Love Lost
2016T.I.Non-album single
The GameThe Birth of a Nation: The Inspired By Album
Common, PJBlack America Again
GoldLink
A Tribe Called Quest, Abbey SmithWe Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service
Tech N9neThe Storm
2017Davion FarrisTrenier
2018Nipsey HussleVictory Lap
Dave EastParanoia 2
2018Royce da 5'9", Robert GlasperBook of Ryan
20192 ChainzRap or Go to the League
The GameBorn 2 Rap
20232 Chainz, Lil WayneWelcome 2 Collegrove

Writing credits

  • 2001: "Butterflies" – Michael Jackson (Invincible)
  • 2002: "Simple Things", "Beautiful Eyes", "Lonely", "This Love", "Take You High" – Glenn Lewis (World Outside My Window)
  • 2004: "My Man" – Angie Stone (Stone Love)
  • 2006: "Circus" – Kelis (Kelis Was Here)
  • 2007: "Go Ahead" – Alicia Keys (As I Am)
  • 2008: "Wanna Go Back" – Solange featuring Marsha Ambrosius and Q-Tip (SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams)
  • 2008: "Love Me or Leave Me" – Raven-Symoné (Raven-Symoné)
  • 2008: "Do About It", "Mirror" – Girlicious (Girlicious)
  • 2008: "Music (All I Need)" – Jazmine Sullivan
  • 2009: "Matter" – Letoya (Lady Love)
  • 2009: "25 to Life" – JoJo
  • 2015: "Picture Perfect", "When We Make Love" – Tyrese (Black Rose)
  • 2018: "Knock You Out" – Mya
  • 2018: "My Song" – H.E.R.

References

References

  1. (2018-09-28). "Marsha Ambrosius Talks Motherhood, Potent Sexuality, New Music + More". [[YouTube]].
  2. "Diary by Wale". Universal Music Publishing Group.
  3. "Earth, Wind & Fire - Illumination (2020 CD Reissue)". Discogs.
  4. Folk, Antwane. (2024-11-10). "Marsha Ambrosius Scores First Grammy Nomination in 10 Years: 2025 Grammy Awards".
  5. (2007-07-30). "Floetry in motion no more (From Croydon Guardian)". Croydonguardian.co.uk.
  6. Robert. (2005-08-23). "Floetry To Feat. Rap Artist Common on SupaStar". Thug Life Army.
  7. (14 Apr 2006). "Floetry lives up to smooth, soulful name". [[Chicago Tribune]].
  8. (5 Mar 2004). "Floetry in motion". [[Newsday]].
  9. Baraka, Rhonda. (25 June 2002). "Floetry Bring London Vibe To Philly Soul Movement". MTV.
  10. (2004-02-12). "Music: Go with the flow". Las Vegas Mercury.
  11. "Cry Me a River credits". [[Allmusic]].
  12. Stidhum, Tonja Renée. (2020-04-03). "Marsha Ambrosius Reminded Everyone She Sang the Ad-Libs in 'Cry Me a River,' Not Justin Timberlake".
  13. Date: 01/30/06. "Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius signs solo deal with Dr. Dre's Aftermath".
  14. Reid, Shaheem. (2006-01-26). "Floetry Singer Might Have 50 On Her Dre-Produced Solo LP - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.
  15. "Wale - Attention Deficit (Vinyl, LP) at Discogs".
  16. "Fabolous - Loso's Way (CD, Album) at Discogs".
  17. (1 March 2011). "Weekly US music releases: Lucinda Williams, Marsha Ambrosius and Lykke Li". The Independent.
  18. (2 August 2010). "I Hope She Cheats".
  19. (December 2025). "Canei Finch production for marsha Ambrosius".
  20. [https://music.apple.com/us/album/hope-she-cheats-on-you-with/385808658 Hope She Cheats On You (With a Basketball Player)- Single by Marsha Ambrosius] ''itune.apple.com''. Apple, Inc. Retrieved 11-10-2010.
  21. "iTunes Store". [[iTunes]].
  22. Gail Mitchell. (2009-09-14). "Ex-Floetry Member Marsha Ambrosius Readies Solo Set".
  23. "Centric Award". BET.
  24. "Best Female R&B Artist". BET.
  25. (2011-08-23). "RCA's New Executive Team Named Under CEO Peter Edge Amid Layoffs (Update) | Billboard". Billboard.biz.
  26. "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!".
  27. (2014-07-24). "Marsha Ambrosius Debuts on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums".
  28. (23 September 2014). "Mobo Awards 2014 nominations: Sam Smith and Krept and Konan lead pack". The Independent.
  29. (8 February 2015). "GRAMMY Winners 2015: See the Full List". Radio.com.
  30. (4 December 2014). "Marsha Ambrosius, Jhene Aiko, Ledisi React to Grammy Nominations". ABC News.
  31. "Marsha Ambrosius's "Don't Wake The Baby" Is A Grown-Up Sex Jam".
  32. (5 May 2017). "Marsha Ambrosius Releases New Single 'Luh Ya' [LISTEN]".
  33. (2018-06-18). "Watch: Marsha Ambrosius' New Music Video 'Old Times'".
  34. (3 September 2018). "Marsha Ambrosius Readies 'NYLA' Album for Sept. 28, Drops New Song "Flood"".
  35. "MARSHA AMBROSIUS - Nyla - Amazon.com Music".
  36. (2018-08-27). "Flood". [[YouTube]].
  37. (13 December 2021). "Dr. Dre confirms collaboration with Marsha Ambrosius: "This is some of my best work!"".
  38. "Instagram".
  39. (4 February 2023). "Marsha Ambrosius Says Her New Album with Dr. Dre is Their 'Trauma Bond'".
  40. (December 2023). "Marsha Ambrosius Drops Stunning New Song from Dr. Dre-Produced Album: Listen".
  41. Schube, Will. (4 June 2024). "Marsha Ambrosius Announces New Dr. Dre-Produced Album ''Casablanco''".
  42. "Marsha Ambrosius Gets Engaged to Boyfriend During #MannequinChallenge".
  43. (12 August 2016). "Marsha Ambrosius Dishes on Love, Pregnancy, and the Real Reason Floetry Split - EBONY".
  44. (27 December 2016). "Marsha Ambrosius Introduces Newborn Daughter Nyla on Instagram [PHOTO]".
  45. MARSHA AMBROSIUS ©. (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…".
  46. Miles, Tina. (17 March 2011). "Liverpool-born singer Marsha Ambrosius celebrates US chart success". [[Liverpool Echo]].
  47. (19 July 2022). "EE-YIP! Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Inducts Nicci Gilbert, Marsha Ambrosius, Wendy Raquel Robinson And More Into Pack Of Honorary Pretty Poodles".
  48. (1977-08-08). "Marsha Ambrosius".
  49. (2018-10-13). "Marsha Ambrosius".
  50. Langhorne, Cyrus. (15 June 2011). "Tech N9ne Sticks Up Top 5, Rick Ross' MMG Detours Into Top 40, Marsha Ambrosius Gets Her Spot Back". SOHH.com.
  51. Tardio, Andres. (2014-07-23). "Hip Hop Album Sales: Weird Al Yankovic, Trey Songz, Iggy Azalea, Marsha Ambrosius". HipHop DX.
  52. "Casablanco".
  53. (2010-10-16). "US Singles Top 100 (October 16, 2010) - Music Charts". Acharts.us.
  54. (1977-08-08). "Marsha Ambrosius".
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  56. "Marsha Ambrosius Album & Song Chart History".
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  58. "Marsha Ambrosius Chart History-Adult R&B".
  59. "Marsha Ambrosius Chart History-Hot R&B Airplay".
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  61. Kellman, Andy. "''The Big Bang'' – Busta Rhymes > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  62. Brown, Marisa. "''Hi-Teknology 2'' – DJ Hi-Tek > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  63. Jeffries, David. "''Doctor's Advocate'' – Game > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  64. Brown, Marisa. "''Hip Hop Is Dead'' – Nas > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  65. Kellman, Andy. "''Free at Last'' – Freeway > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  66. (5 January 2008). "Ya Boy – Optimus Rime". Cheri Media Group.
  67. Kellman, Andy. "''Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams'' – Solange > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  68. Kellman, Andy. "''Intuition'' – Jamie Foxx > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  69. Jeffries, David. "''Gangsta Grillz: The Album, Vol. 2'' – Drama > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  70. Jeffries, David. "''Loso's Way'' – Fabolous > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  71. Kellman, Andy. "''Persona'' – Queen Latifah > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  72. Jeffries, David. "''Attention Deficit'' – Wale > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  73. "''Statlanta'' – Stat Quo > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  74. "''Sorry I'm Late'' – John Regan > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  75. Brown, Marisa. "''The Greatest Story Never Told'' – Saigon > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  76. Jeffries, David. "''Careless World: Rise of the Last King'' – Tyga > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  77. Jeffries, David. "''The Stoned Immaculate'' – Curren$y > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  78. Jeffries, David. "''G.O.O.D. Music: Cruel Summer'' – Various Artists > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  79. Jeffries, David. "''The Greatest Story Never Told, Chapter 2: Bread and Circuses'' – Saigon > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  80. Lymangrover, Jason. "''Diamond in the Ruff'' – Freeway > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  81. Jeffries, David. "''Prisoner of Conscious'' – Talib Kweli > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  82. Kellman, Andy. "''Days & Nights'' – Daley > Overview". [[Rovi Corporation]].
  83. (7 August 2015). "Compton by Dr. Dre on Apple Music".
  84. (2001-10-30). "Michael Jackson – Invincible (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com.
  85. "Glenn Lewis – World Outside My Window (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com.
  86. (2004-07-05). "Angie Stone – Stone Love (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com.
  87. (2007-11-13). "Alicia Keys – As I Am (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com.
  88. (2008-07-28). "Raven-Symoné* – Raven-Symoné (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com.
  89. "Girlicious – Girlicious (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com.
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