Marsha Ambrosius, the sultry soul producer, singer, and songwriter, is an artist known for her authenticity and genuineness. An eight-time GRAMMY nominee and a mother, Ambrosius exudes realness. Her journey is one of musical exploration, personal growth, and a constant pursuit of true connection.
Musical Evolution and Influences
Ambrosius' career boasts an impressive resume, including writing and vocal producing Michael Jackson's "Butterflies" and working with Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and Dr. Dre. She experienced success with the poetic neo-soul duo Floetry and has released three explorative solo albums. Her album "Nyla" ushered in a new phase of her career, showcasing a dizzying list of musical influences, from Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye to Queen and Duran Duran.
Ambrosius dismisses labels like R&B, pop, or hip-hop, stating that music is the soundtrack to life. She emphasizes feeling, particularly in the current social climate, and creates music that evokes emotions. Her daughter already grasps how songs evoke certain emotions, distinguishing between sad songs and those that inspire dance or relaxation.
Finding Love Through Music
Ambrosius believes in the power of music to create connections and opportunities for love. On tour, she encourages audiences to raise their hands, asking who came single and who would come to a Marsha Ambrosius concert single to hear songs like "Your Hands," "Say Yes," and "Freak In Me." She encourages them to seize the moment and connect with others in the room.
Ambrosius speaks from experience, as she met her husband on tour. He was a roadie for the Floetry reunion tour, and she seized the moment.
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Casablanca: A Collaborative Masterpiece with Dr. Dre
Marsha Ambrosius collaborated with Dr. Dre on the album Casablanca. She described the recording process as organic, with Dre at the board and Ambrosius at the microphone, creating together as one big family. The album was recorded in a single room, fostering a collaborative environment.
Ambrosius praised Dr. Dre for pushing her boundaries by letting her be herself, respecting her artistry, and giving her creative freedom. This resulted in an album with elements of hip hop, jazz, funk, and R&B. Ambrosius felt that she had a one-of-a-kind experience with Dre.
Ambrosius also shared the story behind the song "Smooth Criminal," which evolved from a late-night jam session. The song's storytelling and melody were inspired by the Michael Jackson song of the same name, creating a unique blend of hip hop and classic pop.
The name Casablanca was derived from a vintage Hollywood feel, reminiscent of old-school lights and movie premieres. Dr. Dre added a gangster edge to it, resulting in the name Casa Blanco, inspired by Griselda Blanco. The album cover is designed as a treasure map, filled with hip hop samples and musical treasures.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying True
Ambrosius has been open about the challenges she has faced in the music industry, including the pressure to conform to certain expectations. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and creating music that reflects one's own experiences and emotions.
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She also acknowledges the role that personal growth and development play in maintaining a successful career. By constantly challenging herself artistically, she has been able to remain at the top of her game.
The Floetry Era
Before her solo career, Marsha Ambrosius was one half of the acclaimed duo Floetry, alongside Natalie Stewart. The duo's name was suggested by a fan and reflected their fusion of soul and spoken word. Both attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts.
Floetry's journey led them to Philadelphia, where they met producer J. In 2001, Michael Jackson recorded "Butterflies," a track co-written by Marsha, Michael, and Andre Harris. Floetry's biggest R&B hit came in 2003 with "Say Yes," which earned a Grammy nomination.
The duo released "Floetic" in 2002, which went gold, and "Flo'Ology" in 2005. Floetry appeared on the show One on One and received nominations from Soul Train and BET. In 2015, Floetry reunited for a reunion tour, performing across the United States and in Brixton, South London.
Addressing Homophobia in "Far Away"
Ambrosius' video for her single "Far Away" generated buzz for addressing the issue of homophobia. She collaborated with Sterling Simms on the record, which was inspired by personal experiences of loss and heartbreak. The video was not intended to break barriers but to speak on the song's message.
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Ambrosius has expressed her support for the LGBTQ+ community and has questioned why it often takes a straight artist to tell their stories. She believes that nothing is a gimmick in the music industry and that artists should be true to themselves when conveying important messages.
Prioritizing Health and Well-being
Ambrosius has been candid about her weight loss journey and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being. In the early days of her career, she indulged in the luxuries of the music industry, which led to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain.
She realized that she needed to get back to herself and make a conscious decision to get healthy. She implemented Weight Watchers, which helped her lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.