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Floetry was an English music duo formed in 1997 by singer Marsha Ambrosius ("the Songstress") and spoken-word poet Natalie Stewart ("the Floacist"). They are known for their diverse musical and performance style referred to as "poetic delivery with musical intent".[1][2][3]

Key Information

After relocating to the U.S., the duo was launched into mainstream recognition with the release of their song "Floetic" and their best-selling album, Floetic (2002), which contained the U.S. Adult R&B Songs number-one single "Say Yes". The album, Floetic, became a commercial success and received a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Floetry followed up by touring as the opening act for several notable music acts. Their performance at the New Orleans House of Blues was recorded and released as a live album titled Floacism "Live" in November 2003. In November 2005, Floetry resurfaced with the release of their second studio album Flo'Ology. The album spawned the singles "SupaStar" and "Lay Down".

Despite critical and commercial success, the duo was disbanded as Stewart attempted to split from the duo's manager Julius Irving III as Irving wanted to change the group's musical style and image. In response, Ambrosius hired Amanda Seales (then known as Amanda Diva) for a concert tour referred to as the Floetry Remix Tour. Following the conclusion of the tour, Ambrosius and Stewart have pursued solo careers. Since the group's disbandment in 2006, Ambrosius and Stewart have reunited several times, including at a 2014 The Claphand Grand performance; which lead to the Floetry Reunion Tour from 2015-2016. The group reunited again in July 2025 for three performances at the YS Firehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Floetry has sold more than 2 million records worldwide, as of 2016. The duo have three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, five Grammy Awards nominations, three Soul Train Music Awards nominations, and two MOBO Awards.

History

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1994–1999: Early beginnings

[edit]

During her enrollment in North London University, Natalie Stewart formed a poetry group called 3 Plus 1.[4][5] During that time, Stewart was introduced to Marsha Ambrosius during a rival basketball game.[5] They became friends and Stewart later found out that Ambrosius was a singer. During one of the final performances of 3 Plus 1, Stewart invited Ambrosius on stage to perform a song they wrote together called "Fantasize" in 1999.[5] Following the positive feedback from the audience, Stewart and Ambrosius formed a music duo called Floetry.[5]

2000–2004: Career breakthrough and Floetic

[edit]

In 2000, Floetry relocated from London to the United States.[6] After briefly staying Atlanta, they relocated to Philadelphia.[6] During their time in Philadelphia, they wrote and produced songs for Jill Scott, Larry "Jazz" Anthony, and Bilal. Floetry eventually came under the management of Julius Erving III, which lead to them signing a recording contract with DreamWorks Records.[6] John McClain, who was DreamWorks's senior urban executive and Michael Jackson's then-manager, introduced them to Jackson.[7] They penned the song "Butterflies" for his album Invincible (2001).[7]

Floetry first charted in August 2002 with "Floetic", the lead single from their debut album Floetic, which was released in the United States on 1 October 2002,[8] featuring productions by Keith "Keshon" Pelzer, Darren "Limitless" Henson, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, and Ivan "Orthodox" Barias.[8] Floetic peaked at number nineteen on the Billboard 200 and number four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[9] It also managed to sell over 864,000 copies in the United States alone,[10] earning a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[11] The lead single "Floetic", reached number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and number seventy-three on the UK Singles chart.[9][12] In October 2002, the duo joined India.Arie as the opening act for her Voyage to World Tour.[5]

Floetry released their second single, "Say Yes", released in January 2003. The song became more commercially successful than their predecessor, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and number twenty-four on the Billboard Hot 100.[9] Although its follow-up single "Getting Late" failed to reproduce the success of "Say Yes", the song peaked at number thirty-three on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and number seventeen on the US Adult R&B Songs chart.[9] Meanwhile, the duo released a song titled "Where's the Love" on the soundtrack of American comedy film Bringing Down the House. Floetry received three Grammy Award nominations at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.[13] In February 2003, Floetry toured alongside Common during his Electric Circus Tour. In July 2003, Floetry garnered four nominations at Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards,[14] of which they won: Best Single by a Group for "Say Yes", Best Album by a Group for Floetic, and Best New Group.[15]

Floetry recorded a live album and concert film at the House of Blues in New Orleans on 3 July 2003.[16] They released their live album Floacism on 18 November 2003,[16] which peaked at number seventy-four on Billboard 200 and number eleven on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[9] The album featured three new studio recorded songs, including the single "Wanna B Where U R (Thisizzaluvsong)" which features American rapper Mos Def. In 2004, Floetry earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards.[13] Later that year, they made a guest appearance in American sitcom One on One's season three episode "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad Hip Hop World".[17][18]

2005–2006: Flo'Ology

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In January 2005, Floetry experienced as a music label roster shift from DreamWorks Records to Geffen Records after the record label became defunct. From July to August 2005, Floetry toured with the Sugar Water Festival.[19][20] During the tour, the duo made an appearance in season five of spoken word poetry television series Def Poetry Jam. On 8 November 2005, they released their second album Flo'Ology. The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number two on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, selling over 77,000 copies in its first week.[21] In August 2005, the album's lead single "SupaStar",[22] which featured American rapper Common, peaked at number fifty-five on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its follow-up single, "Lay Down" performed poorly, and no music video was filmed for it. In March 2006, Floetry headlined their Flo'Ology concert tour.

Disbandment and aftermath

[edit]

Following the disappointment in album sales of Flo'Ology, Floetry's management Julius Irving III encouraged the duo to change their musical style in order to appeal to a wider audience. Irving pressed for Floetry to pursue a more hip-hop sound. Stewart, not wanting to change their sound and positive image, attempted to fire Irving as their management.[23] Ambrosius moved forward with Irving as her manager and signed a solo record deal with Aftermath Entertainment.[23] She later released a mixtape titled Neo Soul Is Dead.[23] In late 2006, Floetry disbanded without making a formal announcement.[24] In June 2007, Ambrosius embarked on the Floetry Remix Tour without Stewart, instead replacing her with American singer Amanda Seales (then known as Amanda Diva).[25] In an interview with Club Shay Shay, Seales remarked that the tour was not well-received nor did Ambrosius ever publicly announced that a lineup change had happened along with the introduction of Seales.[26] Seales also stated that Ambrosius attempted to fight her before a performance at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Atlanta.[27] In response to the Floetry Remix Tour, Stewart did an interview on the Wendy Williams radio show to announce that she was not part of the tour as her likeness was still being used to market the tour. Following the conclusion of the tour, Seales stated that Ambrosius intended to create a new music duo with her called Floetry Remix and record an album but Ambrosius opted not to follow through.[25][26]

In early 2010, Stewart attempted to reform Floetry with Ambrosius but Ambrosius declined.[23] In November 2010, Stewart released her debut solo album, Floetic Soul, on the Shanachie Records. In March 2011, Ambrosius released her debut solo album, Late Nights & Early Mornings, on J Records. During the recording of Stewart's second album, she recorded a remake of "Say Yes" with the intention of celebrating the song's tenth anniversary with Ambrosius, however Ambrosius declined to record on the new version.[24] In August 2012, Stewart released "Say Yes (10 Year Anniversary Edition)" as the lead single of her second album Floetry Re:Birth.[28] In November 2012, Stewart released her second album, Floetry Re:Birth.[29] In March 2014, Stewart released her third album Rise of the Phoenix Mermaid,[30] followed by Ambrosius releasing her second album Friends & Lovers in July 2014.[31]

In December 2014, Ambrosius invited Stewart on-stage to perform "Floetic" during her concert at The Clapham Grand in London. In February 2015, Stewart confirmed that duo would be touring in 2015.[32] On 16 May 2015, Floetry reunited and performed their first show in nine years at Pepsi Funk Festival in College Park, Georgia. Despite announcing they would be recording a new album, Floetry subsequently split after the second leg of their reunion tour in August 2016.[33] In July 2025, Floetry reunited and performed for three dates at YS Firehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Artistry

[edit]

Musical style and themes

[edit]

Floetry recorded R&B songs with styles that encompass hip hop and neo soul. The members took on stage names that emphasized their role in the group. Ambrosius, who often performs the chorus and ad-libs, adopted the stage name The Songtress while Stewart, who often performs the individual verses and ad-libs, adopted the stage name The Floacist. Stewart has often described their style as "poetic delivery with musical intent".[1][2][3] Sister 2 Sister magazine described Floetry as "exotic sisters of the soil who present music that is deeply rooted in traditional soul, but brushed with a freshness that we haven't seen since Soul II Soul, another British union from back in the 1980s." Hana Anderson of Windy City Times interpreted their album Floetic as "a fusion of R&B music, poetry, and character-driven stories and melodies".[1] Rob Theakston of AllMusic summarizes Flo'Ology as "tasteful, funky neo-soul grooves blended with emotive R&B crooning and spoken word poetry."[34] Floetry have cited Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Fela Kuti as their influences.[35][36]

Discography

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Main article: Floetry discography
Studio albums

Tours

[edit]

Awards and nominations

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Year Category Title Result
2003 Best Contemporary R&B Album Floetic Nominated
Best R&B Song "Floetic" Nominated
Best Urban/Alternative Performance "Floetic" Nominated
2004 Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals "Say Yes" Nominated
2006 Best Urban/Alternative Performance "Supastar" Nominated
  • MOBO Awards
Year Category Title Result
2003 Best Album Floetic Nominated
Best Newcomer Nominated
  • MTV Video Music Awards
Year Category Title Result
2003 Breakthrough Video "Floetic" Nominated
  • Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
Year Category Title Result
2003 Best R&B/Soul Single by a Group, Band, or Duo "Say Yes" Won
Best R&B/Soul Album by a Group, Band, or Duo Floetic Won
Best R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year "Floetic" Nominated
Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Group, Band, or Duo Won
  • Soul Train Music Awards
Year Category Title Result
2003 Best R&B/Soul Single by a Group, Band, or Duo "Floetic" Nominated
Best R&B/Soul Album by a Group, Band, or Duo Floetic Nominated
2006 Best R&B/Soul Single by a Group, Band, or Duo "SupaStar" Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Floetry

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from Grokipedia
Floetry was an English neo-soul and R&B duo formed in 1997, consisting of singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius (known as "the Songstress") and spoken-word poet Natalie Stewart (known as "the Floacist"). The pair met while attending the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in Croydon, London, where they began collaborating on music that fused soulful vocals, poetry, and hip-hop influences. Their debut album, (2002), released on , marked a breakthrough in the neo-soul genre, selling nearly one million copies in the United States and featuring the hit single "Say Yes," which peaked at number 5 on the chart. The album earned three Grammy Award nominations, including Best Album, Best R&B Song for the title track, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Say Yes." Floetry's second and final studio album, Flo'Ology (2005), continued their exploration of poetic lyricism and smooth production, with singles like "SupaStar" earning another Grammy nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Throughout their career, Floetry received five Grammy nominations in total and won three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, including Best R&B/Soul Album by a Group or Duo for Floetic. The duo's innovative style, often described as "poetry in motion," drew comparisons to artists like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, and they performed extensively in the U.S., building a strong following through tours and appearances on shows like Soul Train. Despite their success, Floetry disbanded in 2007 amid reported creative and management differences during the promotion of Flo'Ology, with Ambrosius pursuing a solo career under Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Stewart releasing music as The Floacist. The group briefly reunited for a performance in 2014 and a tour in 2015–2016, and again in July 2025 for three performances celebrating 25 years of Floetic, but has not released new material since their split.

Members

Marsha Ambrosius

was born on August 8, 1977, in , . Raised in a city renowned for its musical heritage, she discovered her passion for music at a young age, influenced by the soulful sounds of classic R&B that filled her childhood home. Ambrosius credits her roots as a major influence on her artistic development, with her family playing a pivotal role in nurturing her interest; her African American grandparents regularly sent vinyl records and 8-tracks featuring top R&B artists, exposing her to a rich array of sounds from an early age. This familial connection to music, combined with hearing timeless tracks as a child, steered her toward a creative path centered on soul and songwriting. Before meeting Natalie Stewart and forming Floetry, began her professional journey in the late as a and aspiring songwriter, recording intimate demos like her 1997 piano-led track "Butterflies" and providing background vocals for high-profile releases such as Michael Jackson's "Butterflies" and Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River." These early experiences honed her skills in and lyrical crafting, setting the stage for her emergence in the neo-soul scene. In Floetry, Ambrosius served as the primary vocalist, songwriter, and keyboardist, earning the moniker "the Songstress" for her emotive, delivery that anchored the duo's blend of R&B, soul, and . Her songwriting contributions shaped the introspective and poetic essence of their , while her keyboard work added lush, organic layers to studio recordings; on , she drove live performances with dynamic vocals and instrumental interplay, helping Floetry captivate audiences through intimate, improvisational sets that highlighted their chemistry. 's classical background from childhood further infused Floetry's sound with sophisticated harmonic depth and emotional resonance. Following the duo's 2005 disbandment, she transitioned to a solo career.

Natalie Stewart

Natalie Stewart, known professionally as , was born on February 13, 1979, in to Jamaican immigrant parents, with her father serving in the , which led to a nomadic early childhood before the family settled in , . Raised in , Stewart developed an early passion for , participating in various and dancing competitions as a child, which honed her artistic talents amid a culturally rich Jamaican heritage that infused her work with rhythmic and poetic elements. Her interest in was sparked through family traditions and the vibrant multicultural environment of , where she began exploring as a form of expression during her teenage years. Before forming Floetry, Stewart immersed herself in London's thriving spoken-word scene, emerging as a trained actress and slam poetry champion who captivated audiences with her rhythmic delivery and introspective verses at local events. She attended the for Performing Arts and Technology, where she first crossed paths with future collaborator through their shared love of on London courts, transitioning from rivals to creative allies. In 1999, Stewart's pre-Floetry career culminated in a pivotal spoken-word performance at the "Poets vs. MCs" event, where Ambrosius joined her onstage to debut a co-written piece, solidifying their partnership and laying the groundwork for Floetry's unique blend of poetry and music. Within Floetry, Stewart embodied the "poet" element as , specializing in spoken-word introductions, lyrical content, and rhythmic flows that complemented Ambrosius's melodies, creating the duo's signature "" style—a fusion of flowing and soulful grooves. She contributed to songwriting and delivered evocative spoken interludes that set emotional tones, often drawing from personal introspection to encourage vulnerability and connection. A prime example is her iconic spoken intro in the track "Say Yes," where Stewart's whispery, persuasive narration urges listeners to embrace love without reservation, exemplifying her ability to weave seamlessly into neo-soul arrangements.

History

Formation and early beginnings (1995–2001)

and Natalie Stewart first met in the mid-1990s while attending the for Performing Arts and Technology in , bonding initially through their mutual passion for before discovering shared interests in music and . Soon after, they began collaborating as songwriters, with Ambrosius providing soulful R&B melodies and Stewart contributing spoken-word elements, laying the groundwork for their unique "floetry" style—a fusion of poetry and song. By the late 1990s, the pair had formalized as the duo Floetry and started performing at nights and spoken-word events across London's vibrant underground music scene, where they honed their blend of neo-soul rhythms and lyrical introspection. These early shows emphasized emotional storytelling and live improvisation, attracting a growing audience in the UK's emerging R&B and circles. Seeking broader opportunities, Floetry relocated to in 2000 to connect with the burgeoning American neo-soul movement, immersing themselves in the creative ecosystem alongside contemporaries like Jill Scott and . The duo's relocation soon led to , where they became fixtures at DJ Jazzy Jeff's influential Black Lily jam sessions, showcasing their chemistry and drawing industry attention. This exposure culminated in their signing with later that year, facilitated by a demo tape that featured an early version of "Say Yes"—a track had initially crafted as a submission for R&B veteran Ron Isley. Their songwriting process during this period was profoundly shaped by the neo-soul aesthetic, prioritizing authentic expression, relational themes, and influences from trailblazers like and to create intimate, narrative-driven compositions.

Floetic and breakthrough success (2002–2004)

Floetry's debut album, , was released on October 16, 2002, by . The project was primarily produced by the production duo known as The Anonymous Collective, consisting of Andre "Dre" Harris and Vidal Davis, who crafted its blend of neo-soul, R&B, and spoken-word elements. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 19 on the , eventually achieving gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States. By 2005, had sold nearly one million copies in America alone, contributing to over one million units worldwide. The lead single "Say Yes," released in late 2002, became a cornerstone of the duo's breakthrough, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. Hailed as a neo-soul anthem for its sensual exploration of unspoken desire, the track's intimate music video, directed by Jeremy Rall, depicted a couple's tender connection through subtle, evocative scenes. Follow-up singles included the title track "Floetic" and "Getting Late," the latter addressing relational urgency over a smooth, extended groove. To promote Floetic, Floetry embarked on extensive touring, including opening slots for established neo-soul artists such as Jill Scott in early 2003, which helped solidify their live reputation for blending poetry and melody. Their visibility surged with appearances on major platforms, notably performing on BET's in October 2002, where they showcased tracks from the album to a wide urban audience. Critics praised for its fresh fusion of R&B and poetic lyricism, often drawing comparisons to for its soulful introspection and innovative spoken-word integration, though some noted it refined rather than revolutionized the neo-soul sound. awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, commending the duo's chemistry and the album's consistent vibe as a promising entry into the genre. The release marked Floetry's commercial ascent, establishing them as key figures in the early neo-soul movement.

Flo'Ology and final years (2005–2007)

The release of Floetry's second studio album, Flo'Ology, was delayed due to label transitions following the 2003 folding of into under . Originally signed to DreamWorks for their 2002 debut Floetic, the duo navigated administrative hurdles that postponed new material for over three years. The album was ultimately issued on November 8, 2005, via , marking a shift in their production environment amid the neo-soul landscape. Flo'Ology explored themes of emotional maturity, romantic relationships, and personal introspection, building on the duo's signature blend of spoken-word poetry and soulful melodies. Lead single "SupaStar," featuring rapper Common, highlighted celebratory love with upbeat rhythms, while tracks like "Blessed 2 Have" and "My Apology" delved into vulnerability and reconciliation. The album debuted at No. 7 on the chart, selling 77,000 copies in its first week, though it ultimately moved fewer units overall—around 363,000 by 2010—compared to the platinum success of their debut. Production on Flo'Ology introduced notable changes, with external collaborators like Raphael Saadiq and Scott Storch joining core team members Darren Henson and Keith Pelzer of 59 Productions. Saadiq contributed guitar, bass, and beats to tracks such as "Imagination," infusing a polished, retro-soul vibe, while Storch handled high-profile cuts like "SupaStar." These sessions occurred against a backdrop of growing creative differences between Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart, as the pair grappled with evolving artistic visions during recording. To promote the album, Floetry embarked on the Flo'Ology Tour in 2006, including dates across and , such as performances at the in and in . They also joined the Sugar Water Festival alongside and Jill Scott, amplifying their live presence with improvisational poetry and harmonies. Critical reception praised the album's evolution toward more sophisticated arrangements and vocal interplay, with outlets like noting its "optimistic" sensuality, though some critiqued the production as formulaic and less innovative than their breakthrough work. highlighted their technical mastery but lamented a loss of raw charisma, contributing to perceptions of commercial underperformance relative to Floetic's peak momentum.

Disbandment (2007)

In late 2006, Floetry effectively disbanded after nearly a decade together, with the split becoming more apparent to the public in 2007 when proceeded with a solo iteration of the group under the name Floetry Remix Tour, featuring rapper as a replacement for Natalie Stewart. The duo's final performance together occurred in the in December 2006, marking the end of their joint live appearances amid growing internal strains that had built during the promotional cycle for their second album, Flo'Ology. The breakup stemmed primarily from a dispute, as Stewart sought to part ways with their longtime manager, III, while elected to stay with him, leading to in professional direction. Additional factors included exhaustion from relentless touring and underlying personal challenges, with later disclosing in interviews that Stewart's involvement in an abusive relationship had placed emotional burdens on their friendship and collaboration. These issues were compounded by perceptions of unequal contributions, particularly in songwriting and performance credits, which favored as the primary vocalist; this dynamic left Stewart feeling increasingly sidelined, a sentiment she elaborated on in subsequent discussions about the group's dissolution. The immediate aftermath saw limited public commentary from , with no formal joint statement issued at the time, leaving fans and media in a state of surprise and speculation about the future of neo-soul acts reliant on tight-knit partnerships. Coverage in outlets like highlighted the abrupt end to a group that had sold over 1.5 million records, prompting questions on whether the genre's emphasis on duo chemistry could sustain without such unity, while devotees expressed disappointment over the lack of closure following hits like "Say Yes." Details of the fallout emerged more fully in interviews, including Ambrosius's candid reflections on the creative and personal rifts that had eroded their synergy.

Post-disbandment activities

Marsha Ambrosius solo career

Following the disbandment of Floetry in 2005, pursued a solo career that emphasized her songwriting prowess and emotive R&B delivery, often exploring themes of love, loss, and personal resilience. Her debut solo album, Late Nights & Early Mornings, was released on March 8, 2011, via , marking a shift toward more intimate, sensual narratives drawn from her life experiences. The album featured collaborations with artists like on the single "Far Away," which highlighted her vulnerability in addressing separation and longing, and it debuted at No. 2 on the and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 96,000 copies in its first week. Ambrosius continued building her solo catalog with Friends & Lovers in 2014, released on July 15 via RCA Records, which delved deeper into relational complexities and self-discovery through tracks produced by collaborators including Dr. Dre. The album included guest appearances from Charlie Wilson and Skye Edwards, reinforcing her evolution in contemporary R&B/soul with raw, resilient storytelling. Later releases, such as the 2018 album NYLA and the 2024 project Casablanco—the latter executive produced by Dr. Dre and featuring the single "The Greatest," a powerful anthem of empowerment amid adversity—further showcased her thematic focus on overcoming personal hardships like grief and reinvention. In addition to music, ventured into acting with supporting roles in films such as (2005), where she appeared alongside and , and made guest appearances on television specials like Celebrates Soul (2011). Her stage presence remained strong through extensive touring, including the co-headlining "Love You Too" tour with , which began on May 28, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland, and visited major cities across , blending her soulful sets with themes of enduring love and strength.

Natalie Stewart solo career

Following the disbandment of Floetry in 2005, Natalie Stewart adopted the stage name to pursue her solo endeavors as a artist, singer, and songwriter. This moniker reflected her commitment to the "floetic" ethos—a fusion of and that she had co-developed during her time in the duo. Stewart's debut solo album, Floetic Soul, was released on November 9, 2010, by the independent label . The project blended neo-soul tracks with spoken-word interludes, emphasizing themes of , self-empowerment, and personal reflection, while maintaining her in rhythmic, poetic delivery. Notable collaborations included on "Keep It Going," and on "Forever," and on "Come Over," showcasing her continued ties to the neo-soul community. Subsequent releases further explored her artistic evolution. In 2012, she issued Floacist Presents: Floetry Rebirth on Shanachie, reinterpreting Floetry classics like "Say Yes" with fresh arrangements and guest features, including on "Start Again," to honor her past while forging ahead. Her third album, Rise of the Phoenix Mermaid (2014), delved into relationships, heartbreak, and positivity, drawing from personal experiences and literary influences to craft imaginative narratives. Throughout these works, she preserved neo-soul foundations with smooth vocals and poetic lyricism. In her live performances, Stewart has integrated poetry slams with musical sets, creating immersive experiences that highlight her background as a slam champion and performance . Shows often feature spoken-word pieces alongside songs, fostering audience connection through themes of growth and resilience, as seen in her ongoing tours blending recitation and R&B elements.

Recent developments and legacy

In 2025, Floetry marked the 25th anniversary of their debut album with a limited-edition vinyl reissue, marking the first time the record was made available in that format. Announced on , the double LP edition, featuring hits like "Say Yes" and "Getting Late," was released on November 14 through . The duo also reunited for the first time in a decade for three sold-out performances at the YS Firehouse in , on July 31 and August 1-2, as part of comedian Dave Chappelle's Soundcheck Series. These intimate shows celebrated their legacy and sparked widespread fan excitement, highlighting ongoing interest in their music despite no plans for a full tour. Throughout the , persistent fan campaigns and petitions for a reunion contributed to brief one-off appearances, though internal tensions from past management issues—revealed in interviews by both members—prevented sustained collaborations until the 2025 events. Natalie Stewart discussed these challenges in a 2023 appearance on The Flow Assists podcast, attributing much of the group's 2005 disbandment to betrayal by their management team, which reignited public discourse and appreciation for their story. Floetry's legacy endures as pioneers of neo-soul, blending spoken-word poetry with R&B and to create what they termed "poetic delivery with musical intent," influencing the genre's emphasis on emotional depth and lyrical introspection. Their innovative fusion has inspired contemporary artists such as and , who draw from neo-soul's poetic traditions in their own works exploring vulnerability and self-expression. Recent social media interactions between and Natalie Stewart, including joint posts announcing the 2025 shows, reflect a reconciled rapport focused on honoring their shared history, though both have emphasized pursuing individual paths without a permanent duo revival.

Artistry

Musical style

Floetry's musical style is characterized by a seamless blend of neo-soul, R&B, and spoken-word , creating an intimate and emotive sound that emphasizes emotional depth over flashy production. Their debut album (2002) showcases this fusion through tracks that integrate smooth R&B melodies with poetic spoken elements, drawing from the neo-soul scene where the duo honed their craft after relocating from the . The production, handled primarily by A Touch of Jazz (associated with ), prioritizes organic grooves with live instrumentation such as and bass, minimizing electronic elements to foster a raw, organic feel that evokes live performance energy. A hallmark of their sound is the signature "floetic" interludes, short segments that combine rap-like poetry delivered by Natalie Stewart with harmonic vocal layers from , bridging and song in a conversational flow. This vocal interplay—Ambrosius's soulful, melodic singing contrasting Stewart's rhythmic, spoken contributions—produces intimate tracks that feel like personal dialogues set to music, enhancing the neo-soul aesthetic with a poetic intimacy unique to the duo. Over time, Floetry's style evolved toward greater polish and maturity on their album Flo'Ology (2005), incorporating contributions from high-profile producers like and , who refined the organic base with more varied beats and atmospheric layers while retaining the core vocal dynamic and neo-soul essence. This shift marked a transition from the debut's raw, unpolished energy to a more sophisticated production that broadened their appeal without diluting the foundational blend of genres.

Themes and influences

Floetry's music prominently explored themes of , , , and Black womanhood, often weaving these elements into narratives of personal growth and relational intimacy. Their lyrics emphasized as a transformative, connective force that evolves over time, promoting vulnerability and mutual affirmation in relationships. was a core motif, particularly in celebrating Black women's strength, self-articulation, and balance amid life's challenges, as seen in their poetic reflections on resilience and unity. infused their work through references to higher energies and soulful introspection, drawing from universal human experiences to foster positivity and healing. A notable example is the track "Say Yes" from their 2002 debut album Floetic, which resonated deeply with LGBTQ audiences for its honest depiction of and yearning for . The duo's influences stemmed from the neo-soul movement and spoken-word traditions, shaping their blend of poetic lyricism and melodic soul. and Natalie Stewart drew inspiration from artists like Jill Scott and , whose innovative fusion of R&B, , and conscious messaging informed Floetry's emotive style and focus on authentic Black female voices. These influences aligned with the early 2000s neo-soul revival in , where Floetry emerged alongside figures like , countering the dominance of mainstream hip-hop with organic, positivity-driven sounds that prioritized live instrumentation, emotional depth, and cultural upliftment. Their songwriting process was deeply collaborative, rooted in personal experiences that lent authenticity to their themes. , known as "the Songtress," crafted melodies and harmonies, while Stewart, "," provided poetic structures, often starting from journals of daily reflections and emotions. This partnership produced songs like "," inspired by Ambrosius's own romantic encounters in 1997, transforming private moments into universal anthems of anticipation and joy. By writing prolifically—sometimes two songs per day in the studio—they narrowed extensive catalogs into focused works, ensuring lyrics emerged organically from lived realities rather than commercial pressures, thereby reinforcing Floetry's ethos of and spiritual connection.

Discography

Studio albums

Floetry released their debut studio album, , on October 1, 2002, through . The album was recorded primarily in studios, including a rapid production process that captured the duo's neo-soul essence with key producers such as Andre "Dre" Harris and Vidal Davis (known as ), Keith Pelzer, and Darren Henson. It features 14 tracks blending R&B, hip-hop, and spoken-word elements.

Track listing for Floetic

No.TitleLength
1""1:54
2""4:06
3"Ms. Stress"3:54
4"Sunshine"4:15
5"Getting Late"6:49
6""4:14
7"Mr. Messed Up"4:22
8"Say Yes"4:28
9"Hello"4:09
10""4:04
11"Hey You"5:04
12"If I Was a Bird"5:02
13"Opera"4:00
14"Subliminal"3:57
Floetic debuted at No. 19 on the and No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 41,000 copies in the United States. The album achieved certification from the RIAA on July 14, 2003, after selling over 500,000 units, and total U.S. sales exceeded 864,000 copies. The duo's second and final studio album, Flo'Ology, was released on November 8, 2005, via following a label transition from DreamWorks amid industry shifts. Produced by a team including , , and returning collaborators Pelzer and Henson, the album incorporates guest appearances such as Common on "SupaStar" and emphasizes introspective R&B with live instrumentation. It contains 11 tracks, and sold 363,000 copies in the as of 2010.

Track listing for Flo'Ology

No.TitleLength
1"Blessed 2 Have"3:57
2"SupaStar" (featuring Common)4:12
3"Closer"4:03
4"My Apology"4:06
5"Let Me In"4:25
6"Lay Down"5:00
7"Feelings"4:11
8"Sometimes U Make Me Smile"4:27
9"I'll Die"4:41
10"Imagination"6:34
11"I Want You"5:47
Flo'Ology debuted at No. 7 on the and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 77,000 copies in its first week in the United States. It peaked at No. 16 on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart. No further studio albums were released by Floetry after 2005 due to the group's disbandment.

Singles and other releases

Floetry's singles primarily supported their studio albums Floetic (2002) and Flo'Ology (2005), achieving moderate success on U.S. R&B charts and limited crossover to the pop charts. Their debut single "Floetic," released in 2002, introduced their neo-soul sound and peaked at number 29 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while reaching number 73 on the UK Singles Chart. The follow-up "Say Yes," issued in early 2003 from , marked their commercial breakthrough, blending spoken-word poetry with smooth R&B vocals. It peaked at number 24 on the and number 8 on the chart, spending 26 weeks on the latter; additionally, it topped the Adult R&B Airplay chart for seven weeks. "Getting Late," another Floetic single released later in 2003, adopted a more upbeat tempo but achieved lesser chart impact, peaking at number 31 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and bubbling under the Hot 100 at number 114. From Flo'Ology, "SupaStar" featuring Common was released in 2005 as the lead single, peaking at number 55 on the chart and number 15 on the chart; an accompanying EP included remixes and the original track. "Lay Down," also from Flo'Ology, reached number 102 on the chart in 2005. Other releases included promotional singles and remixes, such as the 2003 remix of "Floetic" featuring Mos Def, which charted at number 116 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs extension. A remixes package for "Say Yes" was issued digitally in 2016. Post-2010, Floetry's singles became widely available on digital platforms, boosting streams; for instance, "Say Yes" has amassed approximately 80 million Spotify streams as of November 2025. No certifications were awarded to their singles during their active years.
SingleYearAlbumUS Hot 100 PeakUS R&B PeakUK Peak
"Floetic"2002Floetic113 (Bubbling Under)2973
"Say Yes"2003Floetic248—
"Getting Late"2003Floetic114 (Bubbling Under)31—
"SupaStar" (feat. Common)2005Flo'Ology—55—
"Lay Down"2005Flo'Ology—102—

Live performances

Tours

Floetry's initial major touring effort came in support of their 2002 debut album Floetic, during which they served as opening acts on India.Arie's Voyage to India Tour, performing numerous dates across the United States and extending to international markets including the UK. The duo's sets blended neo-soul tracks with spoken-word poetry, showcasing their signature interactive style that encouraged audience engagement through rhythmic recitations and harmonious vocals. In 2006, Floetry launched their headlining Flo'Ology Tour to promote their sophomore album, incorporating stops in . The tour featured performances in intimate venues like The Drum in Birmingham, , where the duo's chemistry was highlighted through close-proximity staging that amplified their poetic dialogue and musical interplay. They also joined the all-female Sugar Water Festival tour across , sharing bills with , Jill Scott, and in mid-sized amphitheaters and parks. As tensions peaked, Floetry's final joint appearances occurred in late 2006, with no official farewell tour announced before their 2007 disbandment; Ambrosius subsequently toured solo under a modified Floetry banner in June 2007, marking the effective end of the duo's collaborative live era.

Notable appearances and collaborations

Floetry gained early prominence through high-profile television appearances that showcased their neo-soul sound. In 2003, they performed "Say Yes" at the 9th Annual Lady of Soul Awards, where the duo also won Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo for the track and Best R&B/Soul Album, Group, Band or Duo for . Later, in 2005, Floetry delivered a live rendition of "SupaStar" during the SOS: Saving Ourselves , a relief event hosted at in New York. They made another notable TV spot in 2006 as musical guests on , sharing the stage with . The duo's festival appearances highlighted their role in the neo-soul movement. In 2005, Floetry opened the Sugar Water Festival tour, supporting headliners Jill Scott, , and across multiple U.S. dates, including a closing show at the Greek Theatre in . This event focused on health awareness for African-American women and featured Floetry's poetic and vocal interplay in intimate settings. Key collaborations extended Floetry's reach beyond their core discography. They featured rapper Common on the track "SupaStar" from their 2005 album Flo'Ology, blending hip-hop verses with their signature soulful harmony. Earlier, in 2003, Floetry joined Common as special guests on his Tour, contributing to shared billings that amplified their neo-soul presence. Following their 2007 disbandment, Floetry reunited for a tour in 2015–2016 amid neo-soul revivals. Performances included the Essence Festival in New Orleans, where they delivered "Say Yes," and the Summer Spirit Festival in , performing "Sunshine." These appearances marked emotional returns, reigniting fan interest in their poetic R&B style. In August 2024, and Stewart reunited for a performance during Ambrosius's "Friends & Lovers" tour at the in . The duo reunited again in July 2025 for performances at the YS Firehouse in , hosted by and celebrating 25 years of .

Recognition

Awards

Floetry achieved significant recognition during their active years as a duo, particularly through their successes at the Lady of Soul Awards in 2003. At the ninth annual ceremony held on August 23, 2003, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in , the duo won three awards, tying for the most of the evening with artists Missy Elliott and . These victories highlighted their breakthrough impact in the neo-soul and R&B genres following the release of their debut album . The awards included Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist/Group, acknowledging Floetry's rapid rise to prominence with innovative spoken-word-infused R&B that resonated widely in the urban music scene. They also secured Best R&B/Soul Album, Group, Band or Duo for Floetic, which showcased their poetic lyricism and harmonious vocals, contributing to the album's commercial success with sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States. Additionally, Floetry won Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo for "Say Yes," a track that exemplified their signature "floetic" style blending and melody, and became a fan favorite for its intimate portrayal of romance. During the event, Floetry performed "Say Yes," delivering a live rendition that underscored the song's emotional depth and helped cement their reputation as a dynamic live act. These wins represented the pinnacle of their award achievements as a duo, with no victories at major ceremonies like the , though they earned nominations in and R&B categories that affirmed their influence. Over their career together, Floetry's three honors stood as key validations of their artistic contributions to .

Nominations

Floetry garnered numerous nominations from major music awards organizations during their active years, accumulating over ten across categories that underscored their innovative blend of neo-soul, R&B, and elements. These recognitions, particularly in the early , played a key role in elevating their international profile and solidifying their reputation among critics and industry insiders. The duo's most notable nominations came from the , where they received five in total. At the in 2003, Floetry was nominated for Best Album for their debut , Best R&B Song for the title track "Floetic" (written by , Darren Henson, Keith Pelzer, and Natalie Stewart), and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Floetic". These nods highlighted the critical acclaim for their poetic and harmonious style, though they did not result in wins. In 2005, at the , they earned a for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Say Yes". The following year, the brought another for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "SupaStar" from their sophomore album Flo'Ology. The Grammy recognitions enhanced their stature, enabling expanded touring opportunities alongside artists like . In addition to the Grammys, Floetry received a nomination at the for Breakthrough Video for the "Floetic" clip, which showcased their dynamic stage presence and visual storytelling. They were also finalists at the in the R&B/Hip-Hop New Artist of the Year category, reflecting their rapid rise on the charts with hits from . On the regional front, Floetry earned two nominations at the 2003 (Music of Black Origin), including Best UK Newcomer and Best Album for Floetic, celebrating their roots as British artists breaking into the global scene. These accolades, combined with others from the , contributed to a broader visibility that bridged U.K. and U.S. audiences, even as the duo navigated the balance between artistic innovation and commercial expectations.

References

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