Marsha Ambrosius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marsha Ambrosius
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Ambrosius in 2016
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marsha Angelique Ambrosius |
| Also known as | The Songstress |
| Born | 8 August 1977 |
| Origin | Liverpool, England |
| Genres | R&B |
| Years active | 1997–present |
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Marsha Ambrosius-Billups, born Marsha Angelique Ambrosius on August 8, 1977, is a talented English singer and songwriter. She's even been nominated for a Grammy Award! Marsha first became famous as part of the R&B music group Floetry. Later, she started her solo career and has released several albums like Late Nights & Early Mornings (2011) and Friends & Lovers (2014).
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Marsha's Music Journey
Starting with Floetry
Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart were the original members of the group Floetry. They first met because they both loved basketball. Both Marsha and Natalie went to the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Marsha studied Business and Finance, while Natalie focused on Performing Arts.
Marsha had planned to go to college in Atlanta, Georgia, but an injury stopped her. Natalie went to universities in London. Even though they were busy with their studies, the two friends stayed in touch. In 1999, Marsha wrote a song called "Fantasize." She asked Natalie to add some of her poetry to it. This creative teamwork led to the start of their group, Floetry.
Floetry's Success Story
In 2000, Marsha and Natalie traveled to the United States. They wanted to perform their poetry and music. They found success in Atlanta and then moved to Philadelphia. There, they met producers Darren "Limitless" Henson and Keith "Keshon" Pelzer. They started recording their music with them.
Marsha also worked with the legendary Michael Jackson! She helped write and sang background vocals for his song "Butterflies" from his 2001 album, Invincible.
In the same year, Floetry signed with DreamWorks Records. They released their first album, Floetic. This album included popular songs like "Floetic," "Say Yes," and "Getting Late." Floetry went on to release two more albums: a live album called Floacism in 2003 and a studio album called Flo'Ology in 2005.
Marsha's Solo Career Begins
After her time with Floetry, Marsha Ambrosius started working with many other artists. She was featured on songs by Styles P, The Game, and Earth, Wind & Fire. She also sang background vocals for Justin Timberlake's hit song “Cry Me a River.” Marsha continued to collaborate with artists like Slum Village and Wale.
Working with Dr. Dre
Marsha was asked to join Dr. Dre's record label, Aftermath Entertainment. She would work there as a solo artist, songwriter, and producer. In 2007, she released a mixtape called Neo Soul is Dead. Even though she later decided not to sign with Aftermath in 2009, Marsha kept writing and producing songs for other famous artists. These included Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Mario, and Fabolous.
Late Nights & Early Mornings Album
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In 2009, many record labels wanted to sign Marsha Ambrosius as a solo artist. This happened after a very popular show she performed in New York City with The Roots. In December 2009, Marsha signed with J Records. Her first solo album, Late Nights & Early Mornings, came out on March 1, 2011.
The first song from the album, "Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)," was released in August 2010. It became a hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts. The second song, "Far Away," came out in December 2010. The album itself was a huge success! It reached number one on the US Billboard R&B Albums chart and number two on the overall Billboard 200 chart. This was a big achievement for a British artist.
Marsha won the Centric Award at the BET Awards of 2011. She was also nominated for Best Female R&B Artist the next year. In December 2011, she received two Grammy nominations for her song "Far Away." The night before, she even performed at the White House for the President and First Family!
Friends & Lovers Album
In 2011, Marsha's record label, J Records, became part of RCA Records. So, Marsha started releasing her new music under the RCA Records name.
Her second studio album, Friends & Lovers, was released in July 2014. This album earned Marsha two nominations for the MOBO Award. In 2015, she was nominated for another Grammy Award for her song "As," which she recorded with Anthony Hamilton.
Nyla Album
In March 2017, Marsha released a new song called "Don't Wake the Baby." She also announced a summer tour with Eric Benet. Later that year, she released "Luh Ya," the first song from her next album. This marked her move to an independent music label.
In June 2018, she released "Old Times" and its music video. In September, she announced that her third studio album would be called Nyla, named after her daughter. It was released on September 28, 2018.
Casablanco Album
In December 2021, Dr. Dre confirmed that he had finished recording an album with Marsha Ambrosius called Casablanco. Both artists said it was some of their "best work." The album was finally released on June 27, 2024, through Aftermath and Interscope Records. The first song from the album, "The Greatest," came out in December 2023.
Marsha's Personal Life
In November 2016, Marsha Ambrosius announced that she was engaged to Dez Billups. They got married in 2017. In December 2016, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Nyla. Marsha is a big fan of the Liverpool F.C. football team.
Images for kids
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Ambrosius in 2016
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Floetry during their reunion in February 2016. On the left is Natalie Stewart, also known as The Floacist, and on the right is Marsha Ambrosius.
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Marsha Ambrosius performing in London in December 2010.
