The Floacist facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Natalie Stewart
Stewart in 2016
Background information
Birth name	Natalie Stewart
Also known as	The Floacist, FLO
Born	(1979-02-13) 13 February 1979 (age 46) Germany
Origin	South London, England
Genres	R&B soul spoken word neo soul
Occupation(s)	Rapper songwriter singer poet music producer actress
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Shanachie DreamWorks Geffen

Natalie "the Floacist" Stewart (born 13 February 1979) is an English artist. She is a rapper, singer, songwriter, spoken word artist, poet, and actress. Natalie was born in Germany and grew up in London. As a child, she took part in many singing and dancing contests. She became famous in the early 2000s as part of the R&B music group Floetry.

During a break from Floetry, Natalie released her first solo album, Floetic Soul, in 2010. This album helped her become known as a solo artist. It included popular songs like "Forever" and "Let Me". Her second solo album, Floetry Re:Birth, came out in 2012. It featured singles such as "Say Yes", "Soul", and "Speechless". In 2014, she released her third solo album, Rise of the Phoenix Mermaid.

Natalie Stewart calls herself a "modern-day poet." Her songs often talk about love, relationships, and finding inspiration. They also explore problems and how to solve them. Over her career, which has lasted more than 16 years, she has sold over 2 million records.

Natalie Stewart's Early Life

Natalie Stewart's parents were immigrants from Jamaica. Her father was in the British Armed Forces. Because of his work, Natalie was born in Germany. She was the youngest of three children. She started school in Hong Kong. After her father left the army, her family moved to London.

Natalie went to the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. There, she studied performing arts, media, and art. She also attended Middlesex University and later the University of North London. Natalie was a founding member of a poetry group called 3 Plus 1. This group was very popular in London and other cities. Natalie found her true passion in performance poetry. It allowed her to combine her skills as a writer and performer. This led to her idea of "poetic delivery of musical intent."

Natalie Stewart's Music Career

Floetry: The Beginning (1999–2006)

The group Floetry started in 1999. Natalie's bandmate, Marsha Ambrosius, joined her on stage at a spoken word event. They performed a piece they wrote together called "Fantasize." It mixed spoken word poetry with singing. In 2000, they traveled to the United States to perform their poetry. They visited poetry spots in Atlanta and then went to Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, they met producers Darren "Limitless" Henson and Keith "Keshon" Pelzer. They began recording music together.

In 2002, Floetry signed with DreamWorks Records. They released their first album, Floetic. This album included popular songs like "Floetic," "Say Yes," and "Getting Late." The album was also released in the UK with extra songs. Because Floetry's live shows were so successful, they released a live album and DVD called Floacism in November 2003.

In 2005, Floetry released their second studio album, Flo'Ology. This album reached number seven on the US Billboard 200 music chart. It featured the song "SupaStar" with the rapper Common.

Natalie's Solo Journey (2006–2013)

In 2006, the Floetry duo decided to go their separate ways. Natalie moved back to London but continued to travel between the UK and the US. For the next four years, she focused on her artistic skills. She kept exploring her idea of combining poetry with music.

In mid-2010, she released an EP called Spoken Soul. An EP is like a mini-album with fewer songs. In November 2010, she released her first full solo album, Floetic Soul. This album reached number 95 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. It also reached number 20 on the Top R&B Albums chart. The album included the songs "Forever," "Let Me," and "Keep It Going."

In 2011, Natalie began working on her second solo album. In August 2012, she released a new version of the Floetry hit song "Say Yes." In November 2012, her second album, The Floacist presents Floetry Re:Birth, was released. Natalie said the album's title celebrated the tenth anniversary of Floetry becoming a famous music group.

New Albums and Floetry Reunion (2014–2016)

Floetry reunited in February 2016. Natalie Stewart is on the left, and Marsha Ambrosius is on the right.

In March 2014, Natalie released her third solo album, Rise of the Phoenix Mermaid. This album featured the songs "Feel Good" and "On It." In December 2014, Natalie reunited with Marsha Ambrosius during a concert in London. They performed their song "Floetic" together. In February 2015, Natalie confirmed that Floetry would go on tour again.

On May 16, 2015, Floetry performed their first show together in nine years. It was at the Pepsi Funk Festival in Georgia, USA. They continued to tour throughout 2015. They even planned to record a new album. However, they split up again after the second part of their tour in August 2016.

Recent Work: Good Life (2017–Present)

In August 2017, Natalie Stewart, using the stage name "FLO," released a new song called "Good Life." In November 2017, she went on her first solo tour, called the "Let It FLO Tour." In 2019, she and her husband, Robbie Maddix, formed a music duo called i'N'i.

Natalie Stewart's Other Projects

Flo Spoken Word Vortex

On November 24, 2014, Natalie Stewart started hosting an event called the Flo Spoken Word Vortex. This event gives spoken word artists and poets a chance to perform. It takes place at the Hideaway Jazz & Comedy Club in Streatham, London. The FLO Spoken Word Vortex happens twice a month. In September 2019, the event was also held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Natalie Stewart's Personal Life

Natalie Stewart often talks about her main goal in life. She wants to keep growing and developing as a person. This includes her spiritual, mental, and artistic growth. When asked about her spiritual practices, she says her practice is "memory." She means remembering the peace she felt before any confusion.

In 2017, Natalie Stewart married Robbie Maddix. He was the drummer for the band Stone Roses. She lives on the southern coast of England.

Natalie Stewart's Music Releases

Albums

EPs

Singles

Natalie Stewart's Tours

• Floetry Experience with Marsha Ambrosius (2003)
• Floetry Reunion Tour with Marsha Ambrosius (2014–2015)
• Let It Flo Tour (2017)
• Flo Spoken Word Vortex Tour (2019)

Natalie Stewart's Film Appearances

• 2004: One on One (as herself)
• 2008: Reasonable Excuse (as Laila)
• 2010: Remaindered (as a Background Performer)
• 2010: The Creepy Doll (as a Waiting Room Patient #2)
• 2012: Spirit Stalkers (as a Restaurant Patron)