Floetry is an English neo-soul and contemporary R&B duo formed in London in 1997 by singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius and spoken-word artist Natalie Stewart. Ambrosius performed as "the Songstress," while Stewart was known as "the Floacist." Their music combined soul singing, hip-hop-informed production and poetry, creating a format in which Stewart's rhythmic spoken delivery and Ambrosius' expressive vocals worked as equal parts of the arrangement.
The pair met through basketball and developed a friendship around their shared interest in music. They began writing and performing together in London during the late 1990s. Ambrosius had already gained experience as a vocalist and songwriter, while Stewart had explored performance, acting and directing. Their partnership became more serious after Stewart's earlier girl group, 3 Plus 1, ended.
In 2000, Floetry moved to the United States, initially spending time in Atlanta before settling in Philadelphia. The city's musical community became important to their development. They connected with Julius Erving III, who became their manager, and were introduced to producer and DJ Jazzy Jeff. During this period, the duo worked as songwriters as well as performers, contributing to material associated with artists including Jill Scott, Bilal and Glenn Lewis. Ambrosius also co-wrote "Butterflies," later recorded by Michael Jackson for his 2001 album Invincible.
Floetry signed with DreamWorks Records and released their debut album, Floetic, in October 2002. The record established the duo's defining balance: polished, often understated R&B production supporting Ambrosius' soulful melodies and Stewart's direct, conversational poetry. The title track introduced their concept to a broad audience, while "Say Yes" became their signature recording. The song reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the US Adult R&B chart. Floetic was certified gold in the United States and earned Grammy nominations for Contemporary R&B Album and Urban/Alternative Performance, with "Say Yes" also receiving Grammy recognition.
The duo documented their live identity on Floacism "Live", released in 2003 as both an album and concert film. Recorded at the House of Blues in New Orleans, the project emphasized the theatrical side of Floetry, giving Stewart's poetry and Ambrosius' vocal improvisation more room than the studio recordings.
After extensive touring, including appearances on the Sugar Water Festival, Floetry released their second studio album, Flo'Ology, in November 2005. The album reached the top ten of the Billboard 200 and featured "SupaStar," a collaboration with rapper Common. The song earned another Grammy nomination, reinforcing the duo's standing during the peak of the neo-soul movement.
Floetry separated after their mid-2000s success, and Ambrosius and Stewart pursued individual careers. Ambrosius developed into a Grammy-nominated solo artist and songwriter, while Stewart continued as the Floacist, releasing spoken-word and R&B material. The two artists have reunited for performances and touring at various points, but their principal recorded legacy remains concentrated in Floetic, Floacism "Live" and Flo'Ology. Floetry's importance lies in how naturally they brought spoken-word poetry into mainstream R&B without treating it as a novelty, making the dialogue between voice, rhythm and language the center of their sound.