Ursula Rucker
Ursula Rucker is a spoken word recording artist. Ursula is known for her diverse repertoire, and for utilizing techniques that catch her listeners' attention, both of which have brought her critical acclaim and widespread praise from fans.
Biography
Ursula was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, and made her observations of the world when she was an adolescent. A graduate of Temple University’s journalism program[1], she kept her writings to herself until she read poetry in 1994, at Philadelphia’s Zanzibar Blue which is credited as her debut.[1]
In 1994, Ursula began to share her songwriting techniques and her voice with numerous recording artists, and producers including King Britt, 4 Hero, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Josh Wink and most notably The Roots.[2]
Ursula’s reputation for her unique poetry technique and stage presence spread throughout Philadelphia, her techniques and presence being described "strong, vulnerable, wounded and raging". King Britt gave Ursula recognition and invited her to create her first spoken word recording, the 1994 club hit, Supernatural. Dance music fans and DJ's quickly appreciated Ursula’s vocals and rhythm, which was described as "mystical". According to Britt, while the original and remixes of Supernatural were continually used in clubs widespread throughout the United States. Internationally, the most popular mix of the song remains the a capella.[2]
Work with The Roots
Ursula's emotion in her work and words, has led some critics to compare her to celebrated writers like Sonia Sanchez and Nikki Giovanni, describing them as "powerful". Coincidentally, when Ntozake Shange was unable to supply The Roots with a spoken word contribution for their debut album Do You Want More?!!?!!, they called on Ursula to do it in her stead. The Unlocking led to subsequent invitations to close The Roots follow-up albums Iladelph Halflife and the certified gold record Things Fall Apart.[2]
Ursula has been described as part of large and still growing movement that was previously male-dominated, and is adapting its ideals and sensibilities to women, particularly in hip-hop. In numerous reviews, many critics proclaim the value of Ursula’s work with The Roots, 4 HERO and other groups. There have been consistent press inquiries and coverage by magazines that result approvals, features and demands for her work, such as in URB, Vibe, XXL, Panache, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Straight No Chaser. Ursula has also performed her work at an array of venues, universities and festivals. Among these venues include, the Montreal Jazz Festival, the 1999 Winter Music Conference, a performance at Drexel University and the 2005 Amnesty International Australia Freedom Festival[3] which aimed to raise aware of Amnesty's global "Stop Violence against Women" campaign.. Ursula has toured with Jamaaladeen Tacuma, SYLK130, and 4 HERO in the United States and internationally in Europe. Ursula also has provided a single "Soon for Unbound", which was off a benefit album for Mumia Abu Jamal who is most famous for his 1982 conviction and death sentence for the December 9 murder of officer Daniel Faulkner. Andy Puleston at bbc.co.uk writes in his review of her album Supa Sista: Ursula's vocals...is a silken delivery, that like Michael Franti, demonstrates that a quiet word in the ear can speak volumes above the microphone rant.[4] Paul Sullivan also of bbc.co.uk says in his review of her album Silver or Lead: Ursula's velvety voice...manages to both mollify and add a sinister dimension to the harshness of her subject matter.[5]
Discography
- Supernatural (Single) (1994)
- Supa Sista (2001)
- Silver or Lead (2003)
- Ma' at Mama (2006)
References and notes
- ^ a b 'Vh1 bio- Ursula Rucker bio from Vh1 URL last accessed on 2006-07-29
- ^ a b c 'Rucker at aalbc.com' - Ursula Rucker article URL last accessed on 2006-07-29
- ^ ‘Ursula Rucker Interview’- Ursula Rucker at Amnesty International Austrailia Freedom Festival URL last accessed on 2006-07-29
- ^ ‘bbc.co.uk’ - Puleston reviews Supa Sista URL last accessed on 2006-07-29
- ^ ‘bbc.co.uk’ - Sullivan reviews Silver or Lead URL last accessed on 2006-07-29