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Ursula Rucker Information
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'Ursula Rucker' is one of the premiere spoken word recording artists in the music industry today. Ursula's diverse repertoire, and captivating vocals have earned her acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Career Orgins
In 1994, Ursula began to share her songwriting talent and mesmerizing voice with numerous recording artists, and producers including King Britt, 4 Hero, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Josh Wink and most notably The Roots.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA Ursula "documented" her observations of the world when she was just a child. A graduate of Temple University™s journalism program, she kept her writings as a, personal safekeep until she was prepared to share her views with the world. In 1994, Ursula read poetry at Philadelphia™s Zanzibar Blue which is credited as her big start.
From there word came about throughout the city, of Ursula™s poetry and stage presence, which has been described as "strong, vulnerable, wounded and raging." King Britt recognized Ursula™s talent and invited her to create her first spoken word recording, the 1994 club hit, Supernatural (Ovum/Slip N Slide UK). Dance music fans and DJ's were quick to appreciate Ursula™s mystical vocals and rhythm. According to Britt, while the original and remixes of Supernatural were celebrated in clubs all over the United States and internationally, the most popular mix of the song remains the acapella.
Rise to Fame
Ursula's powerful emotion in her work and words, has led some critics to compare her to celebrated writers like Sonia Sanchez and Nikki Giovanni. Coincidentally, when Ntozake Shange was unable to supply The Roots with a spoken word contribution for their debut album Do You Want More?!!?!! (Geffen, 1994), they called on Ursula to do it in her stead. The Unlocking, introduced Ursula to the world of progressive hip-hop and led to subsequent invitations to close The Roots follow-up albums Iladelph Halflife (Geffen, 1996) and the certified gold record Things Fall Apart (album) (MCA, 1999). The poetic tales Ursula has used to close out The Roots albums contain subject matter that was motivated by genuine concern and heightened consciousness of the world around her.
Ursula has been described as part of a large and still growing movement that 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 others. The consistent press inquiries and coverage by magazine's resulted in nods, features and demands for her work, in URB, Vibe, XXL, Panache, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Straight No Chaser among many others. Ursula has also performed her work at an array of venues, universities and festivals. Among these venues include, the Montreax Jazz Festival, the 1999 Winter Music Conference, and a performance at Drexel University. 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 9th murder of officer Daniel Faulkner. Ursula display's political showings in her poems
Discography
* Supernatural (Single) (1994)
* Supa Sista (2001)
* Silver or Lead (2003)
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