Ursula Rucker
| Ursula Rucker | |
|---|---|
Rucker, Donaufestival, 2008
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Philadelphia, United States |
| Genres | Spoken word, trip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Labels | Studio !K7, FiveSixMedia |
| Associated acts | King Britt, 4hero, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Josh Wink, Alix Perez, The Roots |
Ursula Rucker is an American spoken word recording artist. Rucker is known for a diverse repertoire, and for utilizing techniques that catch her listeners' attention.
Rucker was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was a graduate of Temple University’s journalism program. She is of African-American and Italian descent. Rucker had been writing poetry since adolescence but kept her writings to herself until she read poetry in 1994, at Philadelphia’s Zanzibar Blue, which is credited as her debut.
That same year, Rucker was invited to collaborate with numerous recording artists, and producers including WAX TAILOR, King Britt, 4hero, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Josh Wink, Alix Perez and most notably The Roots.
Rucker garnered a reputation for unique poetry techniques and stage presence which were described as "strong, vulnerable, wounded and raging". King Britt gave Rucker recognition and invited her to create her first spoken-word recording, the 1994 club hit "Supernatural". Dance music fans and DJ's quickly appreciated Rucker’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 cappella.
Rucker's emotion in her work and words, has led some critics to compare her to such celebrated writers as 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 second album Do You Want More?!!?!!, they called on Rucker to do it instead. The Unlocking led to subsequent invitations to close The Roots follow-up albums Iladelph Halflife and the certified gold record Things Fall Apart.
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