Back in August I did a post on ex-Floetry member and current J Records solo artist Marsha Ambrosius' first single "Hope She Cheats on You (with a Basketball Player)." The song was a great re-introduction for me as I had loved Floetry back when they were making music together and I've been eagerly awaiting more details on her latest solo project.
Ambrosius has a powerful voice that shines and a point of view and opinion that really comes through in current single, the emotionally-charged "Far Away." The video for "Far Away" was conceptulized and directed by manager Julius Erving III and tackles bullying, gay bashing and suicide - 3 issues that have been all too prevalent in the news recently. These issues are all deeply concerning and deeply personal for Ambrosius, who lost a friend to suicide. According to Ambrosius in a recent interview with the Associated Press:
"I lost a friend and I've had friends that have attempted suicide. There are people that don't have a voice to speak out and show what is happening and what can happen, so I just wanted people to see the honesty in it and be aware." {SOURCE}"Far Away" is the second single to be lifted off of Ambrosius' new album, Late Nights & Early Mornings, an album on which she took the creative reigns, writing and producing the majority. Aiding Ambrosius in the creation of the soulful new record we have Alicia Keys, Dre & Vidal (producers of Floetry's hit single "Say Yes"), Just Blaze, Rich Harrison, and more. Ambrosius readily admits that there's a strong male influence in her songwriting. Among her inspirations - Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Prince. In speaking on her songwriting, Ambrosius is honest and candid:
“My pen and my point of view has a certain aggression to it because I’ve listened to a lot of male influenced music, which I think makes me one of the most outspoken writers out here. Sometimes as a woman you don’t wanna say what’s on your mind for fear of being judged. But why wouldn’t I say it like that if that’s how I felt?”Fans can check out Marsha Ambrosius' singing "Portuguese Love" as a tribute to Teena Marie on BET Honors, set to air February 21st on BET. Meanwhile, check out the video for "Far Away" below and the stunning artwork for Late Nights & Early Mornings above. The tracklisting for the album can be seen here. Download "Far Away" (HERE) and "Hope She Cheats on You (with a Basketball Player)" HERE.
Late Nights & Early Mornings track listing:
1. Anticipation (Intro)
2. With You
3. Late Nights & Early Mornings
4. Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)
5. Far Away
6. Lose Myself
7. Your Hands
8. I Want You To Stay
9. Sour Times
10. Tears
11. Chasing Clouds
12. The Break Up Song
13. Bonus Track - Butterflies (REMIX)
Check out Marsha Ambrosius on the web: