"...sassy attitude, melody and streetwise
head-funk." - BBC.co.uk

“Explicit Lyrics’’ – in Ursula Rucker’s case, this isn’t a parental advisory warning but a seal of quality. Stories of child abuse, slavery, lost love, isolation, street brutality and other social, political and gender issues are told with disarming rawness, frank lyricism and sweet song-speak. Inspired by a range of sources from the Black Arts Movement Activist Sonia Sanchez to Frida Kahlo, Zora Neale Hurston to Prince, Ursula presents gritty realities through a blend of nu-jazz, hip-hop and deep drum ‘n’ bass. Her 2001 debut Super Sista proves that serious music can be a lot of fun.

Born in Philadelphia, Ursula graduated with a degree in journalism and wanted to be a copywriter. Instead, she became one of the architects of Philadelphia's poetic revival.

Her selection of producers and collaborators is diverse and notable - King Britt, Jazzanova, Lil Louie Vega, 4 Hero and The Roots. Her rhythmic stories of everyday struggle have transfixed audiences from Tokyo to Capetown.

Accompanying her are band members Gintas Janusonis on drums and Timothy Motzer on guitar.