Ursula Rucker

Spoken Word Artist

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Ursula Rucker Biography

Poet, performance and recording artist, Ursula Rucker is recognized as one of the premiere spoken word recording artists in the music industry today. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rucker began documenting her observations of the world when she was just a girl.

A graduate of Temple University's journalism program, she kept her creative writing as a prized, personal possession until she was prepared to share her gift with the world. In 1994, Rucker introduced an open-mic night audience at Philadelphia's Zanzibar Blue to the beauty and urgency of her poetry.

Word quickly spread throughout Philadelphia of her verse and stage performance, which has been described as "strong, vulnerable, wounded and raging." Producer King Britt was quick to recognize Rucker's talent and invited her to create her first recording, the 1994 club classic, "Supernatural" (Ovum/Slip N Slide UK). According to Britt, while the original and remixes of "Supernatural" were celebrated in clubs all over the globe, the most popular version remains the a capella.

Critics were quick to compare Rucker to celebrated writers like Sonia Sanchez and Nikki Giovanni. Coincidentally, when Ntozke Shange was unable to provide The Roots with a contribution to their debut album, "do you want more?!!?!!" (Geffen, 1994), they called on Rucker to fit the bill. "The Unlocking," which closed "do you want more?!!?!!," introduced Rucker to the world of progressive hip-hop and led to subsequent invitations to close The Roots follow-up albums "iladelph halflife" (Geffen 1996) and "things fall apart" (MCA, 1999).

The alluring tales Rucker creates for The Roots contain subject matter that is motivated by genuine concern and heightened consciousness. Whether exploring sexual exploitation as in "The Unlocking" or introducing the lifestyle of a crack-dealing single mother in "Adventures in Wonderland," she provides listeners with an intimate glimpse of urban reality. Rucker's most recent work illustrates her growth as an artist and her ability to transcend the bounds of traditional spoken work recordings. The mermaid-fantasy drive "Circe" from Guidance Recordings' spoken work compilation Urban Renewal is demonstrative of her talent as a storyteller and chanteuse. "SOON," which is featured on Unbound, is an unsettling portrait of slavery in the United States.

With her multifaceted career in full swing, 2001 will be full of activity. In the coming months Rucker plans to finish recording for her first album "SUPA SISTA," complete a collection of poems for publication and, has work forthcoming in "Harvard Advocate." In addition to recording, public performance and writing, Rucker will also provide narration for the stunning feature length documentary "VOODOO" directed by award winning photo journalist Alberto Venzago.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/20/2024.

Ursula Rucker Speaking Topics

  • Children, Youth and the Hip-Hop Nation

  • African American Women in Hip-Hop Today

  • The Truth is Spoken Here

FAQs on booking Ursula Rucker

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  • What are the speaker fees for Ursula Rucker

    Speaking fees for Ursula Rucker, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ursula Rucker are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ursula Rucker, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Ursula Rucker speak about?

    Ursula Rucker is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Authors, Black Heritage, Celebrity, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Entertainers, Influential Women, Literary, Music, Poetry, Women, Women's Rights.
  • Where does Ursula Rucker travel from?

    Ursula Rucker generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Ursula Rucker for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ursula Rucker for your next private or corporate function.
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Ursula Rucker is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Children, Youth and the Hip-Hop Nation, African American Women in Hip-Hop Today and The Truth is Spoken Here. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ursula Rucker for your event is available upon request. Ursula Rucker generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Patti LaBelle, Toni Blackman, Vanessa Williams, Alfre Woodard and Victoria Rowell. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ursula Rucker for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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