Ursula Rucker – Q & A
July 10th, 2006 by rui
Ursula Rucker has collaborated with some of leftfield’s most sophisticated musicians, honing her deep, velvety, seductive spoken wordplay within Philly soul, hip hop and nu-jazz circles. Her material is inspired by issues that need attention worldwide: social awareness, womanhood, politics, black culture, world peace… You’ll find her reciting from her latest album Ma’at in the Media Mix tent on Friday (10-11pm). Excited about having her on board, we fired off some questions.
How old were you when you discovered your talent for poetry? Was writing something you’d do all day in school, while ignoring, say, the science classes?
I did always write little poems and love notes to my Mom and friends when I was a little girl. I didn’t realise that I had a gift for writing poetry until I was in high school though. I didn’t write all day in school, but I did daydream, big time.
The power of the spoken word… how powerful and life changing is it?
The power and the beauty of the word is awesome. Words can make someone fall in love with you, and they can also start wars. Poetry has totally affected my life, and not just because it’s what I do, you know? I was inspired by other poets and songwriters to embrace this art for life. So it can change your life if you’re in it (I mean, try it yourself) as much as if you simply love it and appreciate it.
You’re from Philadelphia, the city that’s also given us The Roots, King Britt and Jill Scott – who you’ve collaborated with.
My work with The Roots really put me on another level, with my art and my life. Jill and I did quite a few poetry nights together back in the day, before I started having all of these kids. I used to see Ahmir and Jill often, we’d hang out and talk, but not any more. I’m too busy with my life and you know, they’re too busy with theirs as well. This is life, yes?
Your foundations are in hip hop and you claim that the spirit and essence of it is in your music. Which artists have particularly shaped your life?
The culture of hip hop has definitely contributed to the shaping of my life. No hip hop artist in particular has done that. But there have been those that I’ve really dug – Buckshot, Guru, Special Ed, Bahamadia, Krs-one, the list goes on…
Your philosophy is to ‘seek truth and balance’. How can the ordinary joe seek to do that in their average day?
Wow, that’s a good question. No humans are perfect, but we definitely ain’t reachin’ out fullest potential. Most of us don’t even come close. Anyone can give it a shot though, and that’s what Ma’at is all about… always rising… not settling for mediocrity. I don’t mean this in a pompous sort of way (I know it can come off sounding somewhat lofty because folk aren’t used to connecting with terms like this) but, at one time in the history of this planet, to strive for truth and universal balance was first priority. I mean we need to get it together right now. The world is falling apart around us, literally. C’mon humans, something’s not working, you know… The logical thing would be to change the way we think and move, right? It’s definitely worth a shot, ’cause this shit that’s happening now is unacceptable to me on many levels.
On your website you lament the US government, particularly their involvement in the Iraqi war. Are you positive that there could ever be a positive, radical change?
Sure, what am I supposed to do, just bend over and take it? Naw, not my style. There’s got to be another way, I know it. I try to live it.
What does Ursula Rucker, she of spiritual, irenic, dream-like disposition, do in the face of adversity (or just when having a really bad day!)?
Get frustrated, get depressed, cry, call my friends and complain to them, call my Mom and lean on her shoulder, cuss somebody out thoroughly, and then after all of that, write about it. 
Will you be mostly performing work off Ma’at at The Big Chill or will we also get to hear classic works such as the 4hero piece, Loveless?
Ummm, it’s going to be a much shorter set than I usually do so I’m going to have to make it highly concentrated. A little of this, a little of that, but pure fire in the end.
Will you be bringing musicians?
Yes. I travel with a guitarist, Tim Motzer, and drummer, Gintas Janusonis.
Good luck on your European tour, what do you like about being in Europe?
Like anything there are some things I like about travelling abroad and some things I don’t like. One of the main things I don’t like is that I do not get to bring my kids. I really want them to see the world and I miss and worry about them back at home. But, travelling has been such a blessing, it truly gets me feeling open.
Got a couple of poetic lines for us!
Let’s wait until August 4th… I’m looking forward to it… peace.
