Meet Music’s Best Kept Secret

It’s been 78 years since Rosie the Riveter and women are still proving “we can do it”. From housewives to executives, we are making ourselves seen and heard in all fields and industries. On a recent trip to Atlanta, GA, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with a real life “Rosie”; a woman who started her professional career in the United States Army, before becoming a grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, and later a doting mom. This modern day superhero is Ursula Yancy.

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At age 17, Ursula began her service in the military. Having served overseas, as well as stateside, Yancy fought for civil, human, women’s, and equal rights during her five year career. “I have dedicated my life to serving others, even in the music industry”, she captioned underneath an  adorable #tbt photo of herself in full uniform on IG. Yet, if she walked by, you may not know her face and you definitely wouldn’t know her story. But see, that’s the thing with superheroes; they’re not recognizable in plainclothes, but you’ll absolutely know their work. And Ursula’s work certainly speaks for itself. 

The three time grammy nominated artist hails from the Bay Area, and currently resides in Atlanta where since 2009 she’s established herself as a force to be reckoned with behind the pen as well as in the booth. Since being discovered by Babyface and signed by LA Reid, Ursula has worked with the likes of Rihanna, J.Lo, Tamar Braxton, Keyshia Cole, Sevyn Streeter, and so many more of our favorite artists. She even co-wrote “Skin” by Rihanna, and the soulful i-love-you-but-you’re-crazy hit “I Do” by Musiq Soulchild, which earned her a Grammy nom for best R&B performance.

This time around, Ursula has her own project to boast. I caught up with her as she received a facial from celebrity esthetician Erica Carey, to discuss her latest project “Mistaken Fantasy” and some new music she’s been working on during quarantine. Ursula explained the title “Mistaken Fantasy” as

“like meeting your twin flame, your mirror image. A mistaken fantasy is your other half magnifying the good in you but also the dark side of you as well. If you’ve ever met your twin flame you know, you just know because you’ll feel things you’ve never felt before. And could be a bad thing if you’re not ready”.

The 13 track album is a truly a story of joy, pain, sacrifice, and ultimately love. There’s even a track that features Ursula’s daughter Aniya recalling the first time she fell in love in preschool. “I love liking him”, she said in the cutest little voice. The rest of the album features DC Young Fly, Fabolous, Jeremih, and Musiq Soulchild on the lead single “Let It Be”. As she laid on the table allowing the bleach bottom mask to set into her skin, she told me how she’s been keeping busy during quarantine by doing what she does best: writing. “Now that we’re in another realm where people are tapped in emotionally, we can say these things aloud without it being like what the hell.” While Ursula didn’t confirm or deny which of our faves she’ll be working with next, she did say that it’ll be a hit! 

As we wrapped, and the moisturizer was carefully massaged into her cheekbones, she left me with a few gems she garnered along her journey. “Do what you feel, it’s about confidence. You dont have to be the best writer to start writing songs, start today. And you’ll become the best with practice”.   What beautiful poetic justice for a former army soldier who fought for free speech, to become a singer/songwriter who freely speaks everyday.