marquees

Biography

MARQUEE, born Markita Ferguson in Queens, New York, developed her passion for music through her mother Dolores, who introduced her to records, encouraged sampling, and supported her pursuits. Influenced by hip hop legends like Queen Latifah, Nas, and Jay-Z, as well as R&B and rock elements, she honed a unique style blending hip hop melodies, underground wordplay, and rock influences. A dominant lyricist known as an 'emcee's emcee,' she gained respect from hip hop icons and R&B artists for her hooks and poetic content.[1]

In the early 2000s, MARQUEE formed the group Femme Fatale, generating street buzz under D.I.T.C. that sparked a label bidding war, culminating in a major deal with Trackmasters under Sony. After the group, she released her solo project MARQUEE Femme Fatale as songwriter, publisher, and executive producer. She collaborated with Pharrell Williams and Kelis on tracks like 'Mafia' from Kelis's Kaleidoscope and The Shield soundtrack, and 'Wild Cowboys.' Touring with hip hop staples and featured in Billboard Magazine, she founded Block Share Inc LLC in 2015 as CEO, continuing to work across genres while aspiring to cultivate talent and win a Grammy.[1]

Remaining low-key yet prolific, MARQUEE's career spans major label signings, extensive collaborations, and independent ventures, establishing her as a versatile New York native with enduring roots in hip hop and R&B.

Fun Facts

• MARQUEE's group Femme Fatale created massive street buzz under D.I.T.C., leading to a bidding war and signing with Trackmasters/Sony.
• She served as songwriter, publisher, and executive producer for her solo project MARQUEE Femme Fatale, her first since leaving Femme Fatale.
• CEO of Block Share Inc LLC since 2015, with ambitions to develop other artists and win a Grammy.
• Describes herself as inspired by 'everything around me' including art, music, people, and travel, with hip hop as her first love.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dolores Ferguson - Mother and primary influence who introduced her to music (Early sampling and music encouragement) [Childhood]

Key Collaborators

• Pharrell Williams - Co-writer and feature on tracks ('Mafia' on Kelis's Kaleidoscope and The Shield soundtrack) [Early 2000s]
• Kelis - Featured vocalist on tracks ('Mafia' ft. Markita Ferguson and Pharrell Williams) [Early 2000s]
• D.I.T.C. - Group buzz and label affiliation leading to deal (Femme Fatale promotions) [Early 2000s]
• Queen Latifah - Past works collaboration (Unspecified projects) [Career highlights]
• Monifah - Past works collaboration (Unspecified projects) [Career highlights]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Naked (Naked)
2. Circle (Veteran)
3. Sex Wit You (Naked)
4. That Girl (Marques Houston)
5. Clubbin' (MH)
6. That Girl (MH)
7. Clubbin' (feat. Joe Budden and Pied Piper) (Marques Houston)
8. All Because of You (Naked)
9. Favorite Girl (Veteran)
10. 1st Time (feat. Marques Houston) (New Joc City)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz