Flip the Script: How Women Came to Rule Hip Hop

404 Inklings #6

by Arusa Qureshi

FLIP THE SCRIPT showcases some of the best rappers currently making music in the UK. It has taken a significant amount of time for women to get recognition in the genre, even though there have been phenomenal women in hip hop since its beginnings in the Bronx in the 1970s - but why did we take so long in the UK? FLIP THE SCRIPT gets to know the women who have paved the way, the successes and experiences of those that shape the thriving scene we have today. Arusa goes in depth with a number of female rappers who are making waves right now to find out about their relationships with hip hop, why they were attracted to the scene, what their thoughts are on the future of the genre and whether or not they feel a sense of belonging. Using her own research, and with reference to pioneers and critical theory, she explores hip hop’s history of misogyny and how women have traditionally been looked over by their peers, and celebrates the brilliant icons who have made this one of the most exciting genres to be part of. A must read for fans of music, feminism, and culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect way to start off my 2023 reading. Arusa Qureshi takes a brief tour of some of the prominent and pioneering women of hip-hop, with a focus on the UK scene but acknowledging the women making a splash across the pond. She speaks of each woman with respect for their talents and contributions, admiration for their ingenuity, and with a noticeable excitement about what they can offer the future of UK hip hop. The political significance of rap, particularly that created and performed by women and minority genders, is vastly underestimated and homogenised so it's exciting to hear Qureshi's voice (alongside the rappers she interviewed for this book) which works towards changing that.

[Maša Knez · Rating 5 out of 5]

there's beauty in all differences. at the end of the day, it's poetry

[Kerttu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tämä oli varmaan oikeasti neljän tai viiden tähden kirja, mutta gradun aiheuttaman tutkimusartikkeli-ähkyn vuoksi arvosana tipahti kolmeen. Nyt oli totaalisen väärä aika lukea mitään näin analyyttista huvikseen, ja se ei missään nimessä ole kirjan syy.

Tosi mielenkiintoisia lyhyitä artikkeleita britti-skenen naisräppäreistä ja heidän vaikutuksistaan ja asemoinneistaan genren sisällä eri vaiheissa. Energisempänä aikana olisin varmasti myös jaksanut paneutua artisteihin enemmän: nyt lukukokemuksen syventymistä rajoitti se, että tunsin käsitellyistä räppäreistä vain muutaman.

[Abdelaziz AlMulla · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a masterpiece of a book!

I have always enjoyed Hip Hop since childhood. It has always been something that I found empowering with its words and articulate with the way it is spoken. Inspired and motivated by movements, Hip Hop is a genre that aims to send messages of struggles and pain.

Flip the Script: How Women Came to Rule Hip Hop is a book that does justice to, not only women in Hip Hop, but to the Hip Hop genre in general. The author reflects on her personal story with Hip Hop, and goes on to tell the stories of rappers and artists involved in the Hip Hop culture. More precisely, the Hip Hop culture in the UK. Arusa Qureshi tackles issues such as sexism and misogyny within Hop Hop and the struggles that women face within the culture. More than that, she addresses the issue of Hip Hop not being taken seriously as a genre and culture in the UK. However, she does give props to the fact that there is hope, with many Hip Hop artists being awarded for their accomplishments and their talent.

This book is definitely one that I would recommend to those who are into Hip Hop and its culture, and to those who would like to learn more about the cultural experiences of others

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold the door open for the next wave of talent!
An insightful dive into the roots of female hip hop, the challenges and underestimation faced compared to male counterparts—highlighting the UK scene and emerging regional voices. I liked the section on Speech Debelle.
A well written and researched book. I hope for follow up in the future.

[Bella Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read; it’s well researched, informative, and features many snippets of interviews with artists who share their insights into the female experience and how women have shaped hip hop .

[Amelia Barnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great bite size history of women’s contribution to one of my fave music genres. I think what I like particularly about this book is that it covers quite a lot on British hip hop, which I loved as I didn’t know much about the women from the UK scene. So it made for a really interesting read.

[Sam Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is fantastic

[Jonny Brick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously necessary, with a fine set of recommendations and a great slate of interviewees. Far too short a book!

[Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXPANDED EDITION NOW.

[Eilidh Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice wee book with some excellent music recs.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

just lovely!

[Holly (honestly.holly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Ok!

[✨ Brianna Raquel ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have so many thoughts...

[Jillian Halket · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incisive journey into the blossoming world of hip-hop and the role of women in developing some of the most important art from the scene.

Qureshi's fascinating study into the roots of hip-hop in the UK details with care and heartfelt admiration the innumerable ways in which women have been a steadfast influence in the subculture.

'Flip the Script' shows us how important representation truly is and urges us not to let the contributions of so many important artists be written out of history.

The book is an ode to the bold women of an empowering and magnetic scene and Qureshi does them such justice in her writing which holds a sparkling vibrance reminscent of the hip-hop that was the soundtrack to so much of her own life.