★ Hailed by overseas readers and music critics as "a love letter that fills a massive void in British music history." This compelling work of feminist non-fiction goes beyond frontstage MCs and DJs to illuminate how female promoters, music journalists, and event organizers worked collectively behind the scenes to shape the hip-hop landscape.
★ Grounded in rigorous first-hand interviews, historical research, and critical theory. The book delivers a profound critique of hip-hop’s deeply entrenched history of misogyny, the hyper-sexualization and objectification of female artists, and the industry gatekeeping that historically restricted women's visibility.
★ Explores how hip-hop serves as a vital sanctuary for marginalized communities to express pain, love, and resistance while fostering a profound sense of cultural belonging. It perfectly mirrors the modern youth generation's passionate pursuit of anti-discrimination and cultural diversity.
★ A standout 2027 release from the pioneering Inklings series. Known for its sharp focus on pop culture and big ideas, this highly acclaimed series uses a pocket-sized, accessible format and expert perspectives to dissect contemporary cultural phenomena we experience daily but rarely stop to question.

The untold story of the women who built UK hip hop.
Hip hop was born on the margins, but its impact has always reached far beyond them. A space for protest, celebration, community and self-expression, it has given voice to the pain, love and desire of both artists and audiences. For writer and broadcaster Arusa Qureshi, it has also been a lifelong refuge.
In Flip the Script, Qureshi shines a light on the women who have shaped UK hip hop, both on stage and behind the scenes. Through interviews, research and personal insight, she traces the genre’s journey from its roots in the Bronx to the vibrant, innovative regional scenes that emerged across Britain, celebrating the MCs, DJs, promoters, journalists and organisers who helped build the culture despite the barriers they faced.
Part history, part celebration and part personal tribute, Flip the Script is a love letter to UK hip hop and the women who continue to redefine it.

Arusa Qureshi

Arusa Qureshi is a writer, editor and music programmer based in Edinburgh. She is currently Editor of Fest, was previously Editor of The List, and writes mostly about music. Her work has appeared in the Scotsman, Clash, the Guardian, GoldFlakePaint, Time Out, the Quietus, NME and more. She chairs the board of the Scottish Music Centre, sits on the board of the Music Venue Trust and is the co-curator of the award-winning Amplifi series at Edinburgh’s Queens Hall.