Bookwerk :: Flip The Script - A Photographer's Music Diary By Kingsley Davis

The Flip the Script book is an unparalleled collection of photographs taken by UK photographer Kingsley Davis, documenting some of the most talented artists, musicians, Dj’s and producers from both sides of the Atlantic to have emerged over recent times. The book with a special preface by Norman Jay MBE, is a who’s who of genre-defying artists from the last ten years. Some of the artists featured in the book are Estelle (cover), Omar, Marc Mac, Pharrell, Guru, Bashy, Jonzi D, N'Dea Davenport, Ms. Dynamite, John Legend, Flying Lotus, KRS-One and many more.

Flip the Script provides a unique insight into how the music scene is changing, driven by technological innovations but also by the creativity, individuality and experimentation of the artists themselves. The title of the book reflects this change, as the artists featured have achieved success on their own terms, with or without stylists, A&R reps or publicists. And access to digital media has given them the opportunity to be heard and recognized overnight.

Many of the artists featured in Flip the Script have come through underground cultures or sub-cultures and have emerged without comprising their authentic credentials. This adds to their appeal among discerning audiences, and so the book is finding a market among music buyers, youth and urban culture enthusiasts as well as those with a professional interest in music, lifestyle and fashion.

Visit the Flip The Script Official Website for retail locations and purchase info.

Follow Flip The Script on Twitter

John Legend & The Roots :: Wake Up

Musical powerhouses John Legend & The Roots' fiery new offering, Wake Up!, features soulful music from the 60's and 70's all with an underlying theme of awareness, engagement and consciousness — effectively telling listeners to Wake Up!

Inspired by the recent historical Presidential election campaign of 2008, Legend and The Roots felt a need to enter the action. What started as plans for a single quickly developed into a passionate album representing change, hope and activism — not only referencing one particular moment in time, but on a larger scale, holding true no matter what the political climate may be.

The resulting album features eleven profoundly evocative songs infused with sounds of gospel, rock and reggae inflections with hip hop influences. The album is highlighted by familiar tracks like "Wholly Holy" by Marvin Gaye and "Little Ghetto Boy" by Donny Hathaway mixed with the more obscure selections of Baby Huey and the Babysitters' "Hard Times," and "Hang on in There" by Mike James Kirkland.

"These songs sound so relevant now," Legend says. "On most of them, you wouldn't change a lyric. "Wake Up Everybody" (the album's first single, featuring contributions from Melanie Fiona and Common) has four verses—the first one is a general statement, the second is about education, third is about health care, and the fourth is about making a better environment. No editing needed."

The album features one original composition, Legend's song "Shine," which is featured in Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim's upcoming documentary film Waiting for Superman. The song, a "Stevie-Wonder-meets-gospel" stunner, clearly demonstrates the strengths of this specific group of musicians. Wake Up! blends Legend's expressive, thoughtful vocal interpretations with an element of funk that only The Roots can provide.