Description

The autobiography of Tippa Irie, Stick To My Roots tells the reggae musician’s incredible story – from his trailblazing beginnings in Saxon Sound International to the Grammy Award-nominated “Hey Mama” with the Black Eyed Peas.

Titled after his 2010 hit single, the book will cover 40 years of Tippa’s prestigious career: from the first sign of talent as a child in South London and family members encouraging him to enter local talent competitions, to making his first record and becoming the powerhouse and Reggae-scene legend he is now.

It’s a story full of dreams, music and hope, but also the deep traumas and tribulations that Tippa experienced throughout his life.

Publisher Review

This book is a ground-breaking piece of work. Not only does Tippa Irie take us on a fascinating journey of personal and musical encounters, but he also gives us a history lesson. The world is already aware of his musical greatness, but now we can experience his brilliance as a writer. This is Tippa. He is Irie. In Stick to my Roots, Tippa Irie really tells his truth. His autobiography is engaging, enlightening, honest, accessible, and at times poetic. Even his book makes you want to dance. -- Benjamin Zephaniah A powerhouse, an icon. The OG - original groundbreaker - is instrumental in carving a foundation for young Black British youths of my generation. This heartfelt and honest window into Tippa Irie's historic rise to fame is the blueprint of a pioneer's life. Stick to my Roots shows how hardship, sheer talent and community link the founding generations of Black British culture to the vibrant, world changing artists who produce work today. -- Courttia Newland, author of A River Called Time A powerful book from one of Britain's top MCs who has blended the music genre of Jamaican roots and British identity as a fusion of the Black lived experience covering joy, pain, resilience and identity. This is book is a powerful story of sufferation and resilience as a child of the Windrush Generation. -- Patrick Vernon OBE I remember the very first time I heard Tippa Irie's music, it was from my brother in law Handel McNeish, Tippa's cousin. I know that Tippa is a conscious artist doing the work of the most high. His lyrical content and written testimony verifies this and gives hope. I embrace and support his work of consciousness for positive change through music. We need more Artist like Tippa to write, sing, and perform. His words and work may encourage those that are going through darkness. Tippa's written story will let them see him as the example, that if they continue with determination they too can persevere through all obstacles to obtain their goals. His written words will lend an ear to those who may be feeling despair and lost. I endorse and encourage readers to imagine. * Sandra Izsadore, Artist, Activist and author of *FELA and ME* *