Turntable Timmy

In order to gain the attention of today's youth, you must first speak their language. The author's decision to use rap was influenced by the fact that he knows today's kids have much more in common with rap music and hip-hop culture than they do with Jazz or the Blues.

Turntable Timmy comes with a CD—in a plastic sleeve, in the back of the book—featuring four tracks produced by world-renowned turntable champion, DJ Q-Bert. On the second track ("Turntable Timmy) the text from the story will be delivered in a free-style rap, performed by author Michael Perry.

Author Biography: Perry was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, where he still resides with his wife and two beautiful daughters. As a performer, he was lead vocalist and songwriter for the late '80s rap group D.F.T.C. (Down for the Cause). Riding the crest of a wave started by such groups as Latin Alliance and BDP, Mike P's brazen call to uplift the community and put an end to gang violence is a message that still needs to be heard today. No longer pleased with the direction of the music industry, Michael has chosen to direct his "street-savvy" writing style to children's books. "By placing a positive message in the hands of our future, we may correct come of the ills of our past."

Doug Cunningham, a.k.a. Dug1, is considered by many as one of the most influential graffiti artists in the U.S. Doug began his illustrious career in 1983. In 1996, he graduated with a B.A. in illustration from the Academy of Art College and shortly thereafter got a full-time graphic arts job with Think Skateboards as a designer and illustrator. Through Think, he has exhibited his work at graffiti and skateboard art-based shows in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Doug also illustrated DJ Q-Bert's full-length animated movie, Wave Twisters (Thud Rumble, Inc.) and continues to astound enthusiasts with his amazing ability to create timeless classics.