Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Skip Marley, and Sanchez are among the slew of popular Jamaicans paying tribute to the late Lee Scratch Perry.
Perry, whose pioneering work with roots reggae and dub opened up profound new depths in Jamaican music, died Sunday at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness tweeted, “My deep condolences to the family, friends, and fans of legendary record producer and singer, Rainford Hugh Perry OD, affectionately known as ‘Lee Scratch’ Perry. He has worked with and produced for various artistes, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Congos, Adrian Sherwood, the Beastie Boys, and many others. Undoubtedly, Lee Scratch Perry will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music fraternity. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
The Beastie Boys, who first worked with Perry when he opened for them in Japan in 1996 before they joined forces on the track Dr Lee PhD as part of 1998’s Hello Nasty album, hailed the musician’s “pioneering spirit”.
The Beastie Boys’ Mike D on social media said, “We are truly grateful to have been inspired by, worked with, and collaborated with this true legend. Let us all listen to his deep catalog in tribute.”
Rapper Lupe Fiasco also remembered Perry, tweeting: “African blood is flowing through I veins so I and I shall never fade away.”
Meanwhile, Sean Paul in his Instagram tribute said, “This icon has helped to influence me and so many others. I salute you, sir Scratch Perry. Your creative wave still dominates today and will for a very long time to come.”
Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Sanchez, Tarrus Riley, Nature Ellis, and Skip Marley among countless industry players used social media to express similar sentiments.
Born Rainford Hugh Perry, the legendary producer of reggae and dub music died at 85-years-old.
Lee Scratch Perry and his band popularized Jamaican music in the ’70s. He produced songs like The Heptones’ Party Time and Junior Murvin’s Police & Thieves.
The eccentric world-renowned music producer and singer was noted for his innovative studio techniques and production style. At his Black Ark studio in Kingston, located behind his family’s home, he worked with the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Heptones, Junior Murvin, and many more, crafting some of their most well-known songs.
Lee “Scratch” Perry‘s recording techniques also made significant gains for hip-hop, dance, and rock music.
He received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his contribution to the entertainment industry.
Lee Scratch Perry was nominated for Grammy awards five times, winning one for Best Reggae Album in 2003 for Jamaican E.T.
He was known for his pioneering experiments in dub, which revolutionized not only reggae, but also hip hop, dance and other genres.