OLDIES SUNDAY: Lee “Scratch” Perry – People Funny Boy (1968)

Today, the world has lost another Icon. Today, the LEGENDARY Lee “Scratch” Perry has transitioned to the big street dance in the afterlife. He is not only the “The Upsetter” or the “Super Ape“, but he is the FATHER of many styles that you have grown to love. His creativity knew no bounds, and his catalogue is unmatched. The “Mad Genius” breathed life into the careers of many, and we will honour him. Today’s Oldies Sunday selection showcases that he has BEEN the legend, even when he was in conflict. Today’s selection is “People Funny Boy“.

“People Funny Boy” was released through Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Upset Label in 1968. This was Lee’s first major single, and it featured the use of Sampling (a baby crying), something that is widely popular today. While notable for those, this was also a diss track aimed at the late Producer Joe Gibbs whom Lee had disagreements with. Lee was recording with Gibbs at the time, but they fell out over finances, and Lee would share some of his grievances in the song in a way listeners would easily relate to. This was Lee’s second track of its kind as he also had conflict with the late “Sir Coxsone” Dodd in 1967, and released a diss track towards him called, “Run For Cover“. “People Funny Boy” saw Lee selling 60,000 records, and helped to bring his name to various circles. He would go on to have an amazing recording and production career for decades filled with unique moments and milestones until his sudden death earlier today. Remember the GREAT Lee “Scratch” Perry, an Icon forever!