Grammy-winning reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry and Grammy-nominated producer Bob Riddim present Destiny, the first single and title track to Perry’s final album project, dubbed a meeting between the veteran reggae innovator and the new generation of Jamaican artistes.

The single pairs the profound utterances of Scratch with the soulful voice of Evie Pukupoo (AhPuku), founding member of the idiosyncratic dub poetry/reggae group, The No-Maddz.

Over Bob Riddim’s lovingly crafted modern reggae backing, Lee and Evie’s lyrics about jungles and trees are a fitting reference to the very root of reggae connecting with its blossoming branches.

Recorded in the 12 months prior to Scratch Perry’s 2021 passing, both the song and album are said to be unlike anything “The Upsetter” has created before.

“It’s a collaboration between the restless, prolific pioneer, present at the foundation of reggae and dub, and Jamaica’s rising stars. The result of months of diligent sessions, and state-of-the-art recording techniques, it finds Scratch at his most focused and lyrically insightful. It’s a daring return to the artistic rigour and forward-thinking approach of Perry’s early days,” reads a release from Delicious Vinyl Island.

The forthcoming album comprises nine original tracks, with almost all instruments played by Bob Riddim, fusing modern reggae with Perry’s colourful vision and vibe.

Destiny will go down in history as one of Lee Perry’s last complete long-playing albums. With this project, The Upsetter delivers a high-quality, contemporary reggae record that revisits the art forms he initiated.

Scratch, who recorded early reggae anthems such as People Funny Boy and worked with King Tubby on seminal dub album Blackboard Jungle Dub, holds court, surrounded by the new guard of experimental Kingston talent. Together, they push the boundaries with a procession of cohesive songs ranging from new-roots to psychedelic dub.

Driven by Bob Riddim’s rock-solid productions, Perry’s vivid and free-ranging poetry addresses deep and existentialist themes, reflecting decades dedicated to his craft.

The single Destiny and its accompanying video were released Friday, August 25 via digital platforms.

The album is scheduled for worldwide release on September 8 via Delicious Vinyl Island.