It’s 4:27 a.m. on Monday morning.

Just a couple days ago, I was kicking back, mulling my options for a New York City weekend. Not looking too promising.

Now, in 30 minutes, I’m on my way to LaGuardia Airport for a flight to Miami and on to Kingston, Jamaica to interview, and get a guided tour with, Lee “Scratch” Perry. Holy Schnipees. How did this happen? Not only am I interviewing the inventor of dub, but we’re taking a tour of all his old stomping grounds — such as Black Ark studios. Someone please tell me this is all not but a dream…

Long story short, Perry is one of the most influential people in contemporary music and probably the single-most prolific artist in Jamaican music. At age 72, the man has worked with literally thousands of artists and is a bona fide living legend. If you don’t know who he is, I don’t know whether to pity you or have your passport to LIAS revoked.

Perry’s got a new album coming out this summer co-produced by Andrew W.K., which will at least guarantee some mainstream exposure. Its an interesting pairing — who knows what they’ll cook up with together (somehow I’m doubting “Party Til You Puke Vol II” will be debuted). He has decided to shoot his first-ever music video tomorrow and Yours Truly, Leonard Smalls, will be there checking it out, enjoying a Red Stripe and trying not to look like this might be the greatest gig I’ve ever had.

Check back for more stories from Jamaica and, if technology helps me out, some pictures and video.

From New York,

Leonard Smalls

Click HERE to read Dispatches From the Edge, vol II: Leonard Lands in Jamaica

Click HERE to read Dispatches From the Edge, vol III: “Scratch”, Caribbean Strippers, Souljah Boy and Magical Boots