Beres Hammond, Sean Paul collab for the first time

It is being touted as "the collaboration that reggae and dancehall has been waiting for".

Reggae legend Beres Hammond and dancehall icon Sean Paul have collaborated on a new single, titled Rebel Time, which is set to be released on May 5, through Dutty Rock Productions and Ineffable Records.

This track brings together two of the most distinguished talents ever produced by the Jamaican music industry on a single that harkens back to the days of 'rent-a-tile' styled rub a dub, while still embodying the unstoppable thump of the dancehall bass line.

"It's an honour to work with a legend like Beres Hammond. I grew up listening to his music, and to share the mic with him is a dream come true," an enthusiastic Sean Paul said of the collaboration. On Instagram, he wrote, "We got the one and only Beres Hammond on our new chune #Rebel Time dropping May 5. When was the last time u heard a lovers' rock record like this?"

Using laughing and fire emojis, Hammond responded with two words, "Big chune", while Charly Black was a little less sparing with his words. He stated, "Big, big chune."

Hammond, who has two interesting collaborations with edgy dancehall artiste Popcaan, did not hesitate to give Sean Paul his props when quizzed.

"Sean Paul is one of the most beloved entertainers in dancehall music," Hammond stated. "And I'm really happy to bring our energy together to create a feel-good track that will resonate with people worldwide."

The producers describe Rebel Time as "a fusion of lovers' rock and signature dancehall beats, creating a genre-melding groove that will have listeners moving to the rhythm with ease" and champion the fact that Sean Paul's "recognisable voice and flow blend seamlessly with Beres Hammond's smooth and soulful reggae vocals".

This, they say, is the recipe for a feel-good single that celebrates breaking out of the norm and daring to be bold.

The production, which promises to inject some contemporary lovers' rock into the reggae-dancehall genre, and pour a new musical cocktail for the global market, also has the benefit of the the involvement of the legendary producer, Sly Dunbar.