International chart-topping dancehall artiste Sean Paul has released a collaboration titled Rebel Time with legendary lover’s rock crooner Beres Hammond.

Rebel Time is a joint production between Sean’s Dutty Rock Productions and Sly Dunbar. It is being released via California based Ineffable Records.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash on Wednesday, Sean Paul shared how the collaboration came about.

“I always wanted to do a song with Beres, and I saw him in the airport in November last year when we both had a show in a neighbouring Caribbean territory. I just went to him and told him about a drum track from Sly that I had, and I played it for him and said I was gonna put music on it,” said Sean Paul.

“We did the song in December, actually we did two songs. We will be releasing the next one later this year. Big up to Nigel Staff and Daval Fletcher, my bass player who played on the track,” he continued.

Sean Paul says the response to the song has been overwhelming.

He noted, however, that it has not yet been earmarked for any particular project, as his label is putting out singles by various artistes for the remainder of the year.

“Right now, Dutty Rock Productions is putting out singles. I have songs coming out with Looga Man [former Dutty Cup member], a collaboration between Chi Ching Ching and Daniboo, there’s also one with Fahrenheit, songs by myself as well as Busy Signal. These are coming out over the summer,” Sean Paul shared.

The Grammy-winning artiste said it was a thrilling experience working with Hammond.

“I look up to Beres as an icon in Jamaican music. It was pretty cool working with him. The response has been awesome. All of the core DJs love it and the comments that I have been getting are that it’s nostalgic and iconic,” said Sean Paul.

The 67-year-old Hammond has in recent years collaborated with trending artiste Popcaan on two singles, God is Love and A Mother’s Love, both of which have scored big on regional reggae charts.

His other collaborators over the years include Cutty Ranks, Tony Rebel, Marcia Griffiths, Buju Banton, Maxi Priest, Wickerman and Alaine.

For Sean Paul, his collaborations through the years include Baby Boy with Beyonce, I’m Still in Love with You with Sasha, Break it Off with Rihanna, and tracks with Ce’Cile, Chico, Shaggy, Spice, Mr Vegas, among others.