Two iconic 1990s-born reggae talents, Hopeton Lindo and Hawkeye, have officially unveiled their much-anticipated collaborative single *Favorite*, which dropped globally on all major streaming platforms May 29 via independent music distributor Zojak Worldwide.
Produced by Lindo under his own Irie Pen Records label, *Favorite* falls into the beloved lovers’ rock reggae subgenre, crafted atop the eponymous Favorite rhythm. Lyrically, the track finds each artist opening up about their deep admiration and affectionate attachment to their romantic partners, breaking down the unique qualities that make each woman one-of-a-kind in their eyes.
Decades after both broke into the mainstream reggae landscape in the 1990s, the pair brings an unmistakable classic reggae warmth to the new release. Lindo’s velvety, polished vocal delivery pairs flawlessly with Hawkeye’s signature deejay styling, resulting in a seamless cross-style blend that underscores the enduring, cross-generational appeal of vintage Jamaican reggae.
The collaboration came to fruition after the two veteran entertainers reconnected in Kingston, Jamaica this past March. Though they had been casual acquaintances for decades, their professional and personal bond deepened while working extensively alongside the legendary Jamaican production duo Sly and Robbie at the pair’s iconic Kingston recording studio.
Hawkeye shared genuine excitement about the project, saying he holds immense respect for Lindo’s decades-long career. “Working with Hopeton Lindo is legendary, I would say. You’re talking about a legend with hit songs and exceptional lyrical delivery joining forces with Hawkeye…” he shared in a statement.
Lindo, who first made a name for himself as a solo artist with fan-favorite tracks including *Territory*, *Silent Consent*, and *Lonely Night*, has built an equally impressive reputation beyond his own recording career as a go-to hit songwriter. Over decades in the industry, he has penned or co-penned some of reggae’s most enduring classics, from Maxi Priest’s *Temptress* to Gregory Isaacs’ *Red Rose for Gregory*, J C Lodge’s *Telephone Love*, Brian & Tony Gold’s *Can You*, and Buju Banton’s *Wanna Be Loved*.
The new single is not an isolated project: it acts as a standout addition to the larger *Favorite* rhythm compilation, which also features vocal contributions from a slate of top reggae talent including Sanchez, Anthony Malvo, Peter G, Novel T, Inique, and Lindo on a separate solo cut. The full compilation also includes a special juggling mix from King Waggy T, a foundational pioneer in the South Florida sound system scene.
Critics and early listeners have already highlighted *Favorite* for its raw, authentic reggae energy and standout performances from two of the genre’s most respected long-time artists. The single firmly cements itself as a memorable new chapter in the broader cross-artist *Favorite* rhythm project.