After targeting the crossover market for the last five years, Fort Lauderdale singjay Honorebel is looking to break into the dancehall scene with his latest song, Ravin and Clean.

Honorebel was recently in Jamaica, promoting the song on local cable television and performing in Montego Bay. He says his latest recording has a “crossover vibe” but is largely aimed at getting him recognition among dancehall fans.

HONOREBEL… looking to break into the dancehall scene with his latest song, Ravin and Clean

“It’s really my first dancehall song in a while so wi striving for a number one,” said Honorebel, who stressed that he did not entirely abandon his crossover tendencies.

“It hasn’t got the usual dancehall beat. This is a song that can be played in New York.”

Released digitally in May, Ravin and Clean was produced by Kymani Marley’s keyboardist and musical director, “J Vibes”, who has also worked on projects with neo-soul acts Lauryn Hill, Keisha Cole and Kelly Rowlands.

Ravin and Clean comes on the heels of the compilation album, Honorebel Presents Reggae Series Vol II, which showcased songs from Etana, Freddie McGregor and Luciano.

That set was produced by Shadrack Millhouse and signaled Honorebel’s intention to get back to his roots.

“It has 90 per cent live instruments…Sort of getting back to the roots,” he said.

Honorebel has had some success as a dance artist, collaborating with big names like Sean Kingston and Cuba-born rapper Pitbull.

My Girl is the name of the 2010 song he did with Kingston. The previous year, he combined with Pitbull and Chicago dance crew Jump Smokers on the hit song, Now You See It.

Born Richard Bailey in August Town, Honorebel says his introduction to the music scene came at singer Sugar Minott’s Youth Promotions in Kingston.

He immigrated to Maryland in 1990, but it was not until he moved to south Florida that his career got going. He has recorded for producers Willie Lindo and Luther ‘Luke’ Campbell of 2 Live Crew fame.

Honorebel is scheduled to perform at the Caribbean Spring Festival in Montego Bay on July 14, followed by dates in Uganda and the Ivory Coast.