Jamaican dancehall star Sean Paul recently opened up about his collaboration with American pop sensation Beyoncé on the hit song “Baby Boy,” a standout track from her 2003 album, Dangerously in Love. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paul shared insights into how the collaboration came to be and its impact on both artists’ careers and the global music scene.

Reflecting on the experience, Sean Paul highlighted Beyoncé’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone to embrace a new genre. “I was [working] with Busta Rhymes, I was doing stuff with Clipse and I was doing stuff with Blu Cantrell — and all of those stuff was very dope but they were more hip-hop oriented,” Paul recounted. “And this was such a big artist and she [Beyoncé] was stepping out on her own [genre].”

The collaboration not only marked a significant moment for both artists but also played a pivotal role in the global acceptance of dancehall music. “It really made me feel that dancehall-style was coming into its own and that my music or genre was being accepted by many people,” Paul noted. He emphasized that Beyoncé’s Texan roots likely exposed her to dancehall rhythms, which made the collaboration feel natural and impactful.

Sean Paul expressed how the success of “Baby Boy” paved the way for broader recognition of dancehall music, making history for both him and Beyoncé. “Coming from Texas, I know she’s heard a lot of dancehall growing up and [was] familiar with that whole vibe, so it made sense to me and it made history for both of us,” he said.

The song “Baby Boy” became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks and solidifying Sean Paul’s status as a major international artist. For Beyoncé, it further established her solo career post-Destiny’s Child, showcasing her versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.

This collaboration remains a testament to the power of crossing genres and the enduring appeal of dancehall music on the global stage.