Dick Lee gives Rasa Sayang a hip update

Veteran singer Dick Lee has recorded a remix of his remixed song "Rasa Sayang" and will launch it on National Day.

Ahead of his 60th birthday concert, the 59-year-old collaborated with local rapper Shigga Shay to produce a 2016 version of his song.

Lee's original version, released in 1989, was itself a remix of the Malaysian folk song, "Rasa Sayang".

In a press release, the composer and performer said that he chose to collaborate with Shigga Shay because the latter "infuses his Singaporean-ness into his music."

The new version of the song features Shigga Shay's signature Singlish-infused rapping.

Shigga Shay posing with Dick Lee in the recording studio. PHOTO: INSTARGAM/SHIGGA SHAY 

Previously, in an interview with The Straits Times, Lee described Shigga Shay as an up-and-coming musician who had impressed him because of his passion and drive as a musician.

For Shigga Shay, working with Lee was an honour.

"It is an honour to sample one of the most legendary 1990's Singapore songs and spin our own take on it," said the 24-year-old rapper.

He had performed in Washington, DC on Aug 2 at the after-party to the White House State Dinner to conclude Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's official visit to the US.

Shigga Shay and local singer Tabitha Nauser flew to the US to perform at the event which was held in a club in Washington, DC.

The song will be released on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify on Aug 9.