R&B crooner Bobby Kim gets back to his roots with his latest release in collaboration with Korean ska group Kingston Rudieska. They come together for a groovy rendition of Neil Diamond's "I'm Alive" as part of the Hitman Project #1: A Tribute to David Foster.

David Foster is a true music industry renaissance man - singer, composer, songwriter, arranger, producer - the musician has lent a hand to the careers of many top performers including Madonna, Prince, and Destiny's Child. The upcoming compilation album plays homage to his ability to create a hit song and features remakes by Korean artists.

Bobby Kim got his start as a rapper in the thriving San Francisco hip-hop scene of the 90s. After high school he moved back to Korea to start his music career and was inspired by his trumpet-player father to start the group Dr. Reggae which introduced the genre to Korean audiences. The group, however, was not very successful and ultimately broke up leaving the singer to find his own bearings in the K-Pop world.

With this new song, Bobby Kim gets back in touch with his early reggae roots and creates a mellow yet whimsical version of the hit Neil Diamond tune with the help of original Korean ska band, Kingston Rubieska.

The sound is perfect for a bright spring day with the band's subtle horns and twangy island flair which lend well to Bobby Kim's controlled and melodic voice. A fantastic effort by both sides and "I'm Alive" definitely does justice to David Foster's immense talent.

Those of you unfamiliar with the work of Kingston Rudieska, do yourselves a big favor and check them out. A totally unique enigma in the Seoul music scene.

And, in case you are curious about the Neil Diamond original, you can listen to it below.