NASHVILLE — Every time country and hip-hop collide, the Sam Hunt bat-signal goes up. So it was no surprise that last month Hunt found himself in the home studio of his longtime producer Zach Crowell, spitballing melodies and lyrics with the young Atlanta singer-rapper Breland, who was then just a couple of weeks into the viral spread of his country-rap thumper “My Truck.”

For Breland, working with Hunt was an immediate stamp of Nashville approval. For Hunt, it was a rare opportunity to collaborate with someone who approached the country-rap divide from the other side.

After a few days of sessions, they were winding down over Chinese food. Hunt told Breland that “My Truck” reminded him of “All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down),” the 1981 Hank Williams Jr. chestnut. They discussed old Drake songs, and how hip-hop beefs have evolved over the years. Hunt, a methodical songwriter, marveled at how quickly and freely Breland improvised melodic lines.

The following day, Hunt — tall, broad and gentle, like a considerate bear — was driving around Nashville in his black GMC Denali, sipping cold coffee and detailing his restless craving to innovate. “I’m always feeling like I’m not quite reaching my potential,” he said. “And so that’s kind of what I’m searching for more than anything.”