When a member of the Christian flock strays, many Jamaicans denounce them as ‘backsliders’ or ‘grease cans’. Singer Vessel prefers not to judge, saying temptation goes hand-in-hand with religion.

On Pure Gold, his latest song, the South Florida-based gospel artiste assures the brethren that God is with you, “whatever comes your way”, and “one must always focus on the end result, which is pure gold”.

Released on April 15, Pure Gold is produced by Craig McDonald, who has guided Vessel on most of his songs. It is a blend of the singer’s dancehall and hip hop influences.

As a practicing Christian, Vessel says fighting temptation is not as difficult as many people think. Being positive is critical.

“There is light and there is joy in the morning. If we hold on, if we persevere and remain resilient, joy will come in the morning,” he reasoned. “It’s a process we all have to go through, a purification process where He strips us and moulds us, and refines us in His image.”

Pure Gold is Vessel’s follow-up to Love You Forever, which was produced by McDonald who has played a pivotal role in his career. He also produced Christwalker and His Steps, Vessel’s two albums.

As a youth in Jamaica, Avlon Coleman (Vessel’s real name) was drawn to dancehall acts like Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, as well as hip hop giants including the Notorious BIG. Those secular influences are evident on Doing It Big and Truly Blessed, two of his previous songs.

-Howard Campbell