A heavyweight of 1980s dancehall music, Flourgon’s good-time hits such as One Foot Skank and We Run Things are staples from that era of Kangol hats and rope chains. But on Cast The First Stone, his song with Brotha George and Damion Hawthorne, he goes to church.

Produced by Brotha George and Sidney Mills, Cast The First Stone was released early this month. Done to a Revival beat, it hears the trio beseeching persons who practice evil, while proclaiming solace for the wayward.

Flourgon told Observer Online that he was approached by Brotha George, a lifelong friend, to do a song together. The veteran artiste added that while fans know him for his dancehall hits, he has always been spiritual.

“I’m a gospel artiste from birth because I was born in a home of prayer, ‘cause my mother was a prayer warrior an’ I grow up on prayer. I always have a love for di Almighty,” said Flourgon.

After he and Brotha George agreed on the direction for their collaboration, Hawthorne joined the fold. The result is a rollicking song synonymous with the African rhythms of Revivalists in Jamaica.

According to Flourgon, he and his colleagues gelled instantly.

“Brotha George find dis hook, an’ I find dis hook, an’ there comes Damion who bring in his melody an’ his vibes. It was jus’ good, it happen through blessings,” he said.

A stalwart of the contemporary gospel reggae scene in the tri-state region, Brotha George began his career as a secular act in Jamaica during the late 1970s. His latest album, Firm And Strong, was released in June.

Born in Kingston, Damion Hawthorne has lived for over 20 years in The Bronx. He is an accomplished musician who has recorded several songs as Damiedon.

Howard Campbell