South Florida-Based Singjay Vessel Releases 'Truly Bless' and 'Doing it Big'

Critics of contemporary gospel usually point to the genre’s use of secular rhythms as their biggest bone of contention. But artists such as Vessel, argue that those beats are what helps attract a new generation to Christianity.

The South Florida-based singjay called on his dancehall and hip hop influences for Truly Bless and Doing it Big, two of his latest songs which are produced by Craig McDonald.

According to Vessel, once he is comfortable with the beat a producer presents, he writes and performs songs accordingly.

“All of my songs are different, I don’t put myself in a box in terms of dancehall, hip hop, reggae, and so forth. I have been exposed to a whole lot of music, so it’s dependent on the beats I get from the producer,” he said.

Vessel, who is from Clarendon parish in rural Jamaica, has lived in the United States for over 25 years. His career started in 2002 as a member of harmony trio DMC.

As a solo act, he has released two albums to date. The first was Christ Walker, an eclectic set that came out in 2020.

His influences range from reggae/dancehall (Bob Marley, Buju Banton and Beenie Man) to hip hop (Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G. and Dr. Dre). The most important thing, he noted, is spreading the Word.

“The central focus of the ministry is to draw people to Christ and let them know that He is the way and that there is more to life, and He is able to give you that abundant life,” said Vessel.