He Who Is Without Funk Cast The First Stone

Released in 1978 on the Dial label, He Who Is Without Funk Cast the First Stone stands as one of Joe Tex’s most electrifying late-career statements. Produced by Buddy Killen, the album channels the raw vitality of Southern soul into the pulse of late-’70s funk and disco, resulting in a record that feels both grounded and groove-driven.

Often described as a masterpiece and an ode to the power of funk, the album delivers eight tightly wound tracks that radiate confidence and rhythmic swagger. The title track sets the tone with a bold, sermon-like declaration, while “Loose Caboose” barrels forward with locomotive energy. “Who Gave Birth to the Funk” doubles down on Tex’s playful charisma, fusing sharp social commentary with irresistible dancefloor momentum.

By this stage in his career, Joe Tex was a seasoned performer with decades of experience behind him, and that assurance permeates every groove. The arrangements are crisp, the basslines deep and elastic, and Tex’s vocal delivery — half-preacher, half-party-starter — remains magnetic throughout.

Originally released in 1978 and later reissued in 2013 and 2023, He Who Is Without Funk Cast the First Stone captures a veteran artist fully embracing the evolving sound of the era without losing his identity. It is a vibrant, celebratory slice of funk that continues to prove just how powerful — and how enduring — the groove can be.