Single-parent home, gangs, drugs, crime, prison and no way out but death. While it may sound like the makings of a classic 90’s inner-city film, it was the dark reality Brothatone faced growing up. But spared the fate that befalls so many urban youths, Tone found a way out—better yet, a new way of living found him.
Toney Frazier, better known by his stage name Brothatone, was born and raised in the projects of Arkansas. With only his mom around to raise and care for him after his parents separated, Tone turned to the streets to teach him how to be a man. At the tender age of 12, he followed his young uncle’s footsteps and joined a gang—the Crips. He quickly gained respect for fighting rival gang members, breaking in homes, committing robberies and being ready to kill whoever disrespected him. With his mom working long hours to provide for the family, there was no one around to counter what he was learning on the streets. His father tried talking to and disciplining him, but he rejected the advice of the man who had abandoned him years earlier. Engulfed in the street life, his violent behavior reached new heights when his 16-year-old uncle was shot and killed. Tone was suspended from school indefinitely for being involved in multiple altercations, and he was receiving death threats from rival gangs. Sent to live with relatives in hopes he would turn his life around, Tone landed in various juvenile detention centers across the South. He had taken it upon himself to carry on his uncle’s legacy; he was selling and smoking weed and was arrested for armed robbery and battery. Later, while on house arrest for attempted murder, he realized the other members of his gang had abandoned him too, as none of them came to visit. Depressed and alone, Tone battled with thoughts of suicide, stemming from his uncle’s death and the dead-end path he had chosen. But then came his awakening.
As providence would have it, Tone was riding in a police car to a courthouse one afternoon when a voice on the radio began sharing about the book of Revelation. So, while on house arrest, he began reading Revelation as God steadily worked on his heart. He distanced himself from his gang and promised a pastor that he would attend his church. Tone finally visited and began doing so regularly, although he was actually in pursuit of a female member of the congregation. Despite his impure motives, after a few visits, he heard the Gospel and gave his life to Christ. He was relieved, immensely grateful and awed by the reality that God had freed him from the bondage of his criminal past to find joy and peace in Him. Surprisingly, his old friends respected his newfound faith and let him pursue God without any opposition.
Armed with pen and paper, Tone began writing poems that reflected his new reality. Having taken to rapping and musical engineering as a teenager, but unaware of the emergence of Christian rap as an adult, he prayed for his ability to somehow be used by God. Thereafter, he was given a Cross Movement album, and while he didn’t comprehend the complex theological rhymes they delivered, he was inspired to follow in their footsteps. By the time he was 24, he had rapped at several church events and was advised to leave Arkansas if he wanted to pursue music seriously. With his wife deployed to Iraq, Tone decided to move to Tennessee; shortly after, he saw Lecrae perform and realized he wanted to spend his life ministering through music. He began traveling with Seventh Day Slumber, opened for Kutless and was constantly traveling around the nation sharing Christ. He released two successful albums, I Preach Christ and Interlude, and his platform was steadily increasing.
But while Tone’s life had been turned around, his sister’s life was headed downhill and her kids were suffering as a result of her drug addiction. Burdened to keep them from eventually turning to the streets, he decided to stop traveling for three years to care for his nieces before sending them to live with other responsible relatives. Having built a relationship with Pro during that time, once Reflection Music Group was founded, he was asked to join the roster. Still armed with an appreciation for what God has done in his life, Brothatone has returned with his comeback project Mic Check. The mixtape serves as a promotional tool to introduce him to new listeners and reintroduce him to those who’ve been questioning his absence.
As an artist, Tone aims to creatively deliver truth in an authentic, real-life manner that those who may not understand doctrine and theology can still relate to. He spends hours upon hours everyday listening to beats for inspiration and also serves faithfully with Fellowship Bible in Murfreesboro. Ultimately, his desire is to have a leadership position in the church to counsel others and influence people beyond his music. With years of gang banging behind him, he is confident that he has lost nothing and gained everything by following Christ. He is spurred on by the famous words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
Wonderful
Brothatone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Far more than rubies, your worth comes from the Spririt in you
So beautiful too, runs deeper than you, incredible, so wonderful
Everyday you wake up fresh, make sure your hair straight
Now put on your make up, yes
Anotha day in the life of the most beautiful creature walking the earth
But you dont see it that way, you treat yourself like you're dirt. Not know that you're still a beauty even if he dont flirt
Commercials tell you the only thing that matter now is your shirt size, but no one ever tell you to consider your worth
And so you do alot of things to boost your self esteeme up
Walk around with a frown saying yuo dont need love
When the truth, is deep inside you want to be loosed
Got you compromising faith, hoping people see you
So you decorate yourself with small clothes and tattoos
Peircing your nable and your eyebrow to be cute
The problem is you need someone to lean to
But God love you like you are, baby girl just be you
I know its a man's world but the world dont rotate without you
Far more than rubies, your worth comes from the Spririt in you
So beautiful too, runs deeper than you, incredible, so wonderful
I know it gets hard for you, especially when you live in the hood
When everything you see around you seem to never be good
When every man that you meet wont build you up like he should
And every man from your street will try and hit if he could
Yea, infront of all the public you be staunting like you're perfect
But behind them closed doors, God see that you're hurting
And everytime you come around people think that you're perfect
That's cause you hide behind the glammour, and them big ol purses
(and that's the truth about it) Everytime i see you i sigh
Just wanna wrap my arms around you, hug, and tell you to cry
Because, i can tell through the prodda and chanelle
That when your girls drop you off you realize it aint well
That's why you love when men stay atcha crib
Cause you can focus attention, even though you know the love aint real
And I hate to see em use you, hurt you and abuse you
And throw your heart around for amusement
(man)
I know its a man's world but the world dont rotate without you
Far more than rubies, your worth comes from the Spririt in you. So beautiful too, runs deeper than you, incredible, so wonderful
I understand if you think God, aint yo cup of tea but He is
Cuse you're a princess, and God is a King
I know they like to call you names in them songs they sing
But only 'b' word i think when i look at you is bling
Cause you're a diamond
That aint really you we see in them videos
Shaking, dancing, and showing all, in them lil bitty clothes
Tryn to cover up your hurts and pain but you really know
That though you looking hot, in your heart you be feeling cold
I know in life it's hard for you cause it seems
That you aint nothing if your looks dont match them girls on the screne
And so you idolize them girls that pose in them magazines
Sucking in your stomach deep, tryn to get in them jeans
But you aint gotta be america's idol, or the next top model, or that new face on
Cause you were fearfully and wonderfully made
Let your fashion be grace because in Jesus girl the rest cant compete
I know its a man's world but the world dont rotate without you
Far more than rubies, your worth comes from the Spririt in you
So beautiful too, runs deeper than you, incredible, so wonderful
The lyrics to Brothatone's song "Wonderful" are powerful and thought-provoking, offering insight and encouragement to women everywhere. The song addresses the pressures that women face to conform to societal standards of beauty and how they often compromise their self-esteem, hoping to gain acceptance from others. Brothatone reminds women that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that their worth comes from the Spirit within them, not from the opinions of others or the messages they receive from the media. He urges women to focus on developing inner beauty, rather than obsessing over their outer appearance, and to remember that they are loved and valued just the way they are.
In the first verse, Brothatone highlights the daily routine that women often go through to look their best, despite feeling like they're not good enough. He acknowledges the pressure women face to be physically attractive, but emphasizes that true beauty runs deeper than what can be seen on the surface. He encourages women to see themselves as he sees them, as incredible, and to treat themselves with the same love and respect they give others.
In the second verse, Brothatone addresses the issues that women face in relationships, particularly in the context of living in the hood. He recognizes that women often feel like they have to put up a facade of perfection, hiding their true feelings and struggles from others. He empathizes with the pain and hurt that women experience when they encounter men who only want to use and abuse them. He reminds women that they are not alone, and that despite what they may have been told, they are worth so much more than they realize.
Line by Line Meaning
I know its a man's world but the world dont rotate without you
Regardless of the fact that the world appears to be male-dominated, your contributions are essential to its rotation.
Far more than rubies, your worth comes from the Spririt in you
Your intrinsic value comes from the Holy Spirit inside of you and is not tied to external factors.
So beautiful too, runs deeper than you, incredible, so wonderful
Your beauty is multifaceted, extending beyond just your physical appearance, and is truly remarkable.
Everyday you wake up fresh, make sure your hair straight
Each day represents a new dawn and a new opportunity, so you should take care in preparing yourself for the day ahead, starting with your hair.
Now put on your make up, yes
In addition to taking care of your hair, you should also take care to enhance your natural beauty with makeup if you desire.
Anotha day in the life of the most beautiful creature walking the earth
Every day is yet another opportunity for you to embrace your innate beauty and goodness.
But you dont see it that way, you treat yourself like you're dirt.
Despite your inherent worth, you often view yourself as unimportant or worthless.
Not know that you're still a beauty even if he dont flirt
Your beauty is not dependent on the validation or attention of men.
And you dont need alot of booty, in the back of that skirt
You don't have to rely on your physical assets to feel good about yourself.
Commercials tell you the only thing that matter now is your shirt size, but no one ever tell you to consider your worth
Society often reduces women to their physical appearances, but fails to emphasize their true worth as human beings.
And so you do alot of things to boost your self esteeme up
In an attempt to feel better about yourself, you engage in various activities or behaviors to boost your self-esteem.
Walk around with a frown saying yuo dont need love
You may appear detached or aloof, insisting that you don't need love or affection.
When the truth, is deep inside you want to be loosed
Despite your outward behavior, you deeply desire emotional connection and freedom from the negative self-image you may have.
Got you compromising faith, hoping people see you
Your attempts to appear desirable or appealing to others may cause you to compromise your values or faith.
So you decorate yourself with small clothes and tattoos
You may attempt to adorn or enhance your physical appearance by wearing revealing clothing or getting tattoos.
Peircing your nable and your eyebrow to be cute
You may feel pressure to conform to certain beauty standards by getting body piercings or other modifications.
The problem is you need someone to lean to
You are in need of a support system or someone to confide in during difficult times.
But God love you like you are, baby girl just be you
God's love for you is unconditional and you should embrace your true self, without trying to conform to societal pressures of beauty and appearance.
Yea, infront of all the public you be staunting like you're perfect
In public, you may try to present yourself as flawless or perfect.
But behind them closed doors, God see that you're hurting
God sees the pain and hurt that you may be hiding from others in private.
And everytime you come around people think that you're perfect
Others may have unrealistic expectations of you based on the persona or image you present in public.
That's cause you hide behind the glammour, and them big ol purses
You may use material possessions or glamour to hide your insecurities or vulnerabilities.
Everytime i see you i sigh
Seeing you put up a façade of perfection may cause others to feel empathetic or sad for you.
Just wanna wrap my arms around you, hug, and tell you to cry
Others may want to offer emotional support and comfort, allowing you to express your emotions and cry.
Because, i can tell through the prodda and chanelle
Others can see beyond the superficial exterior and recognize the internal pain or struggles that you may be experiencing.
That when your girls drop you off you realize it aint well
When you are alone and not putting up a façade, you may recognize and acknowledge that everything is not well or perfect in your life.
That's why you love when men stay atcha crib
You may seek validation, attention, or affection from men, which can temporarily assuage your feelings of insecurity or hurt.
Cause you can focus attention, even though you know the love aint real
When men are around, you can focus all your attention on them, even if you know that their love or affection is not genuine or real.
And I hate to see em use you, hurt you and abuse you
Others may feel protective or empathetic towards you, as you may be vulnerable to manipulation or mistreatment by those seeking to take advantage of you.
And throw your heart around for amusement
Those who may mistreat or use you may have little regard for your feelings, seeing you as a means of entertainment or enjoyment.
I understand if you think God, aint yo cup of tea but He is
Even if you may not connect with God or faith, it is important to acknowledge that there is a higher power or force that values and loves you for who you are.
Cuse you're a princess, and God is a King
You are a beloved and important figure in God's eyes, and are deserving of love and respect as a princess or royalty.
I know they like to call you names in them songs they sing
Popular media often perpetuates demeaning stereotypes or names for women, which can erode your self-esteem or value in the eyes of others.
But only 'b' word i think when i look at you is bling
Despite negative stereotypes or societal pressures, you are deserving of respect and admiration, and are seen as a valuable and precious individual.
Cause you're a diamond
You are valuable, rare, and exceptional, much like a precious diamond.
That aint really you we see in them videos
The image or persona that is presented in music videos or media is not an accurate or representative reflection of your true self.
Shaking, dancing, and showing all, in them lil bitty clothes
Society often pressures women to display their bodies or engage in sexualized behavior for the pleasure or validation of men.
Tryn to cover up your hurts and pain but you really know
Attempts to conceal internal pain or insecurities with external displays of beauty or sensuality can only work for so long, as you know the true source of your pain.
That though you looking hot, in your heart you be feeling cold
Although you may appear attractive or hot on the outside, inside you may feel lonely or detached from your own emotions or self-worth.
I know in life it's hard for you cause it seems
Life can be challenging and difficult for you, especially when societal pressures and stereotypes diminish your worth or value.
That you aint nothing if your looks dont match them girls on the screne
Society often equates value or worth with physical appearance or beauty, while disregarding other important qualities or traits that are integral to your identity.
And so you idolize them girls that pose in them magazines
In an effort to achieve or attain societal standards of beauty, you may look up to or idolize women that are portrayed in media or magazines.
Sucking in your stomach deep, tryn to get in them jeans
You may engage in unhealthy or unrealistic behaviors to try to fit into or conform to beauty standards, such as sucking in your stomach to fit into jeans.
But you aint gotta be america's idol, or the next top model, or that new face on
You don't have to conform to societal standards of beauty or be a celebrity to be valuable or worthy as an individual.
Cause you were fearfully and wonderfully made
You were created with intention, purpose, and unique qualities that make you a valuable and important individual.
Let your fashion be grace because in Jesus girl the rest cant compete
Your internal beauty, grace, and character are far more valuable than any external fashion or physical appearance, and are qualities that cannot be duplicated or matched by others.
Contributed by Lincoln D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vwegba
This Is just what we need in the Christian music industry. keep it up with the great songs god bless
John Wright
My favorite track!