The ascension of TobyMac’s solo career has been nothing short of spectacular. In an era of declining music sales he has consistently defied the odds and has seen his sales increase with each new album release. This is no small feat. With his fourth studio album TONIGHT released on Feb. 9, he is poised to take things higher yet again.
Having climbed the mountain once with the group dcTalk (4 Grammys, more than 8 million albums sold), TobyMac knows how difficult the journey can be and how much work the process actually takes. Rarely does an artist get to soar to great heights for a second time, but soar he has. He took home his first Grammy as a solo artist last year after receiving Grammy nominations for each of his first four solo projects (Momentum, Welcome To Diverse City, Portable Sounds, Tonight). And last year TobyMac topped 2 million in total albums sold during his solo career. TobyMac has also remixed the Welcome to Diverse City album and Momentum, calling the new albums Renovating Diverse City and Re:Mix Momentum, respectively. He has done it with a combination of talent, hard work and humility which has produced songs that resonate with people from all walks of life .
Upon embarking on his solo career, Toby sought to surround himself with a talented and diverse cast of characters, aptly named the Diverse City Band. The result has been a musical fusion that radiates with an unquenchable energy and a penetrating message.
A self-professed perfectionist when making records—he’s been known to relentlessly tweak and massage every little thing in an inexorable effort to make it sound better—Toby is the first to admit that he has to work really hard to make great music. “That’s what drives me,” he says. “I feel like I have to work harder than other people to get there. Sometimes I feel like I’m slightly under-gifted; I usually don't sit down and write a great song in just a few minutes like others can. But I think my work ethic makes up for that.”
Starting with dcTalk, and then going solo when the group disbanded in 2000, Toby still clings to such rootsy notions as hard work, persistence, patience and—perhaps most relevant of all—the power of music, which he insists is still what keeps him going.
“It’s the truth,” he says. “I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart. I believe God can use a song to open someone’s mind and heart. Other songs can just drop what I call, 'the joy bomb' on somebody. I fight really hard to remain unjaundiced—to keep believing that you can actually walk into a studio and write a song that breathes life. That’s the hardest fight for a guy who’s been doing this for a while; it’s easy to fall into the trap of just making it your job. But I still believe that songs matter.”
The songs on TONIGHT certainly matter—everything from the prayerful first single “City On Our Knees” to the testimonial “Changed Forever,” from the worshipful “Captured” to the confessional “Start Somewhere,” and even down to the put-on-your-party-hat grooves of “Funky Jesus Music” and “ShowStopper.” One theme that runs loud and clear throughout is the idea that we all need God, and we need him now—this morning, this afternoon, tonight.
“Right here, right now / Under the stars / I promise You my heart / ’Cause it starts tonight,” Toby sings on the chorus of the title track. “If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now?” he asks on “City on Our Knees.” And “I wanna straighten this before the sun goes down tonight,” he proclaims on “Start Somewhere.”
“There’s definitely a sense of urgency on this record,” says co-producer Chris Stephens, who has worked on TobyMac’s last three CDs. “And it’s an album that speaks of unity, of coming together and finding common ground to worship God.”
Toby has long had a passion for racial reconciliation and unity, a recurrent theme in his music. TONIGHT includes songs of reconciliation of another kind—between husband and wife. Toby and Amanda have been happily married for 15 years, but like all couples, it can be hard work sometimes. For Toby, who best expresses his emotions through music, it was a natural step to write about it. In “Hold On,” he sings, “If you move just a little bit closer / You can put your head on my shoulder . . . / Wipe away those tears / This one’s for you.” And on “Start Somewhere,” he’s downright confessional: “I said some things that I regret / And if I could, I’d take ’em back / But here I am, and there you are / The space between us is not so far / I’m reaching out my hand in love.”
“‘Hold On’ is very personal,” Toby says. “Many lines are there to encourage my wife, but I know those lines could encourage anybody in a relationship. As for ‘Start Somewhere,’ any time you’re in love with somebody, you’re going to bang heads from time to time. I don’t know how many times I’ve been lying in bed, sweating it out and thinking, How am I going to make this right? But then you reach that moment of apology and forgiveness. That’s one of my favorite songs on the record; it’s a personal perspective on confrontation and reconciliation.”
And then there’s “Wonderin’,” in which Toby reminisces about the past with Kevin Max and Michael Tait in dcTalk, one of Christian music’s biggest acts in the 1990s. “We was ridin’ in style, clockin’ them miles / With the songs that He put down deep in our hearts . . . / I’m wonderin’ ’bout the way I spend my days / Wonderin’ if it’s even worth the chase / Wonderin’ if they’re stealin’ me from you.”
“It’s just a warm look back at dc Talk,” says Toby, almost wistfully. “It’s reminiscing about Michael and Kevin and what we did together, and recognizing their influence on me. I love what I do today, but there are times when I wonder,What if we stayed together? I’ve got these dreams I’m pursuing now, but are they stealing me from you? I think about Kevin and Michael on every song I write. That's the truth man, we climbed a mountain together.”
Sonically, TONIGHT is typical TobyMac in many ways—an eclectic mix of rap, rock, pop and funk, all laden with catchy hooks and melodies just itching for airplay and audience singalongs. There’s even a healthy dose of reggae on the album closer “Break Open the Sky,” where Toby flexes his Jamaican family ties while Israel Houghton provides guest vocals. Other visiting vocalists include Skillet’s John Cooper on “Tonight” and Relient K’s Matthew Thiessen on “Wonderin’.”
Of course most of the vocals belong to the artist himself. Stephens says Toby “has stretched himself as a vocalist, he writes about things he is passionate about and his vocals reflect that urgency''. Toby agrees: “I do more singing on this record than ever before. I’m learning to use my vocal instrument in different ways, and I’m getting more comfortable with it everyday''.
It all adds up to a project that reflects one man’s desire to push himself beyond “very good,” to dig deep in the quest for that other country where greatness resides. He certainly reached for it. Hard.
“I’ve worked very hard not to fall into the trap of making this just a gig,” he says. “If it is a labor, it’s a labor of love. I know music can’t change the world, but who says God can't speak through a song."
Right here, right now. TONIGHT.
TobyMac is usually styled tobyMac or TOBYMAC
Boomin'
TobyMac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been around the block
I got the keys to the city if the gates are locked
And a freak like me ain't bout to stop
I got a hand full of dreams and a heart full of God
Everywhere we go they wonder where we're from
Well its diverse city ya'll welcome to come
And even if you can't you can hear our praise
We go
'Cause we're boomin' out the stereo system
This goes out to anyone listening
Boomin' out the stereo system
Here to rep the most high with this one
Boomin' out the stereo system
This goes out to anyone listening
Boomin' out the stereo system
'Cause we rock for sure in stereo
If you're looking to slide, come slide with us
And if you're looking for a ride, it's a big old bus
We got black folk, white folk and Middle East
Mexican, Filipino - Jesus Freaks
Got a Haitian Princess, an Aussie Mate
East Coast, Midwest to left side of the states
And when the bus rolls, it's out the dirty south
Tennessee and we keepin' it good and loud we go
I got portable sounds to lift me up
Portable sounds to take me higher
Portable sounds to lift me up
So don't even try to get in my head
The song "Boomin'" by TobyMac is a vibrant track that celebrates the diversity of a community of people who are linked together by their love for God. The lyrics highlight their acceptance towards people from various ethnicities, mentioning African Americans, White Americans, Middle Easterners, Mexicans and Filipinos. The singer also makes reference to places in the United States such as Tennessee and the East and West Coasts. TobyMac emphasizes the power of music as his "portable sounds" lift him up and take him higher.
Throughout the song, TobyMac uses creative wordplay to convey his message. For instance, he presents himself as "a freak" who's "not bout to stop". The term "freak" can be interpreted as a positive term, suggesting how his unique qualities allow him to stand out from the crowd. Additionally, he mentions having "a hand full of dreams and a heart full of God", which indicates how his faith and aspirations are what drive him.
The chorus of the song, "We're boomin' out the stereo system, this goes out to anyone listening," represents the idea that even if you feel alone today, there is a community of people who will accept you and loves you, promoting a sense of belonging. The bright and upbeat energy of the song encourages people to dance and join the celebration of a shared faith.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been around the way
I have traveled around and seen different places and experiences.
I've been around the block
I have been through some difficult situations and made it out.
I got the keys to the city if the gates are locked
I have access to resources and connections if I need them.
And a freak like me ain't bout to stop
Despite being different or unusual, I won't let that hinder me from achieving my goals.
I got a hand full of dreams and a heart full of God
I have aspirations for the future and a strong faith in God to guide me towards them.
Everywhere we go they wonder where we're from
People are often curious about where we come from and what our background is.
Well its diverse city ya'll welcome to come
We come from a place that embraces diversity and welcomes anyone to join us.
It sits high on a hill you can see it for days
Our city is prominently located on a hill so it is easily visible from afar.
And even if you can't you can hear our praise
Even if you can't physically see our city, you can still hear us praising God from a distance.
We go
We are ready and eager to move forward.
'Cause we're boomin' out the stereo system
Our message is loud and clear through the music we produce.
This goes out to anyone listening
Our music is meant for anybody who wants to hear it.
Here to rep the most high with this one
We are here to represent and give praise to God with this particular song.
If you're looking to slide, come slide with us
If you want to have fun and let loose, join us in our endeavors.
And if you're looking for a ride, it's a big old bus
We have plenty of room for everyone who wants to join us on our journey.
We got black folk, white folk and Middle East
We have people from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds in our group.
Mexican, Filipino - Jesus Freaks
Our group consists of individuals who love Jesus and come from different countries.
Got a Haitian Princess, an Aussie Mate
There are members of our group who come from Haiti and Australia.
East Coast, Midwest to left side of the states
Our group encompasses people from the Eastern and Midwestern parts of the United States, all the way to the West Coast.
And when the bus rolls, it's out the dirty south
As we travel together, we make sure to represent the southern states with pride.
Tennessee and we keepin' it good and loud we go
We come from Tennessee and we are proud to be loud and expressive with our music.
I got portable sounds to lift me up
I have music that I can take with me wherever I go, that lifts my spirits up.
Portable sounds to take me higher
Through my music, I can experience new heights and deepen my connection with God.
So don't even try to get in my head
I won't let negative thoughts or influences affect me, especially when I have music to uplift me.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: CHRISTOPHER E. STEVENS, TOBY MCKEEHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
KarateGirl
For those who are wondering what the lyrics to the rap stanza at 2:42 are, here they are.
Boom shakalaka, I got 'em poppin' and lockin'
And lockin' and poppin', I'm thinkin' they stoppin' bout to say somethin'
Let me check the technique
I speak life and riddle with a flow that's unique
They mic every word that I utter
So tasty, tantalizing, make room for stutter
Here we go, check out the scenario in the flow
Got 'em bangin', boomin' out the stereo!
Darth Banus
I used to listen to this 24/7 when I was a kid and forgot about it until now. TOBY MAAAAC!!! Here to rep the most high with this one, I love that line!!
Priscilla Bowser
toby mac is one of my favorite artists. He has truly revolutionized christian music.
Paul Matweyou
I loved your rapmetal music Tobymac!! You should make some more again?! Bring some new extreme days in 2021!!
KarateGirl
For those who are wondering what the lyrics to the rap stanza at 2:42 are, here they are.
Boom shakalaka, I got 'em poppin' and lockin'
And lockin' and poppin', I'm thinkin' they stoppin' bout to say somethin'
Let me check the technique
I speak life and riddle with a flow that's unique
They mic every word that I utter
So tasty, tantalizing, make room for stutter
Here we go, check out the scenario in the flow
Got 'em bangin', boomin' out the stereo!
Kate Wandera
Where did you get all this?
Anahuac Contreras
I was 10 years old listening to this song on repeat for like a year straight and now I'm back listening to it :'))
Tralissa Grate
If y'all don't stop talking about this man he's just singing what God has laid on heart.
Dino Dudde
Amen
Matt’ o Rivera
Still one of my favorite songs
Macam TV
One of my favorite song of TobyMac