His often chameleonic image and genre-bending musical style (which he himself has dubbed Nureau) have made him alternately revered and reviled among conservative fans of Gospel music. Nonetheless, he has carved out a niche for himself as a formidable vocalist, and prolific songwriter and record producer. After honing his producing skills with a series of experimental independent recordings, TON3X made his national debut with a re-release of his most successful independent album "Pronounced Toe-Nay." His first high-profile television appearance was performing a medley of "Trinity" & "One Good Reason," blowing the crowd away on the Stellar Awards, which was a coup as TON3X (then Tonéx) was a relative unknown at the time.
A single and music video from Pronounced Toe-Nay were serviced to media outlets for "Personal Jesus". Upon its release, the album bore 5 different record label logos: Rescue Records, the independent label that originally released the album; MSS Records, TON3X's then-active vanity imprint label; Tommy Boy Gospel, the label to which TON3X was signed as an artist; Verity Records, the label to which his independent label Rescue Records sold his album's masters; and Jive Records, the mainstream umbrella over Verity Records.
Two years later, he delivered the musically progressive and pop-leaning album "O2" which got off to a great start with the popularity of the upbeat music video for the single "Bout A Thang" featuring energetic hip-hop dance and an edgy urban image not usually associated with Gospel artists. The album received it's greatest boost from the momentum gathered by the single "God Has Not 4got" on Gospel radio. The song was nominated for multiple Stellar Awards the following year. Reminiscent of the style of R. Kelly, an additional single "That's When" also garnered much radio airplay.
His 2004 double CD "Out The Box" earned him the most widespread acclaim so far, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Magazine Top Gospel Album Chart in September of 2004. He also netted a Grammy nomination for Best Soul Gospel Album the following year, and had a bonafide radio hit with the ballad "Make Me Over". The same year, TON3X won a total of six Stellar Awards including "Artist of the Year" for Out The Box.
Following Out The Box, TON3X took the independent route, gaining creative control as well as control of his brand as a whole. TON3X has been releasing old albums, mixtapes, EP's, and singles through iTunes and his online store under the label heading of Nureau iNK. Among these releases are, a 2-track single from his hip-hop alter ego T. Bizzy, an exclusive remix album "Pronounced Remyx", and a sprawling two-disc confessional opus called "Oak Park 92105" previously only available through underground websites. A special version of "Oak Park 92105" was given a limited release to the Christian market and re-titled "Oak Park 921'o6" featuring a new song "Fail U" as lead single. Fail U was supported by a urban Japanese themed music video which is available on YouTube and iTunes. A primarily Jazz collection entitled "The London Letters" was released through Nureau iNK on iTunes and has garnered rave reviews and strong support from the Jazz community and gained secular fans that knew not of TON3X.
In March 2007, a reconciliation with Zomba Label Group was announced, which would be a joint venture for his Nureau iNK label. The deal was struck under the auspices of new Zomba president Jazzy Jordan who has previously guided the careers of R. Kelly and Salt-N-Pepa. However, as of June 2007, a split with Zomba was again announced. In the wake of several candid and revelatory songs and video blogs, TON3X is facing much scrutiny, with the bulk of criticism centering on his use of profanity in both his songs and his blogs. Though a single, "Joy," was released to radio as of May 16, 2007, his new album "Stereotype: Steel & Velvet" was stalled by Verity Records. The release date of September 11, 2007 was pending on the Verity Record label, and ultimately canceled.
Most recently, TON3X has released two mixtapes which fans consider actual albums as they both contain 20 tracks. "The Naked Truth" and "Bapost.o.g.i.c." were both released in on CD as limited edition pressings. Fans and supporters scrambled to their copies of The Naked Truth as it contains material that resulted in him being shunned by the Gospel community as well as material documenting his struggles, challenges, and revelations over the last five years. The Naked Truth and Bapost.o.g.i.c. could have been released as a set as they completely support each other in documenting where TON3X had been and where he was going. Bapost.o.g.i.c. is a new era that took TONEX from his old self to the new and improved TON3X. Bapost.o.g.i.c. is a vision, and a focus to erase the lines between C.O.G.I.C., Apostolic, and Baptist religions and bring the focus back to God. Supporting and citing the movement of 1906's Azusa Street Revival, TON3X wants unity and focus on God and not on religion and traditions.
Currently TON3X is completing a three week run starring as James "Thunder" Early in the musical play DREAMGIRLS at The Lyceum Theater located in downtown San Diego. The musical play received rave reviews and is the first of many musical and acting endeavors in the near future for TON3X. From November 2008 to January 2009, TON3X will also be starring in The Princess And The Black Eye Pea at The Lyceum Theater in downtown San Diego. TON3X is also working as a writer and staff producer for Nextlyfe Entertainment (Brandy, Eric Benet, Something for the People, Ne-Yo). TON3X wrote and produced songs for upcoming/current projects by Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Usher, Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane.
Bout A Thang
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn it up really loud keep the faith no doubt
Don't you worry don't you fret
There's a blessing you're next
He's faithful don't forget it
40 spins now just check it
Lean
Dancin' although the world is stressin' me
Ill keep movin' on won't let it get me down
People they always try to front on me
I refuse to let it get the best of me
DJ play my song we gone rock it all night long
I'm not worried about a thang
He's gone handle everything
I'm not worried about a thang
He's gone handle it take care of it
I ain't worried about a thang
Time to get paid got it made in the shade
Tonx representin' all day
BET, MTV in heavy rotation
Every station got it blazin' its ok now
Just praise Him in advance
Lean
In the beginning of Tonex's song "Bout A Thang," he addresses the DJ, asking him to play music that will uplift everyone's spirit and fill them with faith. He encourages the DJ to increase the volume, and assures him that the lyrics contain a powerful message that will help people overcome their worries and anxieties. Tonex reminds the listeners that despite the challenges they face, they should never forget that there is always a blessing waiting for them. He urges them to have faith in God and trust that everything will work out for their good.
Tonex then goes on to talk about the difficulties that he has had to face. He acknowledges that trials and tribulations have come his way, but he has chosen not to let them get the best of him. Instead, he keeps moving forward and believes that God has his back. He knows that people will try to put him down, but he refuses to let their negative energy affect him. He encourages everyone to dance, let loose and have a good time. He believes that focusing on God's greatness can bring joy and peace to their lives.
Overall, "Bout A Thang" is a song about faith, resilience, and perseverance. It reminds us that God is always in control and that we should never let our worries consume us. Instead, we should trust that he will take care of everything and stay positive no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey DJ let it play all day
The singer is asking the DJ to keep the music going non-stop throughout the day.
Turn it up really loud keep the faith no doubt
Keep the volume high while staying confident in one's beliefs without a doubt.
Don't you worry don't you fret
The singer is encouraging someone to stop worrying or being anxious.
There's a blessing you're next
The artist is implying that someone is next to experience a blessing in their lives.
He's faithful don't forget it
The artist is reminding the listener that God is faithful and never to forget it.
40 spins now just check it
The singer is referring to the number of times the DJ has played the song, encouraging the listener to check it out.
Trials they just a keep a pressin' me
The singer is saying that they are constantly faced with challenges or difficulties.
Dancin' although the world is stressin' me
The artist is dancing despite the overwhelming stress they are experiencing in the world.
Ill keep movin' on won't let it get me down
The artist is determined to keep moving on and not let the stress of the world bring them down.
People they always try to front on me
The artist is referring to people who try to act superior or put on a false persona around them.
I refuse to let it get the best of me
The singer is determined not to let these people or anything else get the best of them.
DJ play my song we gone rock it all night long
The artist is asking the DJ to keep playing their song so that they can keep rocking out all night long.
I'm not worried about a thang
The singer is not worried about anything.
He's gone handle everything
The singer is confident that God will handle everything.
He's gone handle it take care of it
The singer is reiterating their confidence that God will take care of everything.
I ain't worried about a thang
The artist is not at all worried about anything.
Time to get paid got it made in the shade
The artist is implying that it's time to earn money as they have an easy job or are in a financially secure position.
Tonx representin' all day
The singer is representing Tonex all day long.
BET, MTV in heavy rotation
The singer is saying that their music is being heavily featured on BET and MTV.
Every station got it blazin' its ok now
The artist is saying that every radio station is playing their song and it's all good now.
Just praise Him in advance
The artist is reminding the listener to praise God in advance before receiving a blessing.
Lean
This line is likely included to encourage the listener to dance or move their body despite whatever stress they may be facing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: ANTHONY C. II WILLIAMS, JAMES BEDFORD JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sinn Authesav
Hey DJ let it play all day
Turn it up really loud keep the faith no doubt
Don't you worry don't you fret
There's a blessing you're next
He's faithful don't forget it
40 spins now just check it
Lean
Trials they just a keep a pressin' me
Dancin' although the world is stressin' me
Ill keep movin' on won't let it get me down
People they always try to front on me
I refuse to let it get the best of me
DJ play my song we gone rock it all night long
I'm not worried about a thang
He's gone handle everything
I'm not worried about a thang
He's gone handle it take care of it
I ain't worried about a thang
Time to get paid got it made in the shade
Tonx representin' all day
BET, MTV in heavy rotation
Every station got it blazin' its ok now
Just praise Him in advance
Denice Black
The message in this song is so powerful, it decreased my doubts and increased my faith knowing that God is in control always! NO WORRIES, GOD GOT IT!
Neyda Escobar Music
Praying for him to turn to God and come back to his faith. God is merciful and powerful. 🙏🏼🕊
DJ SYKE SYKED FOR CHRIST
One of the jams that helped me maintain my salvation back in 2001. I thank God for this song.
JAY Empire
This came out 2002 tho
DJ SYKE SYKED FOR CHRIST
@JAY Empire I meant 2001 or there about. I might not be so specific coz it's a min. I appreciate though
JAY Empire
@DJ SYKE SYKED FOR CHRIST I think the single for god has not forgot came out 2001
Kenneth Gentry
This song is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Choreography was EVERYTHING 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Najerea
IM BACK FOR MORE TONEX!!!!! THIS IS ONE FOR ALL TIMES!!!! IT TRULY TRULY IS!!! THANK U TONEX FOR SHARING YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS WITH US ALL!!!💃💃💃💕🎶💕🎶💕🎶💕💯
Najerea
IM NOT WORRIED ABOUT A THANG!!! CUZ HE'S GONNA HANDLE EVERYTHING!!! YES HE WILL!!! HE GON HANDLE IT TAKE CARE IF IT!!! I AINT WORRIED ABOUT A THANG!!!! HALLELUJAH JESUS!!! THANK U ABBA FATHER!!! 😄🙌💕🎶💕🎶💕🎶
Joshua Mitchell
Watching in 2021...man this was a different era in Gospel R&B. The hook, the look, the moves, all of it is so 2000's. And the cameo from Virtue just takes me back to my childhood. I remember watching this video on Wow Gospel 2003. Tonéx is a generational talent.