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.
Dancin' In The Sun
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gettin' tired of the city
Headin' out to the country
Ain't nobody gonna stop me
Gotta get the hogs slopped and fed
Mama's gonna fix some pancakes
Jesus takes away the heartache
Time to lay aside the world's weight
Lean
Doesn't matter what you done before
He doesn't care about your past He wants to give you more
All He wants is a chance to make it better
If your soul is dry inside He'll make it wetter
Now it's summer time there's no more snow outside
Frosty's melted all away the sun is shining bright
For everyone to feel the heat time to move your feet
Jesus Christ is here to set your soul free
Chorus
I'm dancin' in the Son there's room for everyone
The fun has just begun when you're dancin' in the Son
My Daddy, Ghost and Son all three of these make one
Your sins are forgiven when you're dancin' in the Son
Verse 2
Everybody just a dancin'
The Holy stone I be romancin'
Lord You got my homies trippin'
This fried chicken's finger lickin'
Yo, Gibraan pass the biscuits
We're near the rapture don't you miss it
You gotta problem God can fix it
Taste and see He's so delicious
Rap
All drenched in sweat I bet it was that new heat from nureau '02
TONEX keep 'em dancin' like Jeremy Parish
Urban Dynamics to the narrow roads that people miss trippin'
Get your gig on in the Son for shism spirit quicken ‘em Gibraan guan
Talk to riddims walk on earth like a champion shhh listen
World with one mind we we'll wop until the clock stops tickin'
That's eternal living…
The lyrics of Tonéx's song "Dancin' in the Sun" convey a message of hope and joy in the midst of life's difficulties. The first verse describes a desire to escape the pressures of the city and find rest in the countryside, where one can be refreshed by the simple pleasures of life, such as pancakes and caring for animals. The lyrics also mention Jesus as a source of comfort and solace from the burdens of the world, offering a way to let go of the past and embrace a brighter future. The chorus repeats the theme of joy and freedom that comes from embracing Jesus, with a message of inclusivity and forgiveness for all.
The second verse continues the theme of celebration, with the lyrics describing a joyful gathering of friends and family, sharing in the pleasures of food and fellowship. The lyrics also suggest a sense of urgency to share the message of Jesus with others before it is too late. The rap section of the song offers a more playful take on the same themes, with references to contemporary music and culture, and a message of unity and hope for a better future.
Overall, "Dancin' in the Sun" is a catchy, upbeat song with a positive message about the transformative power of faith in Jesus. The lyrics offer encouragement to those who are struggling with life's challenges and a reminder that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
Gettin' tired of the city
I am tired of the city lifestyle and I want a break from it.
Headin' out to the country
I am leaving the city and heading to the countryside.
Ain't nobody gonna stop me
No one can stop me from taking a break and doing what I want.
Gotta get the hogs slopped and fed
I have to feed the pigs on my farm.
Mama's gonna fix some pancakes
My mom is going to make pancakes for breakfast.
Jesus takes away the heartache
Jesus can relieve you of your emotional pain.
Time to lay aside the world's weight
It's time to take a break from the stress of life.
Won't you let him inside your life today
Would you be open to letting Jesus into your life today?
Doesn't matter what you done before
Your past sins don't matter to Jesus.
He doesn't care about your past He wants to give you more
Jesus doesn't judge you for your past, he wants to give you more in the present.
All He wants is a chance to make it better
All Jesus wants is the opportunity to improve your life.
If your soul is dry inside He'll make it wetter
If you are spiritually dehydrated, Jesus can quench your spiritual thirst.
Now it's summer time there's no more snow outside
Summer has arrived, and the snow of winter is gone.
Frosty's melted all away the sun is shining bright
The cold winter is over, and the sun is now shining.
For everyone to feel the heat time to move your feet
It's time to dance and feel the joy of summer.
Jesus Christ is here to set your soul free
Jesus is here to liberate your spirit and give you freedom.
I'm dancin' in the Son there's room for everyone
I am dancing in the sun, and there is enough space for everyone.
The fun has just begun when you're dancin' in the Son
You will have fun if you dance in the sun with me.
My Daddy, Ghost, and Son all three of these make one
God exists as the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Your sins are forgiven when you're dancin' in the Son
Your sins will be forgiven if you dance in the sun with Jesus.
Everybody just a dancin'
Everyone is dancing joyfully.
The Holy stone I be romancin'
I am in a loving relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Lord You got my homies trippin'
My friends are experiencing the joy of the Lord.
This fried chicken's finger lickin'
This chicken is delicious and enjoyable to eat.
Yo, Gibraan pass the biscuits
Gibraan, please pass the biscuits.
We're near the rapture don't you miss it
The end of the world is near, don't miss the opportunity to be saved.
You gotta problem God can fix it
No matter what your problem is, God can solve it.
Taste and see He's so delicious
Experience God's love and you'll find it to be delightful.
All drenched in sweat I bet it was that new heat from nureau '02
We are sweating a lot because of the new music from NuReligion that was released in 2002.
TONEX keep 'em dancin' like Jeremy Parish
Tonéx keeps us dancing energetically, just like Jeremy Parish.
Urban Dynamics to the narrow roads that people miss trippin'
We are celebrating our love of God using our unique urban style on the less traveled, narrow paths.
Get your gig on in the Son for shism spirit quicken ‘em Gibraan guan
Let's get into the spirit of God's love and dance to energize our souls, Gibraan come join us.
Talk to riddims walk on earth like a champion shhh listen
Let's dance and enjoy the rhythms of our faith while walking confidently on earth. Listen quietly and feel the joy.
World with one mind we we'll wop until the clock stops tickin'
Let's come together as one and dance happily until time itself stops.
That's eternal living…
That's living eternally in the love of God.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: STEVEN G. TRUDEAU, PERRY WILKINS, ANTHONY C. II WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arris Stephane Ibouily Boucka
on Cry No More
Still waiting on the next...