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 Son
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fresh goes shit
Dirty South, [Incomprehensible]
Come on, come one
It's about, yeah, yeah
Staluxta, [Incomprehensible]
O2 come on, yeah, yeah
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
Won't you let him inside your life today?
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 hea,t time to move your feet
Jesus Christ is here to set your soul free
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
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
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
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
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 Redeems
Walk on earth like a champion, listen
World with one mind we we'll wop until the clock stops tickin'
That's eternal living
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
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
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
The lyrics to Tonex's song "Dancin' in the Son" capture the joy and freedom of surrendering to Jesus Christ. The opening lines reference different regions of the United States, setting the stage for the universal appeal of the gospel message. The verses then describe a desire to leave the stresses of city life behind and surrender to Jesus, who offers comfort and healing for the soul. The chorus focuses on dancing in the sun with Jesus, a place where all are welcome and sins are forgiven. The song encourages listeners to let go of their past and embrace a new life in Christ.
The memorable hook, "I'm dancin' in the Son, there's room for everyone," reinforces the idea that the love of Jesus is available to all, regardless of past mistakes or current circumstances. The verses emphasize the freedom found in a relationship with Christ and the ability to let go of the weight of the world. The song also includes a rap verse and a reference to Tonex's 2002 album "Out The Box," adding to the overall eclectic style and message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
East Coast, what?
Tonex is hyping up the crowd with this question, getting the attention of the East Coast.
Fresh goes shit
Tonex is bringing fresh energy and excitement to the crowd.
Dirty South, [Incomprehensible]
Tonex acknowledges the Dirty South, but the next line is unintelligible.
Come on, come one
Tonex is encouraging everyone to join in the fun and dance together.
It's about, yeah, yeah
Tonex emphasizes the importance and excitement of what is happening.
Staluxta, [Incomprehensible]
This line is unintelligible and its meaning is unclear.
O2 come on, yeah, yeah
Tonex is calling for even more energy and excitement from the crowd.
Gettin' tired of the city
Tonex is expressing his desire to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Headin' out to the country
Tonex is finding refuge and peace in nature.
Ain't nobody gonna stop me
Tonex is determined to pursue this escape and nothing will get in his way.
Gotta get the hogs slopped and fed
Tonex has chores to do on the farm, but it brings him joy and fulfillment.
Mama's gonna fix some pancakes
Tonex talks about his mother's comfort food, showing the warmth and love of family.
Jesus takes away the heartache
Tonex finds healing and solace in his faith and relationship with Jesus.
Time to lay aside the world's weight
Tonex wants to let go of the stresses and burdens of the world and focus on spiritual matters.
Won't you let him inside your life today?
Tonex extends an invitation to the listener to embrace Jesus and find peace in their own life.
Doesn't matter what you done before
Tonex wants everyone to know that their past doesn't define them and they can always start anew.
He doesn't care about your past He wants to give you more
Jesus offers forgiveness and redemption, wanting to help people move forward and reach their potential.
All He wants is a chance to make it better
Jesus wants to improve people's lives and make a positive impact.
If your soul is dry inside He'll make it wetter
Tonex describes how Jesus can provide fulfillment and nourishment to those who feel empty or lost.
Now it's summer time there's no more snow outside
Tonex celebrates the season and the end of hardship and difficulties.
Frosty's melted all away the sun is shining bright
Tonex continues to express joy and optimism about the change in season and positive vibes.
For everyone to feel the heat time to move your feet
Tonex encourages everyone to dance and celebrate the new season and good feelings.
Jesus Christ is here to set your soul free
Tonex believes in the transformative power of Jesus and how it can impact people's lives.
I'm dancin' in the Son, there's room for everyone
Tonex is dancing with joy and invites others to join in and celebrate the love of Jesus.
The fun has just begun when you're dancin' in the Son
Tonex emphasizes the happiness and joy that comes with celebrating and enjoying the love of Jesus.
My Daddy, Ghost and Son, all three of these make one
Tonex is referencing the Holy Trinity and affirming his faith and belief in God.
Your sins are forgiven when you're dancin' in the Son
Tonex believes that dancing and celebrating the love of Jesus can lead to forgiveness and healing.
Everybody just a dancin'
Tonex continues to encourage everyone to dance together.
The Holy stone I be romancin'
Tonex is expressing his love and devotion to God.
Lord You got my homies trippin'
Tonex is acknowledging that his friends have also been impacted by God's love and power.
This fried chicken's finger lickin'
Tonex is enjoying some delicious food and appreciating the good things in life.
Yo, Gibraan pass the biscuits
Tonex is simply asking for more food from his friend Gibraan.
We're near the rapture don't you miss it
Tonex believes the end of the world is near and is reminding others to be prepared and not miss out on salvation.
You gotta problem, God can fix it
Tonex trusts in God's ability to help and solve problems.
Taste and see, He's so delicious
Tonex uses food as a metaphor for experiencing and enjoying the goodness of God.
All drenched in sweat
Tonex is dancing and sweating from the energetic celebration.
I bet it was that new heat from nureau '02
Tonex is attributing the high energy to a new style or trend in music from 2002.
Tonex, keep 'em dancin' like Jeremy Parish
Tonex is referencing a person named Jeremy Parish and wants to keep the energy and dancing going like he does.
Urban Dynamics to the narrow roads that people miss trippin'
This line is unclear and its meaning is unclear.
Get your gig on in the Son for shism
Tonex is encouraging everyone to dance and enjoy themselves for the love of Jesus and for the sake of having fun.
Spirit quicken 'em Gibraan Guan talk to Redeems
Tonex is asking his friend Gibraan to help uplift and inspire others with his words and energy.
Walk on earth like a champion, listen
Tonex encourages everyone to walk with confidence and strength, and to listen to God's guidance.
World with one mind we we'll wop until the clock stops tickin'
Tonex envisions a world where everyone is united in joy and harmony, and will dance and celebrate together until the end of time.
That's eternal living
Tonex is referring to the idea of living eternally in heaven with God.
Contributed by Alaina E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Arris Stephane Ibouily Boucka
on Cry No More
Still waiting on the next...