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.
Games
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now we got flavor on top of flavor. I'm talkin' about we got the
Old school flavor & the New school flavor Somethin' new from the
LB Fam I'm the local & I want you you & you to get ready & party.
Cheeks drop it on 'em...
Yo the situations I'm in it seem my life's out of order
escape place my tape in the recorder
realize that there's mad Fam' missin'
I'm holdin' back the tears
no doubt we lost many peers
Mom Dukes held it down many years
Now many chumps came & left
when my Pop Dukes split
no doubt I had it bad as a kid
but held it down no to the school
meetin' slugger now everything's cool
155 niggas kept it live no doubt
Mr. Tel is comin' down to roll out
We S'in (Smokin') out all the time in the yard all nine
talkin' 'bout that car's mine
Young niggas growin' up in the city
enjoyed the streets 'cause at home things was shitty
My mom's boyfriend tryin' to break her down & hurt her
not yet drinkin' but still thinkin' murder
Pro Players & weeds under Christmas trees
Gramma said there'll be days like these
Now when my Granpops passed away
what can I say?
A nigga flips still to this day
I'm gettin' high drinkin' whiskey with the thugs now
I'm on the Van with my man sellin' drugs now
I'm in my zone
You see there's 8 million stories in the spot I'm from
LB Fam never stop 'til the job gets done
Word to moms pay attention to the slang we say
Hot ass grams but it still be them Games we play
You see there's 8 million stories in the spot I'm from
LB Fam never stop 'til the job gets done
Word to moms pay attention to the slang we say
Hot ass grams but it still be them Games we play
In Junior High me & Lou we dressin' neater
I'm on the special with Taliek master skeeter
At hooky parties gettin' tipsy with the bangdods
O E Newports chicken wings & french fries
Knuckleheads S'in out on the school trips
not into liquor at the time but took a few sips
I'm gettin' life on young plan of makin' G's
gettin' dough from shovelin' snow & rakin' leaves
Politicin' on the Van with the old cats
pushin' plush Cadillacs holdin' cold gats
I wanna be like you one night I said to Mike G.
His reply get yo' money don't be like me
I mean it looks hella good but this life is a shame
I hustle to survive in the game
(I know) nothin' else but hustlin' & scramblin'
jailtime, bustin' & gamblin'
My main chick is on 'caine now
I mean she ain't actin' the same now
I seen mad niggas in the game style
but the key to survival is maintain pal
Yo when I get enough cheese I'm gone
until then life goes on &on &on &on &on
You see there's 8 million stories in the spot I'm from
LB Fam never stop 'til the job gets done
Word to moms pay attention to the slang we say
Hot ass grams but it still be them Games we play
You see there's 8 million stories in the spot I'm from
LB Fam never stop 'til the job gets done
Word to moms pay attention to the slang we say
Hot ass grams but it still be them Games we play
Yo, eighteen years of age gettin' green on the scene
in front of Coliseum vibin' with the team
Organized the lab different chicks same cab
skills in the dice nice with the jab
I'm gettin' money baggin' honeys in the acres
officials out to make a Queen's money makers
ride around in stolen jeeps
Now as I creep through the streets I lost mad peeps
Now as the years ran on I noticed mad bang
never go against the grain
Now durin' that time we's makin' no cash
sayin' that this shit can't last
Came up with this plot to get mad cheese
right or wrong we's official LB'z
Lost a lot of Fam' on the road to success
Rest In Peace God Bless
You see there's 8 million stories in the spot I'm from
LB Fam never stop 'til the job gets done
Word to moms pay attention to the slang we say
Hot ass grams but it still be them Games we play
You see there's 8 million stories in the spot I'm from
LB Fam never stop 'til the job gets done
Word to moms pay attention to the slang we say
Hot ass grams but it still be them Games we play
knowhatImean
Mr. Sexxx Queen's Most Wanted Luv Bug Starski
a ha a ha. LB Fam Group Home be the click
knowhatImean
The lyrics to Tonéx's song, Games, are a reflection of his life growing up in Long Beach, California. The lyrics convey how difficult it can be to grow up in a place where there is so much violence and despair, and how easy it is to get caught up in dangerous situations or "games." Tonéx talks about losing friends and family members to these games, and how it has affected him, both emotionally and mentally. Despite the darkness that surrounds him, Tonéx maintains a sense of hope and resilience throughout the lyrics, noting that Long Beach never stops until the job gets done.
Tonéx's lyrics also highlight the power of language and slang within his community. He urges listeners to pay attention to the way people speak, noting that there can be a lot of hidden meaning and context behind certain words and phrases. It's in the way people talk that you can recognize where they come from or what they've been through.
Overall, Games is a song that speaks to the complexities of growing up in a place like Long Beach, where the games people play can often have deadly consequences. But it is also a song that celebrates the strength and resilience of the LB Fam, who never stop until the job gets done.
Line by Line Meaning
Awww yeah, party people you lookin' good out there
Introduction to the lyrical story, Tonéx is addressing the people.
Now we got flavor on top of flavor. I'm talkin' about we got the Old school flavor & the New school flavor Somethin' new from the LB Fam
Tonéx is adding that there is more than one kind of flavor in the music scene, and the LB Fam brings a new sound.
I'm the local & I want you you & you to get ready & party. Cheeks drop it on 'em...
He's getting the audience worked up for a party and Cheeks is about to get things going.
Yo the situations I'm in it seem my life's out of order escape place my tape in the recorder I sit back spark & listen' start my reminiscin' realize that there's mad Fam' missin'
Tonéx reminiscing about his life and the people who are missing in his life.
I'm holdin' back the tears no doubt we lost many peers Mom Dukes held it down many years Now many chumps came & left when my Pop Dukes split no doubt I had it bad as a kid but held it down no to the school meetin' slugger now everything's cool
Tonéx is talking about the emotional struggles he went through in life.
155 niggas kept it live no doubt Mr. Tel is comin' down to roll out We S'in (Smokin') out all the time in the yard all nine talkin' 'bout that car's mine
Tonéx and his crew would spend time together smoking, laughing, and dreaming about a better future.
Young niggas growin' up in the city enjoyed the streets 'cause at home things was shitty My mom's boyfriend tryin' to break her down & hurt her not yet drinkin' but still thinkin' murder
He talks about growing up in the city and how his mom's boyfriend affected his life.
Pro Players & weeds under Christmas trees Gramma said there'll be days like these Now when my Granpops passed away what can I say? A nigga flips still to this day
Tonéx remembers the days when Mary Jane and criminal activity were his only joys in life.
I'm gettin' high drinkin' whiskey with the thugs now I'm on the Van with my man sellin' drugs now I'm in my zone
He's getting sucked into the life and routines of being a criminal.
You see there's 8 million stories in the spot I'm from, LB Fam never stop 'til the job gets done
Tonéx says that there are many stories of struggle, hardship, and endurance in his neighborhood. But his crew will never give up until they are successful.
Word to moms pay attention to the slang we say Hot ass grams but it still be them Games we play
Tonéx is reminding us that life is full of games, and we have to be careful about who we trust and what we say.
In Junior High me & Lou we dressin' neater I'm on the special with Taliek master skeeter At hooky parties gettin' tipsy with the bangdods O E Newports chicken wings & french fries Knuckleheads S'in out on the school trips not into liquor at the time but took a few sips
Tonéx remembers the fun times he had in junior high school with his friends.
I'm gettin' life on young plan of makin' G's gettin' dough from shovelin' snow & rakin' leaves Politicin' on the Van with the old cats pushin' plush Cadillacs holdin' cold gats
Tonéx was determined to make money even if it was through unconventional means, like shoveling snow and raking leaves. He also talks about riding with older, experienced gang members to make connections.
I wanna be like you one night I said to Mike G. His reply get yo' money don't be like me I mean it looks hella good but this life is a shame I hustle to survive in the game
Tonéx takes inspiration from older neighborhood figures, but they do not always give him good advice. They warn him about the harsh reality of the life he's choosing.
(I know) nothin' else but hustlin' & scramblin' jailtime, bustin' & gamblin' My main chick is on 'caine now I mean she ain't actin' the same now I seen mad niggas in the game style but the key to survival is maintain pal
Tonéx is talking about the dangers of drug use and getting trapped in the hustle. He has seen many in the game fail because of this.
Yo when I get enough cheese I'm gone until then life goes on &on &on &on &on
Tonéx is saying that one day when he has enough money, he will leave this lifestyle behind forever. Until that day comes, life goes on.
Yo, eighteen years of age gettin' green on the scene in front of Coliseum vibin' with the team Organized the lab different chicks same cab skills in the dice nice with the jab I'm gettin' money baggin' honeys in the acres officials out to make a Queen's money makers ride around in stolen jeeps
Tonéx reflects on his coming of age and all of the activities associated with the lifestyle.
Now as I creep through the streets I lost mad peeps Now as the years ran on I noticed mad bang never go against the grain
Tonéx reflects on the losses he has endured, and he learned that you can never go against the flow of the game.
Now durin' that time we's makin' no cash sayin' that this shit can't last Came up with this plot to get mad cheese right or wrong we's official LB'z
Tonéx and his group figured out a way to make some money, even if it was through illicit or dangerous means.
Lost a lot of Fam' on the road to success Rest In Peace God Bless knowhatImean Mr. Sexxx Queen's Most Wanted Luv Bug Starski a ha a ha. LB Fam Group Home be the click
Tonéx pays tribute to the people he has lost while trying to achieve success in the game.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN HIGGINS, ELIZA NOBLE, JENNIFER SKILLMAN, TIMOTHY DEAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arris Stephane Ibouily Boucka
on Cry No More
Still waiting on the next...