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.
Lord Make Me Over
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let you down so many times
Sin freshly crucifies
Thought that I had a plan
I had it all figured out
But the more that you tried to be by my side
The more I pushed you out
Lord, make me over (oh)
Lord, make me over (make me over again)
Make me over again (is there anybody in this place saying make me over again?)
Make me over again
Time after time I've failed you
Pierced your side when they already nailed you
Jesus, you healed my open wounds
Oh Lord, I just want to be more like you
Father, I let you down
What's not like you, just take it out
Reconcile me Jesus, I just want to please you
Wash me and make me whole
Lord, make me over (oh)
Lord, make me over (oh)
Lord, make me over (make me over again)
Make me over again (is there anybody in this place saying make me over again?)
Make me over again
I'm tired of myself, I'm tired of my evil ways, yeah
Every day it's the same time and the same thing, it's the same
And I'm ready for a change, Lord
Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me
Wave your hands in here and help me say "oh"
Lord, make me over (oh)
Lord, make me over (oh)
Lord, make me over (make me over again)
Make me over again (is there anybody in this place saying make me over again)
Make me over again
The song "Make Me Over" by Tonéx is a gospel song about the singer's desire to change and become a better person. The lyrics describe the singer's realization that they have made mistakes and let others down, and they are asking God to help them transform and become a new person. The singer acknowledges that they have sinned and hurt others, but they want to be healed and reconciled with God.
The chorus of the song repeats the plea, "Lord, make me over" as a prayer of the singer's heart to be renewed and transformed. The verses describe the singer's struggles and how they have failed to live up to their potential, but they are hopeful that God can restore them and help them become the person they were meant to be. The song is a powerful expression of faith and a reminder of the transformative power of God's love.
The message of the song resonates with many people, regardless of their religious beliefs. It speaks to the universal desire to change and improve oneself, and the hope that even our mistakes and failures can be redeemed. The haunting melody and soulful vocals of Tonéx make "Make Me Over" a moving and uplifting musical experience.
Line by Line Meaning
You know my other side, I can no longer hide
I cannot conceal my true self from you any longer, as you are aware of my other persona.
Let you down so many times
I have disappointed you on numerous occasions.
Sin freshly crucifies
My sins are like fresh nails that crucify me every time I commit them.
Thought that I had a plan
I believed that I had everything under control.
I had it all figured out
I thought I knew everything and that I did not need anyone's help.
But the more that you tried to be by my side
Your attempts to help me just pushed me further away.
The more I pushed you out
I distanced myself from you even more.
Time after time I've failed you
I have let you down repeatedly.
Pierced your side when they already nailed you
When you were already suffering, I added to your pain by my actions.
Jesus, you healed my open wounds
Despite my transgressions, you have been the one healing and helping me.
Oh Lord, I just want to be more like you
I aspire to be like you.
Father, I let you down
I have disappointed you, God.
What's not like you, just take it out
Remove anything within me that is not of you.
Reconcile me Jesus, I just want to please you
Bring me back into a state of harmony with you, Jesus. My only desire is to make you happy.
Wash me and make me whole
Cleanse me and restore me to my original state of wellness.
I'm tired of myself, I'm tired of my evil ways, yeah
I am exhausted by my own wickedness and behavior.
Every day it's the same time and the same thing, it's the same
It feels like I am stuck in a cycle of repetition in my life, where I keep committing the same mistakes.
And I'm ready for a change, Lord
I am willing and eager for transformation.
Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me
Help me to cultivate a pure heart and a new, righteous spirit within me.
Wave your hands in here and help me say "oh"
Join me in asking for God's assistance.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Anthony C. Williams II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arris Stephane Ibouily Boucka
on Cry No More
Still waiting on the next...