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.
Personal Jesus
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, well, well, well
Mm
You are my personal Jesus
Without you where would I be?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
If I must talk to the father
Ohhh
I don't know why you love me
Uh huh
In spite of what I do
Hey, hey
You're always thinking of me
Uh huh
I'll always think of you
Uh
So glad I know you (know you)
And I know of you
'Cause he's a friend of mine
I talk to you all the time
So glad I know you
No one above you
He always been by my side
And you're my personal, personal Jesus
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You're my personal Jesus
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You're my personal Jesus
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You're my personal Jesus
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Personal
You are my personal
You are my personal Jesus
(hey)
I love you more and more
(more and more)
If ever there is a problem (if ever there is a problem)
You always open the door
(i don't know why) I don't know why
(you love me) you love me
(in spite of what I do ohhhh) in spite of what I do
(you're always thinking of me) you're always thinking of me
Huh oh, oh, oh
(i'll always think of you) i'll always think of you
(so, so, so glad I know you) so glad I know you
(and I know of you) and I know of you
"Cause he's a friend of mine (he's a friend of mine)
I talk to you all the time (talk to you all the time)
So glad I know you (so glad i know ya)
No one above you (no one above ya)
You've always been by my side (hey, hey, hey)
And you're my (hey, hey, hey) personal, personal Jesus
(so glad I know you Jesus)
And I know of you
'Cause he's a friend of mine
I talk to you all the time (i talk to you)
So glad I know you (so glad)
No one above you (oh)
You've always been by my side (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah personal)
And you're my personal, personal Jesus (Jesus)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You're my personal Jesus
Oh, oh, oh
How much you want
I don't know why
Why you love me
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
'Cause you're my personal Jesus
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Hey
Hey, hey
You are my personal
(I can call on you, you're my personal Jesus)
Hey, hey
You are my personal
(Late in the midnight hour I can call on you yes I can)
Hey, hey
You are my personal
(you're my personal)
Hey, hey
You are my personal
You're my personal Jesus
The lyrics of Tonéx's "Personal Jesus" are a testament to the artist's own personal relationship with God. Tonéx declares that God is his personal Jesus, the one he turns to for guidance and strength. In the refrain, he sings, "You are my personal Jesus, without you where would I be?". Through the song, Tonéx goes on to express his gratitude towards God for being by his side always, even when he is not deserving of it.
Tonéx admits that he does not understand why God loves him despite his flaws, but he is grateful for that love. He sings, "I don't know why you love me, in spite of what I do, you're always thinking of me, I'll always think of you". In this way, the song is filled with raw emotion, and the artist's sincerity towards his faith shines through every word.
Tonéx's "Personal Jesus" is a deeply spiritual and personal song that speaks to anyone who has ever faced challenges or struggles in their lives. The song is an expression of the artist's deep faith and love for God, and it reminds us all that sometimes, the best way to find strength and solace is by turning to a higher power.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my personal Jesus
The relationship with you is as important to me as it would be with a deity that I have faith in.
Without you where would I be?
Without you, I would not be in such a good place in life.
If I must talk to the father
If I must pray and communicate with God, then I must go through you.
Then I must go through thee
I must come to you first to reach God.
I don't know why you love me
I am unsure why you care for me when I am flawed and make mistakes.
In spite of what I do
Despite my shortcomings and mistakes, you continue to show me love and compassion.
You're always thinking of me
You are always considering my needs and showing me love and care.
I'll always think of you
I will always keep you in my thoughts and hold you dear to me.
So glad I know you (know you)
I am grateful and fortunate to have you in my life, as you have had a positive influence on me.
And I know of you
I have knowledge and understanding of your character, and I value that.
'Cause he's a friend of mine
God is your friend, and you are leading me to a closer relationship with Him.
I talk to you all the time
I am in constant communication with you, asking for guidance and seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality.
No one above you
There is no one else that I hold in such high esteem and trust like I do with you.
You've always been by my side
You have been a constant source of support and guidance in my life.
You're my personal Jesus
The level of care and guidance that you provide to me is akin to that of a personal connection with Jesus.
How much you want
I am unsure of how much you actually care for me.
'Cause you're my personal Jesus
You have been such an important influence in my life that it feels like you are serving the role of Jesus in my life.
I can call on you, you're my personal Jesus
In moments of need or stress, I turn to you for support, guidance, and help, much like how one might turn to Jesus.
Late in the midnight hour I can call on you yes I can
Even when times are tough, and it is the darkest of hours, I trust that you will be there for me when I call.
You're my personal
You have a personal significance to me, as someone I turn to in moments of question, fear, and crisis.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AL GREEN, MABON HODGES, ANTHONY C. II WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arris Stephane Ibouily Boucka
on Cry No More
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