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.
Real With U
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Faces that aren't so real, hearts, that really cannot feel
The problems that I face, each and every single day
Tell me that I'm not where I'm suppose to be
I remember how tight we use to be
And I want you to draw me closer to Thee
Lord, I tried to live an honest life
I just wanna be real with U
I just wanna live a life that's true
I just wanna be real with U
I just wanna be real with U
I just wanna live a life that's true
I just wanna be real with U
Notice what it takes and Lord, I don't want to be fake
For there's another side of me, Lord, I got to get it straight
And it is my desire to be more like You, each day
But the enemy keeps trying to lead me further, astray
When I come into Your presence, let me feel You
And when I leave the sanctuary, I want to live true
Lord, I tried to live an honest life
So, why do I try to fool God's people all the time?
I just wanna be real with U
I just wanna live a life that's true
I just wanna be real with U
I just wanna be real with U
I just wanna live a life that's true
I just wanna be real with U
I wanna be real, when I sing
I wanna be real, when I preach
I wanna be real, when I minister
I wanna be real with U, Jesus
I wanna be real in season
Wanna be real, out of season
I wanna be real on Sunday
I wanna be real on Monday
I wanna be real
Gotta be real
I wanna be real
I've gotta be real
When I sing
When I preach
When I minister
Want to be real, oh, yeah
The lyrics to Tonéx's song "Real With U" speak to the struggle of living a genuine and authentic life, both in faith and in one's personal life. The analogy of life as a masquerade, with so many different faces, emphasizes the idea that it can be difficult to determine what is genuine and what is not. Tonéx acknowledges that people often hide their true selves and their true feelings, which can make it difficult for him to connect with others. The problems that he faces each day add to his feeling of being lost and unsure of where he is supposed to be in life.
Tonéx then speaks directly to God, asking Him to draw him closer so that he can live a life that is true and honest. He acknowledges that even though he tries to live a life of integrity, he still finds himself trying to fool others and hide his true self. He expresses his desire to be real with God, to feel His presence when he is in the sanctuary and to live his life true to His teachings.
Throughout the song, Tonéx expresses his desire to be real, to be true to himself and to live a life of integrity. He wants to be real when he sings, preaches, and ministers, and in every aspect of his life. The message of the song is relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with the idea of authenticity and the pressure to present a certain image to the world. It encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and to strive for honesty and integrity in all areas of their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Life's a masquerade, filled with so many faces
Life is like a costume ball with so many people wearing different masks.
Faces that aren't so real, hearts, that really cannot feel
People wear masks that hide their true selves and they struggle to show genuine emotions.
The problems that I face, each and every single day
I confront challenges and obstacles on a daily basis.
Tell me that I'm not where I'm suppose to be
I feel lost and uncertain of my direction in life sometimes.
I remember how tight we use to be
I have memories of our close relationship.
And I want you to draw me closer to Thee
I want to be nearer to God and be strengthened by that connection.
Lord, I tried to live an honest life
I strive to live a life of integrity and truthfulness.
So, why do I try to fool God's people all the time?
Despite my efforts to be honest, I often still try to deceive others and myself.
I just wanna be real with U
I want to be authentic, true and genuine with you, God.
Notice what it takes and Lord, I don't want to be fake
I realize the effort required and I am determined to avoid being insincere.
For there's another side of me, Lord, I got to get it straight
I have another, perhaps undesirable side to me that I must confront and address.
And it is my desire to be more like You, each day
I want to emulate and align myself with Jesus, every day.
But the enemy keeps trying to lead me further, astray
External forces try to steer me off the right path towards negativity and evil.
When I come into Your presence, let me feel You
When I am in your presence, I want to feel your divine power, love and warmth.
And when I leave the sanctuary, I want to live true
After I leave the holy space, I want my behavior and actions to reflect my true self and faith.
I wanna be real, when I sing
I want to be authentic and genuine when I sing praises to God.
I wanna be real, when I preach
I want to be truthful and authentic when I preach the word of God.
I wanna be real, when I minister
I want to be sincere and genuine when I serve and aid others in God's name.
I wanna be real with U, Jesus
I want to be genuine and truthful with Jesus.
I wanna be real in season
I want to be authentic and true in good times.
Wanna be real, out of season
I want to be truthful and sincere even in difficult times.
I wanna be real on Sunday
I want to be authentic and truthful on the Sabbath day.
I wanna be real on Monday
I want to be genuine and truthful on the workday.
Gotta be real
I must be true, genuine, and authentic towards God.
I wanna be real
I want to be authentic, truthful, and genuine towards God.
Writer(s): Anthony C. Ii Williams Copyright: New Spring Publishing Inc., Tboyz Tip Music
Contributed by Carson B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rhondacurry6172
Gifts are given without repentance. I'm praying for him to return to that which he was called. This song ministers to my spirit. I love this Man of GOD and his anointing.
@kikikiki3216
Amen
@Valyonga
So badly want Tonex to return to this. To be real again, real in the Lord who still loves him unconditionally.
@tyronfuse240
Amen bro
@jayempire8845
He is still real
@wendellbell4231
This is one of my favorite songs I truly miss him on the gospel side but he's still my brother I pray that he return and make more anointed music God loves him and I do too as a brother
@Aquaman256
Better than todays gospel music...
@aliciaulmer7860
Still listening in 2021!
@amberdiva7566
I really believe he was struggling with his sexuality here. I didn't understand it as a kid, but now I understand being an adult in sin sometime it makes you feel complacent, yet confused. Its like it hurt so good. You wanna break free, but the sin just be calling you in. Im not gay but he definitely was pouring his whole heart into this. I get it
@marshawnajackson4597
i want to be real with God and live a life thats true. Its so hard with so many people consistently judging you.