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.
When I Call
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Raw skills, in the backroom. SLAUGHTERHOUSE
[Verse 1: Joe Budden]
(8/28 Welcome to: Our House, Shady House Gang, We go..Check this..Look..)
If the motto of the lotto is a dollar and a dream
I don't play it every day it's just insomnia and cream
Don't make a bad point like Mike Conley's on your team
(Bdatt, Bdatt) Writing's on the wall, know the languages
Learned from Denzel, even a safe house is dangerous
You watch me, I might appear like I do robberies
Brain introduced cocky, don't misconstrue the mirage, B
Flip side, strangers think I'm cool probably
See him throwin' pool parties, bad broads and nude bodies but
My script was edited, I had a ton of change
Project X now, but it started as a Hunger Game
Your bars backed up, pink I'll keep strokin'
But you without a release, tell me how we gon' come the same?
I'm watching paraplegic's sayin' they run the game
I'll be in the cut, let 'em claim what they wanna claim
[Verse 2: Royce da 5'9]
Uhh, my clique shottas, you ain't fuckin' with this roster
My chick a knockout, head to toe like a kick-boxer
Don't get boxed up, your chick got her lips cocked up
I pulled my dick outta my boxers and Chris Bosh'd her
Uh, now that my AK's out in the open
I put his mind on vacay, I rerouted his focus
Yeah, now that the ace spade bottle is open
I'm tryna ménage with J.K. Rowling and Oprah
I'm a soldier, uh, I'm not polite my G
I got lighters, I don't care about your life
I don't need to run the streets, I don't need yo plot
They don't call me Royce for nothin' my baby I got the white
I'll put you on the asphalt, you try to rip my cash off
Rip ya face off and season it with bath salts
I know my way around here like if I designed a compass
When my girl come around here I feel like I jumped inside of a trumpet
I got it locked like I laid my vocal booths in the vault
Especially when it's dark I get desolate with thoughts
I'm gettin' green like Brian Pumper under water
With his whole jewel collection on, wrestlin' the Hulk
Talkin' bout they bust a heater
But when I see 'em, they be more like Justin Bieber
I be with flussers, skeezers, diva..
(Joell, you're supposed to help me out man!)
[Verse 3: Joell Ortiz]
(8/28 as well..YAOWA!)
Don't act up, we in the back room, back up
I want everything Green Bay, everybody pack up
Your raps suck, I spit like I'm down to my last buck
Mad stuff ain't in the fridge, not a packet of ketchup
You that tough? You don't talk, you spark it instead?
Wal-Mart next door, you put a Target to bed?
You a marksman with lead? Here's a mark on my head
You a Mark, all you do is argue with Ted
You ain't hood, you drive past it and glance
I still hood trade my cash fo' they stamps
Those who ain't g-e-t G.E.D.s in class fashion
I offer BET, EBT transactions
You feel I'm too cocky? Quit
I'll pay your little cable bill so you can watch me spit
Problems, I'll make your eye grow like a wildflower
Cuz twitter's the only time you'll see 'em pound Yaowa
I got bars for days, I'm lyin', I got bars for weeks, I'm lyin'
I got bars for years, I'm lyin', I got bars for aeons
Don't ever put me on the same level as these lil suckers rhymin'
And yes I'm hood when the show's over, fo sho
You a 'fo I let the four fold ya
Boom, pow, bam like the old Joker
Put your face all over Brooklyn like a HOV poster
You played in grass dog, I played in gravel
On the same roof as the enemy when he was flamin' at you
We threw Snapples at the Taber-nacle
I mean the Tabernacle, whatever, the place that had the prayin' statues
You put me in that garden, I'da ate the apple
Put a worm on a hook as a bait to catch a flamin' snapper
Man I ain't tryna be a famous rapper
It's just you dudes slackin' and I'm cool spazzin'..
[Verse 4: Crooked I (Interrupts Joell Ortiz)]
You dudes actin' like Hugh Jackman
You dudes lickin' the boot straps of these new rappers that never knew snappin'
Move back with ya cute rappin' while you yappin'
I'm V.I.P. with the loot stackin', ya boo crackin'
I'm probably too ghetto for rap dudes
I'm probably in BET's bathroom, nursin' my stab wounds
I probably just murdered the back room
You rappers probably act goon, probably pussy as cat womb
All of you villains in french braids, pretendin' you concealing them switch blades
Quit man
Crooked put life insurance on the beat, then I kill it to get paid
Yeah, I listen to you ignorant niggas spittin'
It's like I feel my IQ slippin' 'til I'm still in the fifth grade
Do me a fave, swallow a grizznade
Yeah, homie follow the Slizz Nang (?)
I salute ya if you follow the Slaughterous Gizzang
Why would I fear for?
When a cypher I'm the kind of guy that'll watch ya die behind a 99 cent store
I'm fine with my (?), I ride with my rich
Arrive in my in-store, I drive my six-four
Hop out, yell out, Welcome To Our House
Bitch, house slippers on, that chopper under my outfit
Until the day y'all allow
Mitt Romney to make freedom of speech illegal, I'mma spit wild shit
You rap crazy lame, I stack daily mane
It's that Shady gang, the fat lady sang
That means it's over for all of y'all
The way that we the new Juice Crew, Eminem should stand for Marley Marl, SLAUGHTERHOUSE
The song "When I Call" by Tonex is a gospel song that is based on the idea that we can call on God whenever we need help or guidance. The song is about the relationship between a person and God, and how prayer can help us get through hard times. Tonex sings about the power of prayer and how it can be a source of strength and comfort in difficult times. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "When I call, you answer" to emphasize the idea that God is always there for us when we need him.
In the first verse, Tonex sings about the struggles that he has faced in his life, including poverty and loneliness. He talks about how these struggles have led him to turn to God for guidance, and that he has found solace in prayer. In the second verse, he talks about the importance of forgiveness and how it can bring peace to our lives. He sings about the need to let go of anger and resentment, and how this can help us to heal.
Overall, the song is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and prayer in our lives. It speaks to the struggles that we all face in life, and how we can find strength and comfort in turning to God for help.
Line by Line Meaning
If the motto of the lotto is a dollar and a dream
Playing the lottery is often seen as a way out of poverty and difficult circumstances.
I don't play it every day it's just insomnia and cream
The singer doesn't play the lottery regularly, but still has hopes and dreams of success.
Fools lookin' for Joe they need a tapper with a beam
People who are searching for the singer need to be precise and direct, or they won't find what they're looking for.
Don't make a bad point like Mike Conley's on your team
If you make a bad argument or decision, it will be just as detrimental as having a weak player on a sports team.
Writing's on the wall, know the languages
There are clear signs and signals that point to what is happening or will happen, and it's important to pay attention and understand them.
Learned from Denzel, even a safe house is dangerous
Even places that are supposed to be safe can become dangerous, as demonstrated by Denzel Washington's character in the movie 'Safe House.'
I might appear like I do robberies
The singer may seem like a criminal or someone up to no good, but it's not true.
Brain introduced cocky, don't misconstrue the mirage, B
The artist's confidence or cockiness is not a mirage or an illusion, but a product of their thoughts and beliefs.
Flip side, strangers think I'm cool probably
People who don't know the artist may think they're cool or impressive, but there is more to them than meets the eye.
See him throwin' pool parties, bad broads and nude bodies but
People may see the artist hosting wild and extravagant parties, but there is more to them than that surface level image.
My script was edited, I had a ton of change
The singer has changed or evolved over time and has experienced a lot of growth or transformation.
Project X now, but it started as a Hunger Game
The artist's life or career may look like a wild party or celebration now, but it began as a struggle or battle to survive.
Your bars backed up, pink I'll keep strokin'
Your rhymes or lyrics aren't strong or powerful, while the singer will keep honing their craft and improving.
But you without a release, tell me how we gon' come the same?
If you haven't released any music or put in the effort and work to develop your skills, you can't be compared to the singer in terms of success or experience.
I'm watching paraplegic's sayin' they run the game
People who are powerless or disabled are claiming to be in charge or successful, and the singer isn't impressed or fooled.
I'll be in the cut, let 'em claim what they wanna claim
The artist will stay quiet and let others make their own false or inflated claims about being successful or powerful.
My chick a knockout, head to toe like a kick-boxer
The artist's romantic partner is attractive and fit, similar to a professional kickboxer.
Don't get boxed up, your chick got her lips cocked up
Don't get into trouble or a difficult situation, while another person's partner is ready to speak or act in an aggressive or confrontational manner.
I pulled my dick outta my boxers and Chris Bosh'd her
The singer had sexual intercourse with the other person's partner, similar to how basketball player Chris Bosh slammed or dunked the ball.
I put his mind on vacay, I rerouted his focus
The artist distracted or confused the other person, making them lose concentration or attention.
Yeah, now that the ace spade bottle is open
Now that they have opened a bottle of quality alcohol or champagne, they are ready to celebrate or enjoy themselves.
I'm tryna ménage with J.K. Rowling and Oprah
The artist wants to have a threesome with author J.K. Rowling and media mogul Oprah Winfrey.
My clique shottas, you ain't fuckin' with this roster
The singer's group is full of skilled and dangerous individuals, and others shouldn't mess with them.
I want everything Green Bay, everybody pack up
The artist wants to take everything and leave nothing behind, like how a winning football team (Green Bay Packers) takes the victory and celebrates.
Your raps suck, I spit like I'm down to my last buck
The other person's rhymes or lyrics are weak or unimpressive, while the singer is trying their best and giving it their all.
Contributed by Charlie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@itsreal0432
😂🤣🤣