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.
o2
Tonéx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has music really come to this?
Can't believe what I just saw on the video
Kids watching 2 girls kiss
Now I ain't hatin? on nobody?s hustle
'cause I know that the root is greed
Labels keep on manufacturing
Everybody don't wanna hear this mess now
People want some oxygen
People want to breathe
Whatever you feed them
That's what they're gonna eat
Now it?s time to get back to the music now
It?s a gift from God so be careful how you use it now
Get high off of creativity
Flaunt your craft not your sexuality
Artists in this industry
Have a responsibility
To make songs that inspire
Human morality
People want some oxygen
People want to breathe
Whatever you feed them
That's what they're gonna eat
People want some oxygen
People want to breathe
Whatever you feed them
That's what they're gonna eat
Breathe
Check
People want some oxygen
People want to breathe
Whatever you feed them
That's what they're gonna eat
People want some oxygen
People want to breathe
Whatever you feed them
That's what they're gonna eat
People want some oxygen
People want to breathe
Whatever you feed them
That's what they're gonna eat
People want some oxygen
People want to breathe
And whatever you feed them
That's what they're gonna eat
The lyrics to Tonex's song "o2" are a reflection on the state of the music industry and the impact it has on society. Tonex expresses his disbelief in the content that is being produced and consumed by the masses, particularly the sexualization of young people in music videos. He recognizes that the root cause of these issues is greed, as record labels continue to prioritize profit over morality.
Tonex acknowledges that not everyone wants to hear this message, but argues that people deserve to breathe and be given quality content. He implores artists to use their gift from God responsibly and to focus on creativity rather than sexuality. As artists in the industry, Tonex believes that there is a responsibility to create music that inspires human morality and to be mindful of the impact their work has on society.
Overall, the song is a call to action for the industry to take responsibility for the messages they are putting out into the world and to prioritize the well-being of their audience over profit.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't believe what I just heard on the radio
Expressing disbelief at the unacceptable content of the music played on the radio.
Has music really come to this?
Questioning the quality and morality of modern music.
Can't believe what I just saw on the video
Exclaiming shock at the indecent and immoral content of music videos.
Kids watching 2 girls kiss
Reacting to the inappropriate and harmful influence of music on young minds.
Now I ain't hatin? on nobody?s hustle
Stating that he does not intend to criticize or offend anyone's profession or work.
'cause I know that the root is greed
Acknowledging that the main motivator behind the production and promotion of music is money and profit.
Labels keep on manufacturing
Commenting on the trend of record labels producing and promoting music that lacks artistic or moral value.
While they procreate immorality
Accusing record labels of contributing to the spread of immoral and harmful content through their music production and promotion.
Everybody don't wanna hear this mess now
Acknowledging that many people may not want to listen to or confront the truth about the state of the music industry.
People want some oxygen
Implying that people desire to consume music that is refreshing, positive, and inspiring.
People want to breathe
Emphasizing the desire of listeners to enjoy music that is free from negativity, vulgarity, and immorality.
Whatever you feed them
Asserting that the content of music will influence the preferences and values of the audience.
That's what they're gonna eat
Affirming that the audience will react to and consume music based on its content and quality.
Now it?s time to get back to the music now
Proposing a return to music that is uplifting, inspiring, and creative.
It?s a gift from God so be careful how you use it now
Acknowledging the importance of music and the need to use it wisely and responsibly for the greater good.
Get high off of creativity
Encouraging artists to tap into their creative potential and make music that is innovative and original.
Flaunt your craft not your sexuality
Advising artists to focus on showcasing their artistic ability and talent rather than relying on sexual appeal or suggestive content.
Artists in this industry
Referring to musicians and performers who work in the music industry.
Have a responsibility
Asserting that artists have a moral duty to create music that is positive, respectful, and inspiring.
To make songs that inspire
Stating the purpose of music as a means of motivating, uplifting, and encouraging the audience.
Human morality
Referring to the ethical and moral values that are fundamental to human nature and society.
Breathe
Encouraging the audience to take a deep breath and reflect on the importance of music and its impact on society.
Check
Concluding the song with a colloquial term that means 'that's it' or 'over and out.'
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: KEVIN MICHAEL WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arris Stephane Ibouily Boucka
on Cry No More
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