Customer Reviews

The Hostile Takeover

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just bought this CD last weekend, and it is definitely different. But then again, being different is something he's always set out to do. I must commend him for originality, because there are so many Christian musicians that sound alike. Let's be honest, that has been a mainstay in Christian music, that it has to sound a certain way, and if someone attempt to bring a different sound to gospel, they'll experience opposition by some right off the bat. Remember Rance Allen? And the song, "Oh Happy Day"? They are classics now, but when they first came out, they were written off as too wild. On the other hand, artists who make old AND new Christian music tend produce tracks that all sound the same.

Having your own sound and sticking to it is one thing (like Fred Hammond), but when your stuff sounds like everyone else's, it gets stale. Tonex has attempted to against both grains and develop his own style of music, which he calls "Nureau," which actually has similarities to George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Like their styles, Nureau is interesting enough, and it contains production techniques few people even know how to use, much less want to. Songs like "Figure" are a perfect example, a songs that Prince would've probably done if he accepted Christ, accept with more live instruments. I always commend Christian artists who are original, because it's easy, and at times preferred, to sound like someone else, traditional or contemporary. One thing about that Tonex strayed from on this album to his detriment, is his jazz-styled production. The songs in the "Jazz" section of his last album were arguably the best ones on the album. Granted, he did do better on the Hip-Hop side, with "Firewater" and "In A Minute" being two of the best songs on the album. But he could've had more slow jams of the same scale as "Babyface"(which, oddly enough, is a song based on the Nativity story)and "Next to You." That would have been a great mix of styles, just like his last album. Then again, as I stated before, repeating the same styles and patterns is a carnal sin to Tonex; he refuses to stick with the same old, same old. I believe his goal this time around was to "make you move front to back, [and] make beats for Cadillacs," as the song song "Front 2 Back" points out.

This album was definitely made for the believers in Christ who appreciate Hip Hop-based Christian music. "Firewater" is definitely a head-nodder...once you figure out the rhythym, of course. That's one other thing that can keep a person from fully enjoying Tonex's music: his penchant for non-linear rhythyms. Trying to follow the flow his more complex songs can be frustrating and can result in skipping to the next track. One example is "John The Baptist." The song takes a while because the rythym is an 8-beat, but the instruments and vocals by Jah Word doesn't follow a straight 8-beat. In laymen's terms, the rhymes and synthesizers are off-beat in a big way. It's not a bad thing, but it can be seen as one to some people. The other example is "High Place," featuring Tonex's mother. The channel and chorus in that song still confuse me to this day. One day I'll get it, though. But other folk may give up trying.

I know Tonex's trying new things, but the whole purpose of music, Christian or secular, is and enjoyment. If a person cannot enjoy the music, it affects the message in the song, whether we Christians want to admit it or not. Christian music is unique in that the message of the song is the focal point rather than the music, or at least it should be. Still, a wise minister once told me the delivery is just as important as the message. Tonex's message in his songs are very clear in certain cases, like "In A Minute," but his delivery has always been a source of disturbance for some, be it music style or his actual appearance. This is for all, intents and purposes, a good upbeat CD that is best played with the bass turned up high. A good experiment which produced good results.

Okay, I know that the CD is old and Tonex's coming out with another one in a couple of weeks or so. But I really love this CD!!! My faves are 'John the Baptist,' 'Dizzy,' and 'High Place.' Who am I foolin'? The whole CD is a classic! I think that Tonex's innovative beats is what makes his music stand out and grab ya! It definitely gets your attention, and isn't this what this is all about? Getting the young people's and sinner man's attention???? Now for someone who is more of the 'Mighty Clouds of Joy,' or a 'Shirley Caesar' fan (of which I am!) if that is all you like to listen to, then you won't be able to get wit' this. My kids absolutely LOVE this album! They are being reached where they are...preteen and teens alike! I can handle it all as long as it is lifting up the name of Jesus!!

Also...make it a point to go see da man in concert...it is a church service!! I shouted like I was in a revival at a Tonex concert in Albany, NY a few years back! My kids remember that to this day!

Much love and blessings to ya!

I just purchased this CD last week. It is GREAT!!!!The first time I listened I thought okaaaaaay, but by day two it was rotating HEAVILY in my car Cd player, computer, system and anywhere else that I could play my CD. I have some favorites on the project. "Triumph" is by far my favorite, "My Help" is a close second, and everything else is great too. There are a lot of talented vocalists on the Cd and if you are a true music listener you will appreciate the messages behind the music

Anybody that is familiar with Tonex's work will surely not be disappointed!!! One reason I bought this CD is because I have a lot of contemporary gospel that is only slow music, or the kind of music that you listen to during worship & praise at church. I love that music also, but I also needed something that I could bump when I go out with my girls, or my man!! This is one contemporary gospel CD that can rock the house in a spiritual way!! As soon as you put this CD in your player, there are tight beats that will make you move, dance and bob your head!! I could not stop dancing! Tonex uses his very strong and beautiful voice to let listeners know he is very serious about Christ, and this is not joke but a "HOstile Takeover". I am very impressed by the lyrics also. This is one gospel CD that you can listen to on the weekend, at a party or while driving around with your friends, and still continue to get your praise on!!!!

This would have to be the best gospel album of the year. The gospel award shows and other conservative Christians have been sleeping on people like Tonex, Crossmovement, KJ-52, DJ Maj, LA Symphony, 4th Avenue Jones etc., but this album will wake people up to the fact the Nureau gospel music is here to stay.

"We are not asking for permission, we are taking over" is how the album starts off and clearly states that Tonex means business. The rest of the album is just like piece of sweet potato pie that seems to get better with every bite. With a mix of Jay-z like hip-hop to good ol' fashioned chuch(and no, that's not a miss spelling) music, this album will satisfy you from start to finish (and its over 60 minutes long which is not typical for a gospel CD, except for WOW)

Please get this album and support Tonex. He is a blessed and anointed man of God that needs not only the prayers of the saints but the financial support as well. Holla!

3.5 Stars>>>>>>>>>Before the ground-breaking O2, and before the Thriller-like thrill ride aptly titled Out The Box, Tonex put out this compilation which featured delegates from the Nureau camp. These include Shelley Gaines, Gibraan, Lanee Battle, Rhema K, Jah Word, Reality, Kimme, Ms. Tonex (tonex's wife), Brotha Los, and 5.0. Tonex's parents, A.C. & E.B Williams are also featured on this album. At press time, some of these said artists no longer work with Tonex anymore for complicated reasons. A falling out maybe? Who knows. Anyway this album was a step up in terms of production for a gospel rap album. Most gospel rap on the radio that I've heard mostly have that mid 90's underground hip-hop sound, but this album doesn't disappoint, at least not entirely.

As I said in my review title, this album is pre-O2 production, O2 being Tonex's second mainstream album. If you really follow Nureau and Tonex like I do, you will see that his production before O2 is only half as good as his production after that album. This man went thru a metamorphosis it seems after that LP. However, though the Tonex then can't light a candle to the Tonex now, this album is still above average. There are some songs that just seem to be missing something ("Figure", "Until I'm Done Singin'", "Next To U" and "Dizzy"), some that impress a little bit ("John The Baptist", "Firewater", "High Place", "Automatic", and "Triumph") and then some that really hit the spot. These include "In A Minute" (hot track, 'nuff said), "Front 2 Back" (a track to be played while ridin' in a drop-top no doubt!!), "My Help"(the only "traditional" sounding song on the album), and "Babyface" (Tonex's wife headlines this offering). Above average LP from the Nureau camp, before Tonex was the cream of the crop in gospel music. When you listen to this, it'll show you how his producing/vocal arranging skills have grown and how he has become a more complete artist/producer with time. Get this album, and any other album with the word "NUREAU" attached to it. You will never be disappointed.

Well, after the 1st song on the album ("The Nureaupean Anthem"), you know that this time Tonex is really up to something. The words, "I tried to warn you" is what every listener should know before you pick this CD up. This CD from Tonex, and his cohorts from the MSS. Dynasty, truly is groundbreaking material in gospel. There should not be anyone out there that feels like they can't listen to gospel music now. The CD takes you on a 'nureaupean' quest of music, from T'boy's (Tonex) song, "Front 2 Back," to the blazing Swizz-Beat-like music in the song "Firewater." The song "Figure" from Tonex still has me trying to figure out how annointed this young man is. "Babyface" is another beautiful song by Tonex's wife, Mrs. Williams. I have to keep an eye out on her release!! And Tonex even laced his mom, E.B. Williams with a tight cut called, "The High Place." And the last song...WHOOOOOOOH!!! I'm not even going to mention it!! But, it's so good to find diversity among the people of GOD. Because God is doing a 'new thing,' Tonex and his MSS. Dynasty is among the first to showcase the true talent and gifts that God has endowed them with to reach this generation and those to come.

This CD was ok for me. Some of the tracks on the CD I thought sounded horrible. It was only 5 tracks that I enjoyed. The last track "My Help" I really liked; it had the tradional church sound to it. Overall if people are into gospel rap this CD is for you. I am not really into rap so I really did not enjoy this CD. O2 much better.