About Me
REVIEW
The newest release by Grammy-nominated, Stellar Award-sweeping artist TONEX, " The Naked Truth ", which was released in limited quantities on June 6th, explores what happens when one is pushed to their "yin" side, the side of us that theoretically holds our anger, frustration, and the "darker" side of our personality.
One year ago to the date of this album's release, TONEX released as a Myspace single a scathing track called " The Naked Truth ". This song was akin to a volcano, the Hulk to David Banner. Keeping silent over personal attacks by external people and situations which caused TONEX emotional, financial and, at one point, spiritual pain, he finally spoke up little by little up to this point, regarding the death of his father, his divorce, and other situations in his life. Once he was pushed past his limit as the attacks became more personal and disrespectful toward him and his family, he recorded and leaked " The Naked Truth ". Sprinkled with a few expletives, it automatically caused a storm of controversy, and also brought TONEX a brand new audience: the religiously disenfranchised and disillusioned by organized religion as a whole. At the same time, many of his "supporters" turned their back when his human side showed itself.... as if they didn't do so behind closed doors...
In the midst of the release of " The Naked Truth " , TONEX was about to release what was to be his "Thriller" album, his pièce de résistance, if you will --
"Stereotype:Steel & Velvet". This project was due to be released as a double-album on September 11, 2007, but due to the leaking of " The Naked Truth ", his label decided to not only not release the album, but also drop him from their roster-- a blessing in disguise...
Within the following year, TONEX issued a full public apology for " The Naked Truth ", or rather an apology for the misconceptions and rebuking that came from people within the church. He also within the year recorded and leaked via his Myspace page some of the most original and blatantly honest music from any artist in any genre, much less contemporary Gospel music.
During that time, he also recorded tracks for what would be this project: " The Naked Truth ", an audio testimony of where he was a year ago, and where he is now. And now: the play-by-play.
"Searchin" -- This track is a great introspective spoken-word piece regarding the music industry, life, and religion. A great intro for what's to come.
"Vintage Galaxy" -- This track got a LOT of people excited for the "Stereotype" project. Its synth landscape and the repeating whistle sample give it an airy, spacey feeling. A beautiful, futuristic hip-hop track expounding on the intro's subject matter.
"Drunk Boy" -- This is a quick interlude that leads to the following track, as appeared on "Stereotype". It takes a quick stab at one of TONEX's most outspoken critics, Craig Lewis.
"On We Go" -- With a guest appearance by E.B. Williams, TONEX's mother, on vocals, this track was a precursor to " The Naked Truth " and is directed to the same people who spurred what was to come. An ingenious sample of "Same Old Story" by Stevie Wonder, from his classic album "Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants", rounds out this great track.
"The Love" -- OK, when I heard this, I went bananas. Sung over the instrumental Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got" which in turn contains samples of "Show 'Em What You Got" by Public Enemy, "Shaft In Africa" by Johnny Pate, and "Darkest Light" by Lafayette Afro Rock Band (sax sample). This track is almost a sequel to "Ain't" from TONEX's multi-award winning album " Out The Box ". It expounds on that song, which dealt with hypocrisy and intolerance in the church. With lyrics like "I still smoke weed, did I mention that?", "these muthaf____s make me sick to my stomach" and "ain't got a problem with him, it's you niggas", it's clearly grown folk's music. It also flips a few lines from "One Good Reason", from TONEX's classic album, " Pronounced Toe-Nay ". Blatantly honest. Remember, the album is called " The Naked Truth ".
"Bi Our Love" -- a beautifully sung reworking of the Gospel classic "We Are One In The Spirit", sung in a minor key to show the sadness of the singer, longing for its lyrics to come to pass. Great referencing of "Umbrella" by Rihanna.
"Never" -- OK, here is where the album gets gully. For the next 2 tracks, I felt I was back in the Bronx hopping on the 5 train on the way to the Barnes & Noble that was high up in the World Trade Center. Backpacker Gospel R&B that would not be out of place on a D'Angelo album. Amazing vocal delivery, showing that TONEX is also a master crate-digger.
"Same Ole" -- Great track, presumably produced by Omega since he is shouted out on the track, this song is just straight lyrical delivery, speaking on the music industry, life and religion. Another backpacker track with great background vocals.
"Take 2" -- A great drive through San Diego, with TONEX reminding us that if you take one step, he'll take two. Great background vocals. Another one for the backpackers. Another crate-digger's dream.
"Water" -- A great cryptic track, very Stevie Wonder-ish with a little of Maxwell for good measure. Another example of TONEX just being able to subtely rock over a track giving attention to even the slightest nuances in vocal harmony arrangement.
"Creepin" -- A very funny track with a pleasantly awkward sample and vocal arrangement. The song is dealing with a dude getting caught creepin' on his woman. Nice R&B/Soul track. Recorded presumably during the "Black Maverick Mixtape" sessions, an entirely different unreleased project from the same time period.
"I Noticed" -- A jazzy track with TONEX talking to a woman, letting her know that he knows that another dude was checkin' her out -- and to make sure that she knows she belongs to him. Great vocal arrangement in the background. The London Letters , anyone?
"Jenny Jones" -- A great subdued track with a jazzy feel that any man in a relationship can relate to. Great track all the way around.
"Gone" -- A track written for Corey Hampton, a friend of TONEX's who passed away. This is a great song that reminds us to not take our loved ones for granted, because the next time you see them may be your last.
"Blairtree Road" -- A great song about various fictional people that was subtitled "Urban Parable" for the "Stereotype" project. A really really deep track with a great message. Just listen.
"Elegant Simple" -- An amazing alternative rock track which speaks on the old adage "never judge a book by its cover". Great melody and lyrics. Guys, listen to this one.
"Casa De Oro" -- One of the most personal tracks on the album, dealing with the death of TONEX's father. This song is so emotional, with an alternative rock feel. Heart-wrenching honesty. Absolutely stunning.
"The Naked Truth" -- It appears that the sequencing was meticulously thought out on this album. It seems as though every song led up to this one on purpose. Now, after listening to the previous tracks, you can better understand the reason for this one. Be aware that this has explicit lyrics -- but none that we haven't heard (or said) before.
"Freedom:TRUTH" -- An amazing track and great end to this mixtape. A great track with a Middle-Eastern vibe. This song deals with the fact that truth is freedom, and that while we all have different philosophical, religious, and even musical differences, our freedom is our truth.
All in all, this album is a stunning testimony to TONEX's last 4 years, and where God has brought him from, along with a great documentation as to the amazing songwriter, artist, and producer he is.
Grab this one while you can, because it is in limited quantities. You can get the album directly on the official TON3X Store or by clicking on the album cover in the "Sounds Like" section of this myspace page while supplies last. It'll be a memorable addition to your album collection.
To find out more information about TONEX, you can reach him at his official myspace page by clicking HERE .
