Search - Tonex, Mss Dynasty :: Hostile Takeover

Definitely for Hip-Hop fans

02/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

The Takeover is Da Bomb!!!!!

Wenona Russ | East Hartford, CT | 04/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

WELL WORTH THE LISTEN

Jeanette Bunch | Wilson, NC United States | 06/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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"