Singer/songwriter, producer, and youth leader Tonex was unafraid to rock the waves in contemporary Christian music, for his musical antics have been compared to the likes of Prince. His brash combination of gospel and R&B was first introduced on the Verity Records compilation WOW Gospel 2000. In September 2000, Tonex made his solo debut with the release of Pronounced Toe-nay on Jive. Hostile Takeover appeared the next year.