I’ve been a busy busy boy in 2011. In fact, I’ve done more this year than I have since the release of Archetype. Hell, I’ve already written more this year than I have in the past 5 years combined. And not just raps either - other stuff. The beauty of that last sentence is… there’s SO MUCH I’m excited to tell you about.
So what happened? What changed? Why the sudden burst of output?
Well, I’ve been able to focus on my own work for the first time in years. For those of you who’ve followed my career in the decade plus that I’ve been releasing music - that answer isn’t much of a surprise.
A TEAM PLAYER
Archetype dropped in 2005. When I realized how futile my promotion efforts were without a proper marketing budget back then (this was PRE blog-era Hip Hop), I decided to channel all of my efforts into finishing and releasing the projects from the other artists on this label I had started. I figured, if I could create an organic MOVEMENT, I would have support for my own stuff in the future. Strength in numbers, ya know? In the time since, I’ve been involved in over 19 projects/albums that I’m very proud of.
We certainly accomplished alot collectively, but my solo career has suffered because of it and I’ve been fully aware of that for the past few years. In this day and age, you need to release 20 mixtapes a week to stay relevant. After the now infamous R&D fiasco and the advice of many friends and colleagues… I needed to take a step back and truly re-evaluate what I was doing with my life. Here I was, working a full-time job, married, spending all of my free time working on everyone else’s projects and risking my own money to do it. That intangible “buzz” I had back in the early 00’s was long gone aside from a few hardcore Auralarians.
I started noticing that when people referred to me or my music, there was an imaginary line where only stuff pre-2003 was talked about. It’s almost as if they a) stopped listening after Extended Famm (ie. “Velocity”)b) Only know me from “Peruvian Coke”/“Clear Em Out” or c) Like my verse on “616 Rewind”. As it stands, a random upload of “Velocity” is the most-viewed talked about thing that has my name on it. Which is unfortunate as I’ve been classified as a “fast rapper” and that’s about the end of story in the public consciousness. Most folks outside of this board, don’t even seem to realize that I’m still making music. That’s been INSANELY frustrating for me.
If you’re posting here right now, chances are you came in AFTER Archetype dropped or a CunninLynguists release. You’re my foundation and the only thing that’s kept me focused. (Also, I’m eternally thankful to Kno & Deac for always extending their hand in inviting me to rock on their albums and bringing me on the road).
AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT
So, I came to the decision that I needed to stop deflecting attention away from myself and just create. Just like I did as a kid. Just let it fly in every direction. Not being tied down to any particular genre, or media or convention. Stop sitting on things, and just put it out.
And the second I did… the results were immediate. The release of Cold.Killed.Collected. saved my ass. Honestly, I didn’t think anyone would be interested or even care about it at this point. We sold out of all 500 limited editions within a month or so. Knocked out HALF of the label’s CC debt in one fell swoop. Whoa. Hell, had I known the response was going to be so thorough, I would have pressed way more copies (Hmmm). Regardless, I’d like to thank everyone who supported where it counts (ie. retail) and showed me that I still had an audience for my work.
Frankly, I’m not a selfish person. See, my deepest darkest obstacle in life has always been my willingness to collaborate and help others, and put them ahead of myself. It was this way as a kid (word to The RBM Crew) and it’s been like that since. I put everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. Unfortunately, in the entertainment business, you absolutely HAVE to be a selfish person in order to see any sort of success. I’ve spent the past 11 years trying to build a brand in “QN5” when I should have been building “Tonedeff”. Too little, too late? I guess we’ll see. But the one benefit to this is, that I can truly start fresh. New sounds for new ears. God knows, my music is in a COMPLETELY different place now (ie. better)... and I could do without all of the baggage.
So, over the next year, you’re going to see a lot of changes (some of them have happened already), but the end goal is to do what I originally intended to do with the label before all the rest of it happened = release my own records and change music.
I’m not as excited for the future as I am excited for these next few projects. More on those shortly, but Chico & The Man is next. See you in soon.
Also.. yeah, you might wanna press up a few more copies CKC. I think the only place that has any at this point is Sandbox Automatic.. and some guy trying to sell a copy on eBay for $40 to (fortunately) no avail.
..you could also look into Deffinitions Vol. 3 if there’s time pre/post CATM. XD
And what’s all this mysterious writing, “few” projects ish about?
Yay! So glad to hear all this Tone, the world needs more solo material from you. And hopefully you’ll be able to tour a whole lot more because honestly, seeing your performance and meeting you before and after the show here in utah damn near rivals the megashow for most awesome concert memory. I’ll always be around to support your records and shows as long as you’re putting them out. CATM FTW
As a long time supporter of the Tonedeff brand, i’d just like to leave my sincerest wishes of good fortune in these upcoming months/years that you continue to make music. Within the past 8 years, much has changed in my life but your music has been one of the staples that I’ve learned to keep constant. I’m hoping that I’ll continue to be blessed with new music from you and your camp for the next stage in my life.
And can I just say, after reading the conclusion of this entry, I was expecting u to hit us off with a name change, LOL
This was an excellent read, it was insightful and I’m glad to hear that there will be more Tonedeff material in the immediate future. I was a Tonedeff fan before I became a QN5 fan. I appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice that you’ve put into the label because it’s given the world so many talented artists who’ve put out great records. I know for me I’m always looking out for any material you put out yourself and I’ll support whatever project you do.
He’s back, fuckers hahahahaha I’m so excited for these releases! Hopefully that last paragraph will put people’s worries to rest about whether catm is coming this year or not. It’s finally happening!
I’m a relatively new listener (only like 2 years or something) and I cannot deny that what initially interested me about you was the incredible flow. But the more I got into hiphop, the more I realized hiphop needs more artists like Tonedeff. Truly one of the only artists that makes me proud to be a fan of hiphop as a genre and a culture. Ah well. I remember in the Archetexture doc that you said that you wanted to make music for every mood, and you succeeded.
If the new stuff is only half as diverse, original and refreshing as the stuff on Archetype and Underscore, I’ll be more than satisfied. But apart from the music, good luck with all the other shit in your life.
Music is my life. QN5 is my religion. Tone, you’re one of my greatest inspirations for your work ethic, talent and vision - and my greatest role model as a human being.
YOU are what we’ve been waiting for.. More than ANYTHING musically in the past decade. You have no idea how excited it makes me that you’ve realised this. I’m convinced that besides all the industry bullshit, you have no limits in your music. I see you being talked about in 30 years time as a pioneer and legend.
.. And as a fan, I will do everything in my power to make that happen.
I haven’t posted here in years, haven’t even logged in in years. I’ve lurked from time to time though. I wasn’t sure if my account would even exist any more when I went to log in as I typed in my typical account info for most sites. I read this and just wanted to let you know that Archetype is still one of my favorite albums. I first heard you on Clear ‘Em Out, then a while later I saw a download link for Archetype. I downloaded it and shortly after I bought it. I’ve been spreading the word about your music ever since, I’m even wearing a QN5 t-shirt as I type this. I was in middle school when Archetype came out, I’ve been waiting for your next album since then. Can’t wait.
Been a long time coming, about time you get a turn to drop some new projects. Hope all goes well with reaching your goals. You know you have support from the blue schoolers 100%.
Hooray for Tonedeff. So good to see you focusing on yourself for a change. You may have sporadically dropped things here and there in the past years, but those few gems alone have had a greater impact on my life (Optimist & The Distance) and been more face-punchingly rage worthy (Bang & That’s What Happens) than some albums from other artists. I can’t begin imagine what you’d be able to accomplish and create with more attention placed on your own music and craft. Exciting times are ahead for Tonedeff and his current and future fans.
Thank you Tone. We have all been here supporting since the first time we heard you. Whether our first was on Velocity or Optimist, it doesn’t take much more than a set of ears to fall in love.
I honestly can’t quote Epic Aesthetic enough. Every word he just said is EXACTLY how I feel.
Besides the obvious things, there is absolutely nothing as important to me than QN5. When you get a win I am prouder than a soccer mom…when yall take a loss…well you know.
But that is the thing, we all take these events TOGETHER. And one step at a time we are FINALLY headed in a direction filled with actual Tonedeff music. Fuck that feels good to say.
But beyond the music…
Thank you for updating a blog for me to read every day.
Thank you for building a community of the best people in the world.
Thank you for being an active part of that community.
Thank you for going out of your way to make fucking hilarious videos.
Thank you for being the subject of all the countless 4 hour long music discussions I have with my brother.
I remember jumping on board as a QN5 fan around the end of 2005. Archetype had been released for several months at this point, and I was listening to snippets on the web. I was only familiar with Tonedeff through all the CunninLynguists albums and other collaborations (“616 Rewind”, “Love Ain’t”, “Peruvian Coke”, etc). My horrible preconceived notion at this time was that Tone was just another semi-talented “underground” rapper. Nothing particularly special about him, other than the fact he’s a wordsmith who can flip syllables and tongue-twist up the wazoo.
I believe it was Archetype, and it’s counterpart Archetexture that illustrated the movement and put me on to some of my favorite artists now. I signed up to the forums as soon as I received the album, and then somehow managed to go three years without posting a damn thing. I still have no idea as to why?
I believe that one of the immediate traits of the “Hardcore Fans” is they attempt to track down every bit of other work from the artists they’re listening to. It’s like a strange obsession which I can’t really describe. I remember paying an arm and a leg for “Happy F*ck You Songs”. And that’s just the beginning really.
I was always surprised as to why Tonedeff’s albums were constantly being pushed back. I realized the focus he had on the others as a whole, but my fear was that people would forget that he existed. That and the fact people would become frustrated and jaded with the missed release dates, which in turn would ultimately lose more fans in the long run (of coarse, minus the hardcores). This isn’t criticism, just observation, mainly due to the fact that the average joe has an attention span that can be measured in nano-seconds. No one has the patience anymore.
With all that said, I just want to say… I’m happy I’m here. I’ve been privileged enough to meet and befriend people beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve seen five QN5 show’s since 2009. I’ve got all (or at least most of) the QN5 releases and have ultimately changed my view on on music for good.
What I’m more happy about though is the fact that I’ve seen QN5 grow in the last 6 years, and more so; I’ve seen the direction the music has moved towards. There has been so much more work and passion in these albums than there ever has been prior 2005, and that’s a beautiful thing. It’s good to know that in some small way, I’m apart of that movement.
Tone.. I’m stoked to hear more Solo material from you. As I am one of the few that came in to the community just this last year but have listened to CL for quite a few years now. Quickly after i first started listening to CL i learned the dynamic differences between you, Natti, Deacon, SoS, and Kno. I have to tell you, i was in Awe when I first heard Porcelain, love aint fly, fear, and quite a few more. That was when i did a massive amount of research and found out who you were. You are truly amazing dude. Your lyrical inspiration of not only your flow, but how well you use your language to create a beautiful image inside my mind of the scene that I am listening too. Then I found Chico and the man “my lady, and No hope..” Holy shit are you fucking kidding me. “This guy is unreal” I found the Qn5 forum quite some time ago and just checked in periodically but never decided to join until last year i believe.
Anyways I don’t want to ramble on, and I hope The rest of the guy’s don’t take offense, as Die for you with SoS, Deacon with Mexico, Kno and his phenomenal creativity in sound. and every one in your label is amazing. But Tone you are an inspiration to many I have been anticipating Chico and the man for years now. This entire last year I have basically checked back in the forums daily just to see if there’s any updates or even a single or video released. You have no idea how much some of us are looking forward to hearing this incredible album. I’d like to say i’ll over play it. But I’ve been listening to you guys for years now and still have yet to overplay your music even on a daily basis. Well Tone, Good luck to you. You deserve to do whats right for you now. You have our respects
1) 2012 will be the year Tone springboards into the “public consciousness” but obviously more than just as a fast rapper (duh).
2) Put out more copies of Cold.Killed.Collected. I don’t think anyone here will be offended that their special edition is worth $25 now instead of $38 or whatever. If it pays the bills, put out the copies and make more music. I would imagine the goal is to do the things you want and be able to live off of them (I’m pretty sure Kno has said this in a better way in the past) so I would imagine this fresh start begins the new cycle.
Jimson11 said:2) Put out more copies of Cold.Killed.Collected. I don’t think anyone here will be offended that their special edition is worth $25 now instead of $38 or whatever. If it pays the bills, put out the copies and make more music. I would imagine the goal is to do the things you want and be able to live off of them (I’m pretty sure Kno has said this in a better way in the past) so I would imagine this fresh start begins the new cycle.
AwesomeFuckingMusic.Recognition.BillsPaid.2012.
I completely agree with this. I would rather Tone make more money off of Cold.Killed.Collected. I didn’t buy it because of its exclusivity. I bought It because I love the music and support everything QN5 does. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea that CATM is coming in 2 and a half months. I get cold chills when I think about it.
I’m gonna have to pinch myself once that pre order page finally goes up. This is going to be truly special. Chico and the man to music will be like what shadow of the colossus is to video games. ART at its finest. Tonedeff - Thanks for your dedication and hard work and thank you for getting chico and the man out to us. I’m sure you’re as excited to release it as we all are to hear it. I have no doubt that the long wait will be well worth it for what we get in return. I wish you tons of praise and success on your future projects…god knows you deserve it.
houstonz said:you could also look into Deffinitions Vol. 3 if there’s time pre/post CATM. XD
I concur, perhaps this could help! It’ll definitely get some more money behind you, which in-turn will help the promotion of your products. http://qn5.com/discuss/viewthread/14762/
Great to hear Tone! I’m glad you’ve decided to focus on yourself and your music. I’m super excited about what the next couple years have in store for us. More Tonedeff is ALWAYS a good thing!
artistTonedeff said on Sep 29, 2011:
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JTX said on Sep 29, 2011:
artistTonedeff said on Sep 29, 2011:
CynicalC3PO said on Sep 29, 2011:
Epic Aesthetic said on Sep 29, 2011:
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