After many years T-Bone breaks his silence and reveals what’s on his mind…
Breaking My Silence
What’s good everybody! I know a lot of you have been thinking and asking yourself …Where is T-Bone? Is he done rapping? Did he retire? Did he backslide? (LOL) Well… The answer is NO! Although I must admit, a couple years ago I was ready to hang up the mic for good and move on to bigger and better things, but God had other plans. I had to ask myself “What is better than doing what you LOVE most”? I have always told people “When you do what you love, Its NOT WORK”. I was at a place in my life where I felt tired though. Tired of what you ask? Tired of the busy and grueling tour schedule, tired of always being away from home and the people I love most, tired of always being under the pressure of putting out a new album, tired of the criticism, the false rumors and many other things, but most of all… tired of doing the same thing over and over again… rapping. I was ready to do one last album because I felt I owed it to all of my long time and loyal fans. It was going to be a goodbye/thank you for the memories album. I had the name all picked out and everything. The album was going to be called “Bone-Voyage”…my last and final album. It was really hard to think that I would not be doing what I loved most, but I honestly felt worn out and tired. After all, who has a 20 plus year career? Especially in the gospel rap genre? NO ONE. That’s who. I am the last of the real Mohicans. A rare bird in this Gospel Hip-Hop industry. Truly the last man standing from the early pioneering days of Holy Hip-Hop. But after God speaking to me through various things and taking a couple years off, as well as many pleas from close friends who said “You can’t leave the rap game” I thought maybe I could come back in a creative way that was more challenging to me personally, musically, lyrically, and physically, but let’s start with the music part first.
After traveling the world for many years I began to develop a LOVE for world music. I’m talking about Indian, African, Arabic, Caribbean, Asian, and of course Latin Music. I grew up listening to Salsa music and have always loved the Latin sound as it is a part of my roots. However as I began to travel the world, I found myself wanting to emerge myself into the different cultures I was being introduced to. As a young kid “from the hood”, I thought that the world I was raised in was what the rest of the world was like. Boy was I wrong! Traveling the world opened my eyes in so many different ways. It changed the way I viewed so many things including GOD! God became so much bigger to me than ever before. I began to see how he worked in so many different ways and not just in the way I was brought up or taught. I saw how he was bigger than any denomination or set of rules. I truly experienced the fact that God cannot be put in a box. He is a God that speaks all languages, works in so many different ways and that there is no sin too big that can stop him from loving you. On another note, food also became a bigger part of my life as well. I began to want to try different dishes and cuisines that the various countries had to offer. (And boy did I pack on the pounds too!). I also saw social injustice, poverty and corruption with my own eyes and experienced it for myself first hand! I slowly began to want to reach the entire world and help change it through 
my music (and I know it was God that put that strong sense of compassion in my heart). I wanted to make music that would reach people all over the globe and not just those in “the hood”. My vision for my music began to change and expand. Many of you probably wondered where the song “Sing your Praises” came from. All of the sudden people heard “T-Bone the rapper” singing in this Spanish “Celia Cruz” salsa type voice accompanied by a very Latin/Arabic authentic sound. Well, now you know. I have always wanted to make a record that was infused with sounds, rhythms and languages from all over the world. Some of you are probably wondering…where is he going with this? Well I am saying all that to basically say this…I have decided to become a Spanish Salsa singer and quit rapping for good…JUST KIDDING!!! My sound has changed, however I knew I could not go so “far left” with my new sound and abandon all of my longtime rap fans, but I felt I needed to do something that would reach a broader audience. I now longed to reach people of all ages and backgrounds as well as all those people around the globe. In my most recent trip to Europe (which I travel to a lot), I began to hear the Dance/Techno sound like I had never heard it before. I had heard the Techno/Dance music for years, however when I was in Holland a few years back I heard it differently then I had ever heard it before. It’s like I was hearing it for the first time all over again, only this time I fell in love with it. It was electric. I loved the way it made me feel and the fact that it made want to dance. It was FUN music. Like the early days of Hip-Hop. I guess the reason I’m saying all this is to say that I am making a record that has bits and pieces of everything I have just mentioned. It will have Hip-Hop, Pop, Techno, Dance, Rock, Latin, African, Arabic and Indian music mixed in it. However it is being done in a fresh new relevant way. Not in a corny/cheesy way at all. I PROMISE! I have added a lot of singing to what I do and my music is much more melodic and catchy. I think I will keep all of my fans pleased while also expanding my listening audience and fan base. I have also recorded some “Real Hip-Hop” joints for my die-hard fans out there who love my lyrical skillz too so don’t worry! I could never truly abandon Hip-Hop for good; it is my first and true love.
By now you have probably heard that my new album is going to be titled “RETURN OF THE BIONIC MAN”. The idea came to me as I was driving home one day. I wanted a name that would express the change that has happened in my life, physically and musically. For those of you that don’t know, the bionic man was a character from an 80’s television show entitled “The Six Million Dollar Man”. In the show the character “Steve Austin” AKA “The Bionic Man” was involved in a crash that left him near dead. A group of doctors and scientist then rebuilt him to be better, stronger and faster with super bionic powers. This relates to me in so many ways. For starters the music business was heading downhill fast, and my health was too.
I was heading to an early grave with the type of lifestyle I was living. It consisted of “over eating” and “no exercise”, which is something that many of us are guilty of. I was weighing nearly 305 pounds and my health was deteriorating fast. I decided I had to do something not only for myself but for the people that love me as well. So, I changed everything about the way I ate and lived. I cut out all greasy and fried foods as well as anything that was filled with sugar. I began to eat like a man who was training for a heavy weight championship fight and began to work out like one too. I needed a complete lifestyle change, and that’s exactly what I did! To this day I’m in the gym everyday for at least 2 hours daily. I eat healthy, and not just some of the time, but ALL OF THE TIME. Through this healthy lifestyle I have managed to loose over 100 pounds, but what’s even more impressive, is that I have been able to keep it off for over 3 years now! GOD IS GOOD! So, I think The Bionic Man title suits me well…don’t you? I’m looking into doing a DVD with my work out routines as well as healthy eating recipes that I have. Maybe I’ll call it “The Bionic Work Out” and the “Bionic Diet”. I want to inspire those who don’t know how to do it and encourage those that are inspired by my own personal change for the better.
Anyway, I am so excited about this new album and hope you are as well. Like the bionic man, I feel better, stronger and faster than I ever have before. I’m back, and YES, I’m here to stay for as long as God allows me to make music for his glory. Well, that’s it for now but I will keep you all posted on things as they progress. I just wanted to “Break The Silence” for those of you who have felt “left out” or “in the dark” with my career. It’s a new day. I’m a new man. All that said… Get ready for the “RETURN OF THE BIONIC MAN”. I’m coming back better, stronger, faster and leaner than ever before! Can’t wait to share my new sound with all of you and the rest of the world! I’m out…
Your friend,
30 Responses to Breaking The Silence…
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26 months ago
Sup T! The site looks awesome! Very inspiring words indeed. I hope to get the chance to work with you on the european shows and look forward to the new album. Love, Dimitri
Hey Bro…you’ve answered all my questions i had about you … GOOD 2 HAVE YOU BACK! BRING ON BIONIC WORLD!!!
EXCITED FOR THE NEW ALBUM..I HAVE ALL YOUR ALBUMS AND I CANT WAIT TO ADD THE BIONIC MAN TO THE COLLECTION! AWSOME!
so can’t we at least get a sneak peak and hear some bits of your new music? my mouth is watering for some STEAK!!!
So good to hear this. I believe there are a lot of good rappers out there, but Bone, you’re a beast. 20 years in the gospel rap game…no one can touch that. Come on Michael Jordan, put that jersey back on and get back in this game you created.
when are we going to hear a single its time T-bone I have wait sense 2005 yes you made that greatest hits album after that but it been 5 years sense we heard something new please lets hear a single before 2012 begins end the year of with a hot note from your number one fan xavier anderson aka unique talent
Thanks for the realness in your comments. I definately appreciate it. Its no different than a good old fashioned testimony service. God will bring us through so much for His glory and other’s breakthroughs or deliverance. I’m extremely inspired through your journey and by your words. I’m an artist; a poet with a true love affair for music. I enjoy all genres and have had a long time desire to start up a gospel radio station in my little part of the world. I feel so strongly about music and that it is the life force for so many. I am also inspired by the weightloss info, Sometimes you get so fed up that change is the only option. Thanks again, as usual God has been speaking through you, you may not even realize how just your everyday down to earth prescence ministers in greats ways to some of us. Sometimes its as simple as a facebook post, nothing too heavy or deep,but some of us just need God’s little reminders of how faithful he is. Or that he can bring the extraordinary out of ordinary. I appreciate you being willing to be a vessel.
Dawn T
Praise God brotha T. I am glad to see that you are back and taking care of that temple as well. Can’t wait to let my unsaved friends hear that new sound. They need to know that there is music that is tight that also praises our God.
Keep up the good work.
How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel.
T-Bone!!!! hi just want to say ive known your music since i was 14yrs old now im 22 but i never heard of christian rap music i was going the wrong route my life where i live is filled with bad desicions drugs the whole nine yards i live in New Mexico its a nice place but anyways i just feel like i need to tell you my testamony if you dont mind hope you see this but i was walking home and i just survived 8hours of getting picked on and bad grades so i was mad i wanted to just run away and never come back i saw these 2 girls laughing having a good time i asked them why are you so happy? they looked scared cuz i asked them but they told me that its a good day cuz there going to youth group in a hour and they were talking about how fun it is and it a true blessing to know the word of God!! i laughed and told them so your holy rollers huh i didnt mean it to be mean and they said yup!! with smiles haha they invited me to youth i was scared cuz i didnt know nobody nothing until i heard your music at the time i didnt know but it was bumping in church i walked in the kids my age smiled at me greeted me the whole nine yards so time flew by and they were praying to make a long story short i got saved Praise Jesus i was 14 smoking weed drinking hanging out with gangsters got a knife to my neck almost got killed in a drive by and kicked in the chest by some guy for no reason i just wanted to let you know how your music has made me who i am today im doing good i airbrush draw ,and paint i wish i can personally thank you for your awsome great music please dont stop ur an inspairation to me thank you please contact me @dtm505@gmail.com
Good to hear you are doing better, T. We’ve never met, but you’ve been in my prayers for a long time, and very seriously in them since Fighting Temptations.
Glad to see you getting active again- In more ways than one. Keep your eyes on the King, bro, and your ear attuned to His voice. God bless!
What’s up T-Bone, how you been. I met you back in 95′ at my churches youth camp in Missouri. Homie I’ll never forget when me, you, and a few other peeps were horseback riding some horses back to thier stables and the storm CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. Our horses were going crazy cause they got scared, & your horse went wild on you that was crazy man. GOD is good cause we all survived! You are cool and real in person, Im so glad you a still doing what you do.
T, so glad to see u back after a much needed “sabbatical”:) Read the message and identify w/ it. I too have been through some major stuff over the last 9 yrs and learned about God in a new way. I’m a white (and my kids say REALLY white) mama of 5 kids ages 21 to 14. I fell in LOVE w your rap about 10 yrs ago and been hooked since. I say those songs are still fresh (does that make me sound white? LOL!)! Anyway, REALLY excited to find out you got a new album coming out. Me and the fam looking forward to it! Thanks for the real heart and soul poured out:)- Mama O
VIVA EL SALVADOR (both haha keep up the great work!!
Wow I’m very excited to know you will be coming out with more music!! I have been waiting for so long it seems. Glad to hear your are well, and following the call! I hope you are well rested, and ready for war! May God continue to use your music to tear down walls so many will hear His voice. Stay true to His word, and you will be blessed more than ever. Stay strong in the Lord my brother, and take another sip!
hi BONEY. ITS BEEN A GREAT PRIVILEDGE FOLLOWING YOU UP.I MUST CONFESS YOU ARE MY REAL ROLE MODEL.YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH YOU’VE SPIRITUALLY INFLUENCE MY LIFE AND CAREER.I’VE ALWAYS LOVE YOUR MUSIC AND YOUR STYLE.PLS DONT GIVE UP ON GOD.I’M A GOSPEL RAPPER FROM NIGERIA.I GO BY THE NAME JAYHOVAH….IF WE ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD CALL US BY HIS NAME
T Bone I saw you for the first time Wednseday night at Lakewood Church with Israel and New Breed I could not understand what you were saying but the anointing was there, I must get your album “Return of Bionic Man.” You and Israel was even better at the Sunday services, I have became a fan. Beautiful testimony, keep up the good work for Jesus.
bc
Would be great to see you at Ichthus 2012! Any thoughts???
I had stopped listening to a lot of the christian hip hop I had once loved, and while I still would listen to an occasional CD, for the most part my tastes ran to other genres – from folk to underground rap, you name it. Recently my cousin started asking me about music, and rap specifically. The two artists he asked about first were Atmosphere, and T-Bone. I went home and fired up the external drive and got all my music loaded back onto my computer. The last week or so I’ve been listening to nothing but the christian rap on my computer. L.A. Symphony, T-Bone, Procussions, RedCloud, Sackcloth Fashions, etc etc. Today while listen to your music (which your CD gospelalphamegafunkyboogiediscomusic was the second rap cd I ever owned) I was wondering if you had done any other music since I picked up Bone-apetite. A quick google search led me here, and cannot wait to hear your next CD!! Thank you for sharing with all your fans!
i watch you on jctv you seen like a nice man. im from the rio grande valley here in deep south texas. its nice to see a latino out their trying to represent other latinos from latin america. i hope god will continue to encourage you and bless you. i hope one day i can represent the way you do its very inspiring and moving what you are doing. my sons are ordained ministers like me. and it can get touigh to be a christian in a very materialistic and egotistical world. life is difficult to understand at times dont give up your faith in god no matter how bad things may look. its just a sign your getting an a grade in heaven. god bless you and your family and friends at jctv.
I love hour style and appreciate your spirit. I am a Latino doctor in Texas and record songs against drugs. I recorded a hip hop reaggeton song against cocaine and believe you are the one to deliver it. I can put it out there but probably only a few will listen to it.
Please let me know if you want to hear it,
Yours truly
Fernando Siles MD
214 679 9581
i have just seen the ‘ fighting temptations’ which I thoroughly enjoyed! Bought Bone -appetite’ and looking at the other albums I am 56yrs-so never too late !
Glory to God!
Hey, praise God bro, as a former christian hip hop artist I was missing your music and it’s good to hear you coming back, guess what? I will too. I am also making a film called Possession The Old Story check it out on IMDB.COM just want to share that with you. It’s about a multiple occurrence of demonic possession where as we overlook spirits and how they effect our lives and in marriage, where a husband and wife is possessed by Jezebel and Ahab. So a little brief of what it’s about God speaks in the film as well as him sending Michael the Archangel as well. Maybe one day you can do a soundtrack my busy brother in the lord. I love you keep doing what you doing.
Wonderful issues altogether, you just won a emblem new reader. What might you suggest in regards to your publish that you just made some days in the past? Any sure?
We are so happy for all the amazing praise reports with you T-Bone. We have seen your body & music transform @ church and have long been awaiting your next album. Congratulations and our prayers are with you and your family as you tour and use your talents for the world to see God’s goodness. We cant wait for you to come back & sing at church again or at knotts. God is so good! God bless:)
boney bone! ,im sure you remember that from back in the days at” word of life church”, its good to hear your back I know God has never left you, If anything hes been wanting to take you to another level so that you can keep spreading his word through music for the world to hear ! “keep on praising” God is Awesome! hope to hear from you soon.
T–I am so excited to read of your journey passed and your hopes for the journey future. I have had an interest in the mission work in Nicaraugua that you mentioned in relationship with the Hands and Feet Project. I hope you continue to do well and that your really experience the blessings of God on your music and ministry. As a “health conscious” person, I am really excited about your life-changing food and exercise habits. So many of us in God’s service have fallen into the same health trap. Your voice will influence many to live healthier lives for better service to the Father. Best wishes on the new album. Truly, T-Bone is Back, Better and Stronger!
God Bless and Keep you! Thank you for sharing your soul with us!
Wasup T.bone… Im from a lil country called Aotearoa a.k.a New Zealand! im 25 now i bin listnin to you since the last street preacha..and youve been my favourite Emcee in the galaxy since then. your music had been a major part of my life through my highs and low.. ups and down struggle and strife! i was wonderin if were ever gona come to New Zealand? if you already have… my bad. yo youve helped me through my music career and taught me the definition of concious rap and the definition of an Emcee/ I hope one day ill get to meet the Greatest! one of the last street preachaz left. Peace
T-Bone, man I’m just perusing the web.. checked out Mr. Houghton and you in the studio and decided to move on to your website. You probably won’t get to this message, but if you do know that I was just somebody passing through in a moment in time (like two seconds) and your work in God caught my attention. I’ve read enough to keep me going for a lifetime. You got me smiling dude. I’m encouraged. Thanks and keep the faith partner.
T-bone…you were on my mind this morning, I was a youth worker in a predominantly black community in the late 90′s & used your music to draw young people to the lord. God has used you to bring illumination to my own children , they are now 30yrs, 28yrs, 24yrs, and 19yrs old…Without your inspiration & music I don’t know what would have happened with my kids. I thank you so much. I am a Gospel singer , I am hispanic & just moved to a little country town named Lake City Fl. I would like to invite you to come & do a concert here…It is hard to even get Urban Disciple on the phone & he’s from right across the way in Tampa, so I don’t know if you will answer me…But if you are reading this plz call me @ (813) 764-7101. I believe once a minister to the youth…Always a minister to the youth..Although it’s been a long time…There are young people perishing everywhere ,even in a little country town like Lake City…God bless you on your new endeavors..& keep Throwin Out tha Wicked!