There’s a new movement afoot, and it centers around the Tonéx-defined Nureau sound.

Nureau Ink is the branding for an official affiliation of artists who have aligned themselves with the San Diego artist. Look for these hype projects to begin dropping in 2002. After Tonex’s O₂ project from April 2002, the first one to follow is Claude Harris 2.

Claude Harris 2 is a Nureau Ink Delegate because it says so on his new project. There’s that little logo tucked away in the bottom corner of the back of the CD.

What’s more, Tonéx makes a point of referring to him as his ‘little brother’, saying that he reminds him alot of himself and that he’s taken him under his wing.

The 21-year old native of Augusta, Georgia does have several similarities to the San Diego phenom, not least of which is that his first album is self-produced by his alter ego C.Note, using a studio setup that also doubles as his bedroom.

Harris explained to Gospelflava.com that “the challenge [of that setup] is in getting certain effects that you want. I mean, I had no budget. Every piece of equipment I own was purchased through prayers and hardwork. You may want a certain sound but can't achieve it because you're not in a studio. I did my best though.”

Of that, there’s no denying. His debut release of “It Ain’t Over” in May 2002 reveals that the Tonéx influence is strong, and yet he maintains his distinct persona. Innovative in production with several tracks exploring new sound territory, the product is thoroughly urban and fraught with creativity.

Harris got hooked onto Pronounced Toe-Nay —the underground version that was released in 1997 on Rescue Records before the national re-release on Verity/Jive/ Tommy Boy Gospel that catapulted Tonéx into the limelight in 2000.

An opportune personal meeting between the two at Harris' church ministry conference in 1999 lead to solidified correspondance and cemented the connection between the two artists.

He explains that “being a Delegate means that I must always spill the ink on whatever I do. Translation: The Holy Spirit has to be in it. God said He'd give us "witty" inventions and even some of my silly material has a different sound to it. It was a witty invention. Being a delegate also means that I'm watched just like all Gospel artists are. We MUST live what we sing and talk about”.

“Other great music and artists inspire my music. Sometimes my own trials and experiences inspire me. It could just be a nice day outside or a rainy day and I'll write based on that. I classify my sound as "heavenly". It comes from Heaven. Straight from God's heart. To sum it up: Nureau.”

Vocally, C.Note claims influences as diverse as Wyclef Jean, J. Moss, Marvin Winans and Donnie Hathaway. He tips his hat to production genius as diverse as Ani DiFranco, Rockwilder, Hi Tek and PAJAM.

Trippy uptempos kick off the album. “M.A.F.I.A.”, an acronym for Malicious, Acquirers of Fraudulent Information Alliance, is sure to turn heads. The urban groove of “Aint’ Nobody Better” is also very wonderful, with its effective mid-song track slow-downs.

Surprisingly perhaps, Harris’ strong suit is his mastery of the Gospel jam. The slow joint is his forte, and his debut project is stacked with several gems, including the title track, “I Ain’t Over”. Lyrically strong and showing spiritual insight seldom heard from someone in their early twenties, their impact is strong.

“Yes Lord” with 17-year old songstress Danielle Harris —his sister— is particularly moving. Buttery soul is dripped all over offerings such as “2010” and “Always”. Those vocal influences (Donny Hathaway, Wycelf Jean) that C.Note mentions are clearly evident on these cuts.

As for other tracks of note on this startling debut, you really have to put a star beside the entire song listing, including the bonus cuts, and that’s not an exaggeration.

For now, Harris is relying mostly on word of mouth and internet connections to jumpstart his debut.

Take note.