Tone-Loc, whose real name is Anthony Terrell Smith, emerged as a distinctive voice in the rap landscape during the late 1980s. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, he gained fame with his gravelly voice and laid-back attitude, quickly becoming an emblem of West Coast rap. Tone-Loc's debut album, "Loc-ed After Dark" (1989), spawned two major hits that would become hip-hop classics: "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina." These tracks resonated with audiences thanks to their catchy hooks and funky, sample-heavy beats, propelling Tone-Loc into the mainstream spotlight.

In the years following his initial success, Tone-Loc's career spanned beyond music, transitioning into voice roles and acting appearances in television, film, and animation. While his subsequent albums never quite reached the commercial peak of his debut, Tone-Loc remained a beloved figure in hip-hop nostalgia. His music continues to be celebrated, as evidenced by a variety of re-recorded and remastered versions of his classic hits, such as "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina," ensuring that new generations are introduced to his distinctive sound and swagger. Even as trends in rap have shifted, Tone-Loc's work endures as a touchstone of late '80s hip-hop and a testament to the genre's rich and varied history.

Genres

Hip Hop

Miami Bass

Related Artists

MC Hammer

Salt-N-Pepa

Sir Mix-A-Lot

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Young MC

Ice Cube

Coolio

Digital Underground

Biz Markie

Snoop Dogg

Dr. Dre

Beastie Boys

Latest Release

Wild Thing (Re-Recorded - Sped Up)

Tone-Loc

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released May 16, 2023