Artist page

Tone Loc, born Anthony Terrell Smith on March 3, 1966, in Compton, California, is an American hip-hop artist and actor. He gained significant fame in 1989 with his crossover hit "Wild Thing," from his debut album, which featured a sample from Van Halen's "Jamie's Cryin'." The single was written by fellow rapper Young MC. Tone Loc was discovered in the late '80s by label owners Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, who were drawn to his unique, gravelly voice. His hits "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina," also written by Young MC, led to his debut album, Loc-ed After Dark, becoming only the second rap album to top the charts. Although his sophomore effort, Cool Hand Loc (1991), did not achieve the same success, he transitioned to an acting career, appearing in television shows like Fox's "Roc" and films such as Posse and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Tone Loc has also lent his distinctive voice to commercials and animated projects. His nickname comes from his first name "Tony" and the slang term "Lōc," which refers to members of the Los Angeles street gang the "Crips," of which he was previously a member.

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