Tone Lōc is the stage name of Anthony Terrell Smith (born March 3, 1966), an American hip hop artist and actor, most well-known for his 1989 hit singles “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina”. He is also known for his deep, gravelly, hoarse voice—the result of a childhood tea-drinking accident that left his throat scalded.
Tone Lōc was born in south Compton, California and attended University High School, though he rose to prominence in Los Angeles. His stage name comes from “Antonio Loco” (“Crazy Antonio”), a nickname his friends gave him.
His song, “Wild Thing”, includes a drum beat and guitar riff from Van Halen’s song “Jamie’s Cryin’”. Though the sample was used illegally without permission, Van Halen did not sue.
As an actor, Tone has appeared in movies such as Heat, Surf Ninjas, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Bebe’s Kids, and Titan A.E., as well as in the television series NewsRadio and the reality television series Superstar USA. |
