Tone Loc

Anthony Terrell Smith, known professionally as Tone Loc, was born on March 3, 1966, in Los Angeles, California. Raised by his mother alongside three older brothers after his father’s passing in 1972, he attended Hollywood Professional School. Before achieving mainstream success as a solo artist, Smith performed with the rap group Triple A. His career trajectory shifted significantly in 1989 with the release of his debut album.

Tone Loc’s breakthrough came with his debut album, “Lōc-ed After Dark,” released in January 1989. This album achieved considerable commercial success, reaching number 1 in the US and earning 2x platinum certification. The singles “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina” became major hits, with “Wild Thing” climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Funky Cold Medina” reaching No. 3. His music videos for these tracks were frequently played on MTV, solidifying his presence in popular culture. He also contributed to the collaborative single “We’re All in the Same Gang” by the West Coast Rap All-Stars. His distinctive gravelly voice became a recognizable trademark in the music industry.

Following his musical success, Tone Loc transitioned into acting, appearing in numerous films and television series. Notable film roles include Richard Torena in “Heat” (1995), Emilio in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” (1994), and voice roles as Tek in “Titan A.E.” (2000) and Goanna in “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” (1992). He has also lent his voice to animated TV series such as “King of the Hill,” “C Bear and Jamal,” “Chowder,” and “Uncle Grandpa.” In 2022, he contributed as the singing voice of Penny Proud in Disney+’s “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.” Throughout his career, Tone Loc has remained active, performing on tours such as the “I Love the 90s Tour” which commenced in 2016.