80's Music Junkies: Tone Loc

Tone Loc 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, gravely, hoarse voice. Tone Loc was born in south Compton, California and attended University High School. His song, "Wild Thing", includes a drum beat and guitar riff from Van Halen's song "Jamie's Crying'". Though the sample was used without permission, Van Halen did not sue. As an actor, Tone has appeared in movies such as Heat, Surf Ninjas, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest, Bebe's Kids, Blank Check and Titan A.E., as well as in the television series News Radio and the reality television series Superstar USA.