Description
Tone-Loc – Loc\’ed After Dark – Vinyl Record
Loc\’ed After Dark is the debut album by American rapper Tone-Loc, released on January 23, 1989. Known for his deep, gravelly voice and laid-back style, Tone-Loc became a pioneering figure in West Coast hip-hop with this album, which features his iconic hits \”Wild Thing\” and \”Funky Cold Medina.\” Loc\’ed After Dark quickly achieved commercial success, making Tone-Loc one of the first hip-hop artists to have a platinum-certified album, driven by his humorous storytelling, funky beats, and catchy hooks.
Tone-Loc, born Anthony Terrell Smith, brought a unique style to the hip-hop scene, blending rap with funk, rock, and pop elements that gave his music a mainstream appeal. Loc\’ed After Dark was released at a time when West Coast hip-hop was still finding its voice, and Tone-Loc\’s accessible sound played a role in broadening the genre’s appeal. The album was produced by Delicious Vinyl founders Matt Dike and Michael Ross, who crafted beats that were influenced by funk and rock, sampling popular tracks to create a party-friendly vibe.
The album’s lighthearted approach and relatable storytelling helped it stand out in an era where hip-hop was increasingly exploring serious and political themes. Tone-Loc’s lyrical content often focused on nightlife, romance, and humor, capturing a laid-back, fun-loving persona.
Key Tracks
\”Wild Thing\” – The album’s biggest hit, \”Wild Thing\” was a massive crossover success. Built around a sample from Van Halen’s \”Jamie’s Cryin’,\” this track became an instant classic for its catchy beat and playful lyrics. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tone-Loc one of the first rappers to achieve such high mainstream success.
\”Funky Cold Medina\” – Another iconic track, this humorous song tells the story of Tone-Loc’s misadventures with a fictional love potion called \”Funky Cold Medina.\” The track features a sample of \”Hot Blooded\” by Foreigner and became a staple on the radio, further establishing Tone-Loc’s mainstream appeal.
\”Loc\’ed After Dark\” – The title track has a darker, more intense vibe than Tone-Loc’s hit singles. It captures the West Coast’s burgeoning hip-hop style and features a driving beat and Loc’s signature raspy voice, with lyrics about street life and urban survival.
\”I Got It Goin\’ On\” – This track showcases Tone-Loc’s smooth flow and funky beats, with lyrics celebrating his success and confidence. It’s a classic brag rap track that adds to the album’s party-ready feel.
\”Cutting Rhythms\” – This song highlights the album’s DJ-centric approach, with scratches, samples, and Loc’s freestyle rhymes over an old-school beat. It’s a tribute to hip-hop’s roots in DJ culture and party scenes.
\”On Fire\” – A high-energy track that captures the upbeat vibe of Tone-Loc’s sound, \”On Fire\” is filled with braggadocious lyrics and punchy beats, keeping the momentum of the album going.
Loc\’ed After Dark is about nightlife, romance, confidence, and fun. Tone-Loc’s storytelling style is casual and approachable, with humor and charisma that make his lyrics relatable. The production by Matt Dike and Michael Ross plays a crucial role in shaping the album’s funky, danceable sound, incorporating samples from rock, funk, and pop. By using these recognizable samples, the production adds a layer of familiarity for listeners, making the album accessible even to those new to hip-hop.
The use of rock and funk samples was relatively new at the time, adding an element of crossover appeal that helped the album reach a broader audience. The album’s sound was polished yet retained a raw, party-ready vibe, blending street-style rap with mainstream sensibilities.
Loc\’ed After Dark was a groundbreaking release, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and going double platinum. It made Tone-Loc one of the first rappers to achieve major commercial success and helped bring West Coast hip-hop into the spotlight. Critics and fans praised the album for its fun, accessible sound and Tone-Loc’s charismatic style. The singles \”Wild Thing\” and \”Funky Cold Medina\” remain iconic tracks in hip-hop, known for their catchy hooks and humorous lyrics.
The album’s success marked a significant moment in hip-hop, demonstrating the genre’s potential for mainstream appeal. Tone-Loc’s influence extended beyond music; he became a cultural figure and went on to have a successful career in film, television, and voice acting.
Loc\’ed After Dark stands as a milestone in hip-hop history, bridging the gap between underground rap and mainstream pop culture. Tone-Loc’s ability to blend humor, storytelling, and danceable beats set the stage for future artists who sought to appeal to a wide audience. The album’s lighthearted vibe and iconic singles helped introduce many listeners to hip-hop, solidifying Tone-Loc’s place in music history as one of the genre’s early crossover stars.
Even decades later, Loc\’ed After Dark continues to be celebrated for its catchy tracks and Tone-Loc’s unique style, serving as a reminder of the genre’s evolution and the role of artists like Tone-Loc in bringing hip-hop into the mainstream.
The essential double platinum debut album by Tone Loc
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
On Fire (Remix)
Wild Thing
Lōc\’ed After Dark
I Got It Goin\’ On
Cutting Rhythms
Funky Cold Medina
Next Episode
Cheeba Cheeba
Don\’t Get Close
Lōc\’in On The Shaw
The Homies
