Wild Thing + Wild Thing (Wild Beats) / Loc'ed After Dark + Loc'ed After Dark (Radio Edit)

Tone-Loc’s “Wild Thing” caught the attention of mainstream audiences in 1989 with its blend of rock, hip-hop and humor. “Wild Thing” entered US pop charts in December 1988, and by February 18, 1989, it had peaked at No. 2 and sold over a million copies. The sampling and mixing skills of John King and Mike Simpson, better known as the Dust Brothers, were responsible for the single’s danceable rhythm. The Dust Brothers had just started to work with Tone-Loc’s label, Delicious Vinyl. After these two singles brought them attention, they were invited to work with such innovators as the Beastie Boys. Mainstream audiences know of Tone-Loc from this hit and its follow up, “Funky Cold Medina.” Because these two songs fall into the category of “pop rap," it may appear that he only performs comedic hip-hop. However, the B-side of this EP, a song called “Loc’ed After Dark,” lays out a gritty, urban scene based on Loc's experience in Los Angeles gangs.

Tone-Loc (Anthony Terrell Smith, b. 1966), is a rapper and actor from Los Angeles, California, wore these sunglasses in numerous photographs and video appearances throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1989 he released the second highest selling single in US history with “Wild Thing” and Loc-ed After Dark became the first No. 1 album by an African American rapper. Like “Wild Thing,” a second smash single, “Funky Cold Medina,” also featured humorous lyrics backed by a rock-influenced sound. Even though the former gang member is best known for these two pop crossover hits, the hardcore rap style of “Next Episode” and “Don’t Get Close” actually dominate Tone-Loc’s repertoire. Following his 1991 album Cool Hand Loc, he concentrated on an acting career, appearing in the movies Poetic Justice, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Heat, and in such TV shows as Touched by an Angel and Roc. Due to health reasons Tone-Loc wears his signature sunglasses at every performance to help reduce the likelihood of a seizure.