Chart Performance: R&B(#3) and Pop(#2); 1989
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Following in the wake of white rappers the Beastie Boys and hip-hopper Bobby Brown, Tone Loc was the next performer to bring the urban-based genre into the suburbs of middle America. Born Anthony Smith in Los Angeles, the singer’s stage alias was derived from his Spanish nickname, Antonio Loco. Signed to Delicious Vinyl, Tone Loc suggested he record one of his own compositions, however, founders Michael Ross and Matt Dike felt Wild Thing was too raunchy for pop ears. So, they called on one of their other artists – USC student Marvin Young – to help out. They caught Marvin hanging out in his dorm room, where he knocked out new lyrics in 30 minutes. In the studio, Ross and Dike wove a sample from Jamie’s Cryin’ by hard rockin’ Van Halen into Wild Thing. Wild Thing and its album, Loc-ed After Dark, both sold over two million copies, and Loc-ed also became the second rap LP – after Bobby Brown’s Don’t Be Cruel – to top the pop list.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2023 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Matt Dike
- Michael Ross
Lyrics Written by:
- Anthony Terrell Smith
- Marvin Young
- Matt Dike
- Michael Ross
Awards:
- Nominated for Best Rap Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1989
- Nominated for three Grammy Awards
- The song “Wild Thing” was certified Gold by the RIAA
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).
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