Tone Loc: Biography

Ex-gang member Tone-Loc is probably best known for his hit 1989 rap songs "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina" than for his acting career. Nevertheless, Loc was not welcomed into the hip-hop community, despite his debut Loc-ed After Dark being only the second rap album to top the Billboard charts. After the poor performance of his second album, 1991's Cool Hand Loc, Loc turned his attentions to acting. He appeared several times in Charles S. Dutton's sitcom Roc, and also had supporting roles in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Heat, and Titan A.E., among others.

Born Anthony Smith on March 3, 1966, in Los Angeles, Loc still lives in the city of his birth. He spends his free time hanging out with his children and, as he told the Iowa State Daily in 1999, finding ways to make money. He shouldn't have much trouble with the latter -- the rapper/actor put out a new album and tour in 2001, and took on a starring role in Thieves, a television series starring John Stamos. ~ Stephanie M. Kuenn, All Movie Guide