Tone Loc, born Anthony Terrell Smith, is an American rapper and actor known for his distinctive, gravelly voice and his fusion of hip hop with elements of funk. He rose to prominence in the late 1980s with hits such as "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina", both of which are considered classics in the hip hop genre. Tone Loc's music, characterized by its catchy, danceable beats and humorous, often risqué lyrics, played a significant role in bringing rap music into the mainstream. Despite a relatively brief peak in his music career, his influence on the hip hop scene is enduring.