Tone Lōc and “I Got It Goin' On”: A personal look at an iconic rap track

When you think of Tone Lōc, you probably immediately think of his monster hits “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina” But “I Got It Goin' On,” from his debut album Lōc-ed After Dark (1989), just as well deserves a moment in the spotlight. The song shows why Tone Lōc was a fresh, unique voice in the rap scene at the time.

A Voice That Takes Over Everything
What always fascinates me about Tone Lōc is his deep, raw voice. There's something magnetic about it, like he rapped straight from the streets of Los Angeles to your living room. “I Got It Goin' On” takes full advantage of this: his delivery is relaxed, confident, and infused with the West Coast vibe that he embodies.

Musical Background
The beat of this song has that characteristic funky and soulful vibe of the late '80s. You'll hear influences from funk and classical hip-hop , a perfect depiction of a time when sampling and crate digging were essential for music production. The groove is laidback but danceable, just what you need for a track that's about swagger.

The Text and Its Personality
The lyrics to “I Got It Goin' On” exude the flair and humor that Tone Lōc was known for. The song is a celebration of his success and self-assurance, without getting too serious. His style invites you to just groove along and have fun, a feature that made his other songs so popular too.