Funky Cold Medina

Album: Loc'ed After Dark (1988)
Charted: 13 3
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Like Loc's other hit "Wild Thing," this was written by Marvin Young, who recorded as Young MC. Both songs have a similar sound and comical lyrics. "Wild Thing" was the first ever Platinum-certified rap single; "Medina" was the second.
  • In 1959, The Clovers recorded Love Potion #9, and took almost 30 more years before another song about a powerful aphrodisiac became a big hit. In this song, Loc's love potion is the Funky Cold Medina, which is so powerful it even works on dogs. Loc makes it clear that you have to be very careful with the Medina, or it could have unintended consequences, like marriage.
  • This song contains a soup of samples. The drum break is from "Get Off Your Ass and Jam" by Funkadelic, and the main guitar riff is from "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner. Other samples are "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones (when this song is mentioned), "Christine Sixteen" by KISS, "All Right Now" by Free, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Donovan Berry - El Dorado, AR
  • The dogs mentioned in the lyrics were spokesdogs of the '80s. Spuds McKenzie shilled for Budweiser and Alex sold Strohs.
  • Tone Loc is the stage name of Anthony Terrell Smith. His stage name comes from "Antonio Loco" ("Crazy Antonio"), a nickname his friends gave him.
  • Tome Loc's gravelly, hoarse voice was the result of a childhood tea-drinking accident that left his throat scalded.

Comments: 2

  • Joe from FloridaThought to "of" referred to? Have.
  • Ben from Dallas, TxTon Loc has been thought to of referred to "Funky Cold Medina" as a cold medicine, or cough syrup which contains a narcotic ingredient.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real Group

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real GroupSong Writing

The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.