Loc’s ‘After Dark’:Just a Love for Lust

TONE LOC: “Loc-ed After Dark.” Delicious Vinyl.***

The pop Top 10 has always been a fairly clean place. Occasionally, a single like George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” will creep in--disguised as something fairly wholesome. But after the intrusion of Los Angeles rapper Tone Loc’s raunchy “Wild Thing,” the pop Top 10 may never be the same.

“Wild Thing”--a street term for sex--chronicles the escapades of a rogue on the make. Rap music is full of songs much bawdier than this, but hardly any of them get such extensive pop air play--or reach the Top 10.

But “Wild Thing,” which has an endearing breeziness that attracts pop listeners, has pushed pop a little farther toward the gutter. It’s lewd, but unlike many rap songs it isn’t threatening--probably because it’s somewhat softened by humor. Tone Loc may single-handedly make the Top 10 safe for sexism, machismo and vulgarity.

Rap and sleaziness go hand in hand. The best rap music--and Tone Loc’s is among the best--echoes the seamy, stark realities of black ghetto life. Tough, strutting scoundrels--party animals who treat women as sex objects--are the kings of the street. That’s Tone Loc’s persona. His rumbling voice reflects a love of lust.

Listening to his album is like taking a late-night walk on the wild side with a lecherous, swaggering guide. There’s absolutely nothing socially redeeming about songs like “On Fire,” “I Got It Goin’ On” and “Funky Cold Medina”--a racy, comical tune about an aphrodisiac.

With their bashing beats and occasional jagged rock chords, these songs have a raw, lascivious energy and plenty of low-down street humor. Even if you instinctively hate the messages, they do have an undeniable primal appeal.