Lōc-Ed After Dark

Driven by the gravelly, remarkably distinct voice of Anthony Smith and incredibly shrewd, sample-heavy production, this album was a monumental crossover pop success. The record perfectly balances rugged hip-hop aesthetics with universally accessible hooks, famously utilizing unauthorized Van Halen and Foreigner guitar samples on its massive hits 'Wild Thing' and 'Funky Cold Medina'. It played a crucial role in bringing West Coast rap to the absolute center of mainstream pop culture.