Which came first, the song “Funky Cold Medina” written by Young MC and recorded in 1987 by Tone-Lōc, or the mixed alcohol beverage of the same name? And does it have anything to do with Medina, the second-holiest city in Islam?
(I already checked the Wikipedia article.)
The rap says “it’s better than any alcohol or drug,” so I assume it wasn’t a cocktail at the time. I doubt that it has anything to do with the city, but I have no proof.
Wiki provides some insight.
As for the second part of the question, I have heard Brooklyn referred to as Medina in a few mid-90s rap songs-- specifically ones by GZA (as mentioned on Urban Dictionary), Ghostface Killah, and Notorious B.I.G., but I can’t think of this use any earlier. Also, as I interpret it, the Notorious B.I.G. claims in “Sky’s the Limit” that his nickname was Medina at a point early in his high school career. This would certainly have been before the release of the 1989 Tone Loc song. So maybe this all points to a pre-1989 slang meaning?
Growing up in Medina County, Ohio we found this song humorous when it came out.
Precisely because the LAST thing Medina is… is Funky.
Right it’s a love potion and if you give it to her she will soon be on your lap.
Apparently (I’ve not watched to confirm) he points to vodka in the video while saying “funky cold medina” but after reviewing the lyrics myself, I’m almost inclined to think Tone was learning the mystical ways of home-made pheromone cologne.
No it can’t be a cologne because it must be ingested and then the ingestee is attracted to you.
You know he put some in Sheena’s glass it turned her on but then he found out Sheena was a man so he split because he doesn’t go that way.
It does not answer either question. Which is why I mentioned in my original post that I had already read the Wikipedia article.
I have it on good word that ball sweat is edible.
I’ll check when I get home but I IRC Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers of the DC Go-Go scene recorded a live version circa 1985.
It’s definitely some sort of aphrodesiac. Chuck Brown’s version had Sheena, made his dog ‘do the wild thing on my leg’ and other scenarios that I can’t remember.