Who Is Young MC?
Marvin Young, known as Young MC, is a British-American rapper who wrote Bust a Move (1989) — one of the most enduring crossover rap singles of the late 1980s — and also co-wrote Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina for Tone Loc. His career is defined by the gap between his extraordinary contribution as a songwriter and his modest commercial standing as a solo artist.
Quick Stats
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Marvin Young |
| Born | May 10, 1967 — London, England |
| Active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Delicious Vinyl, Capitol |
Career Overview
Young MC grew up in Queens, New York, and studied economics at the University of Southern California. He co-wrote Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina for Tone Loc before releasing his debut Stone Cold Rhymin' (1989), which went platinum on the strength of Bust a Move — a #7 Hot 100 hit that won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance. Brainstorm (1991) underperformed. He has continued releasing independent material with diminishing returns.
Discography
| Year | Album | Chart Peak |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Stone Cold Rhymin' | #9 US — Bust a Move went #7 |
| 1991 | Brainstorm | Modest sales |
| 1993 | What's the Flavor? | Independent |
| 2016 | Return of the 1 Hit Wonder ⚠️ | Independent |
⚠️ = Reviewed on Rap Reviews Daily
Why Return of the 1 Hit Wonder Failed
Return of the 1 Hit Wonder (2016) earned 2/10 from us. The title was accurate and the album provided no argument against it. Released independently with no promotional infrastructure, it confirmed that Young MC's commercial standing had not recovered from the 1989–1991 window when Bust a Move made him briefly famous.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Young MC's most significant legacy is as a songwriter rather than a solo artist. Co-writing two of the most enduring late-80s rap hits — Funky Cold Medina and Wild Thing for Tone Loc — while simultaneously releasing his own hit demonstrates a rare dual commercial skill. Bust a Move's Grammy win represented early mainstream recognition of rap as a legitimate musical form.
Young MC on Rap Reviews Daily
★ Return of the 1 Hit Wonder (2016) — Rating: 2/10 | Read the review →