Funky Cold Medina (Metal Version)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the vibes for their Zoo Freaks with the head-banging "Funky Cold Medina (Metal Version)" by Leo Moracchioli. This track, a heavy metal makeover of Tone Lōc’s 1989 hip-hop classic, dropped as a single in 2024, clocking in at a fierce four minutes. Leo, the mastermind behind Frog Leap Studios, doesn’t just growl out the vocals but plays every instrument, delivering a gritty, electrified twist that’s got fans buzzing. One Reddit user on r/TheTikiHut raved, “Where has this been all my life? Freaking great!” capturing the song’s unexpected charm. The cover keeps the original’s playful narrative—an aphrodisiac drink causing wild misadventures—but swaps the funky beats for crushing guitar riffs and pounding drums, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Freaks’ eclectic tastes.

Trivia about this track highlights Leo’s knack for transforming pop culture gems into metal anthems. In a YouTube video for the song, Leo nods to Tone Lōc’s original, which sampled Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded” and Funkadelic’s “Get Off Your Ass and Jam,” among others. Leo’s version, though, is a complete reimagining, with no direct samples, relying instead on his multi-instrumental prowess. Laughing Squid noted Leo’s “gravel-voiced” delivery, which adds a raw edge to the humorous lyrics about misguided romantic escapades. Fans on Instagram have shared clips of Leo’s recording process, showing him layering guitars, drums, and vocals in his Norwegian studio, often with a mischievous grin. The song’s release sparked chatter on X, where one user called it “the metal cover we didn’t know we needed,” cementing its status as a bold, genre-bending hit.

Leo Moracchioli’s journey to this electrifying cover started in Skien, Norway, where his passion for music ignited early. A self-taught musician, Leo began drumming as a teen, later picking up guitar, bass, and vocals, driven by a love for rock and metal. Before Frog Leap Studios, he toured with local bands, honing his stage presence and production skills. In 2011, he launched his YouTube channel, initially posting original tracks, but his metal covers of pop songs like “Hello” by Adele and “Despacito” exploded in popularity, amassing millions of views. This led to the creation of Frog Leap Studios, where Leo records, produces, and films his one-man-band covers, often joined by guest vocalists or his dog, Frodo, for comic relief. His Apple Music bio credits his “unique ability to make any song heavy” as the key to his global fanbase.

Leo’s rise wasn’t without hustle. He funded early projects through crowdfunding, as mentioned in a 2015 Kickstarter campaign, where fans rallied to support his first cover album. Today, he’s a staple in the metal cover scene, performing live with his Frog Leap band across Europe, blending covers with original songs. Fans can connect with Leo on his official website, where he sells lossless tracks and merch, or follow his antics on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Devoted Zoo Freaks can join the Frog Leap Fans Facebook group to share tour stories and cover requests, or check out fan hubs like Last.fm for discography deep dives. Leo’s infectious energy and DIY ethos keep the metal spirit alive, making him a Zoo Crew favorite.