POP LP CHART : Pop List Gets Rapped

Those who wish rap--particularly those X-rated rhymes--would go away had better get ready for a rap blitzkrieg. Since that wild thing, rapper Tone Loc, now has the No. 1 album on the Billboard pop chart with “Loc-ed After Dark,” record companies--famed for their copycat mentality--will probably get heavier into rap. Loc’s second Top 10 single, “Funky Cold Medina,” propelled his album to the top. But Loc had better look out for Madonna. Her “Like a Prayer,” which rocketed to No. 3 in just two weeks, may take over the No. 1 spot next week. Jody Watley’s “Larger Than Life,” which debuted at No. 70, should take a huge leap up the chart next week. Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drive Me Crazy” is the new No. 1 pop single.

* The “Rain Man” sound track got a shot in the arm from the movie’s recent Oscar haul. After a slow, steady climb, it suddenly jumped 17 places to No. 39.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1. “Loc-ed After Dark” 3 7 9 Tone Loc (Delicious Vinyl) 2. “Electric Youth” 1 1 10 Debbie Gibson (Atlantic) 3. “Like a Prayer” 11 ... 2 Madonna (Warner Bros.) 4. “Don’t Be Cruel” 2 2 39 Bobby Brown (MCA) 5. “Mystery Girl” 5 6 9 Roy Orbison (Virgin) * “Rain Man” 56 61 6 Sound track (Capitol)