Hood Stuck Closed

I have a 98 Rodeo 3.2 4x4. My hood is stuck closed. The hood latch release has tension on it but will not pop open.Can anyone help me figure out how to get it open? I have pushed on it pulled on it whacked it with my fist and had someone pull hood release while I pulled on hood and pushed it and whacked it again. I need to replace head lamps.