Yo-Yo (rapper)

Yo-Yo
Background information
Birth name Yolanda Whitaker
Born August 4, 1971
Compton, California
Origin South Central, Los Angeles, United States
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s) Song-writer, Emcee, Actress
Years active 1990–present
Labels East West America
Associated acts Ice Cube, Chilly Chill, Da Lench Mob

Yo-Yo (born Yolanda Whitaker on August 4, 1971)[1] is an American hip-hop artist and actress. Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequent sexism found in hip-hop music. She is the protégé of gangsta rapper Ice Cube. Yo-Yo dubbed her crew the IBWC, which stood for the Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition.[2]

Music career

Yo-Yo first appeared as a guest on Ice Cube's AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted album in 1990, on the track "It's a Man's World." Cube returned the favor by appearing on "You Can't Play with My Yo-Yo," which was on Yo-Yo's 1991 debut album, Make Way for the Motherlode.

Her follow-up in 1992, Black Pearl was well received by critics,[3] partly because of its focus on positive messages and uplifting themes that contrasted the popular gangsta rap style.[3] However, despite a plethora of renowned producers such as DJ Muggs, this did not translate into a hit with mainstream hip-hop audiences, and the album's sales were considered a disappointment.[3]

Less than a year later, released her follow-up You Better Ask Somebody. The final track on the album was her third recorded hip-hop duet with Ice Cube, "The Bonnie and Clyde Theme".

Yo-Yo's next album was 1996's Total Control. In 1998, she finished her fifth album, Ebony, but it was not released.

In 2008, her single "Can't Play With My Yo-Yo" was ranked number 92 on VH1's 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs.[4] Later that year, she performed with MC Lyte, the Lady of Rage, and Salt-n-Pepa at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

As of 2009, she has been at work on an EP, titled My Journey to Fearless: The Black Butterfly.[5]

As of 2012, she is currently running the Youth program "YoYo's School of Hip-Hop."[6][7]

In 2013, it was announced she has joined the upcoming BET reality series Hip Hop Sisters which will focus on six female rappers' lives and their attempts to relaunch their careers. Other rappers confirmed to appear are MC Lyte, Lady of Rage, Monie Love, Lil Mama, and Smooth.[8]

Acting career

She appeared in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, 1993's Menace II Society and other urban-oriented films; had a recurring role on the television show Martin as Keylolo, the sidekick of comedian Martin Lawrence's alter ego Sheneneh; and appeared on other TV shows, including the Fox network's New York Undercover. She has also made many cameo appearances, including the music video for Missy Elliott's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)". She has also appeared in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, as a voice actor.

Personal life

She has two daughters named Tiffany Whitaker[9] and Sanai Whitaker.[10]

She got engaged to DeAndre Windom, the mayor of Highland Park, Michigan, in August 2012.[11][12] They married on August 17, 2013.[13]

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles

Miscellaneous appearances

Filmography

Films

Television appearances

Voice work

Awards and nominations

Year Award
1995 MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best Rap Video for "I Wanna Be Down" (Remix) (featuring Brandy, MC Lyte and Queen Latifah)
1996 Grammy Award nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Duo or Group for "Stomp"

References

  1. ↑ Ron Wynn (August 4, 1971). "Yo-Yo | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  2. ↑ "SUMMER SPLASH III". (May 26, 1991). L.A. Times, p. 50
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Abdul-Adil, Jaleel (August 1, 1993), "Yo Yo and MC Lyte Turn Tables on Male Rappers", Chicago Sun-Times, p. 9
  4. ↑ "VH1′s 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs". Stereogum. September 29, 2008. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Lifestyle | Icons Speak: YoYo Talks Keri Hilson, Female Emcees, more". Singersroom.com. January 6, 2009. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  6. ↑ "YoYo School of Hip Hop". YoYo School of Hip Hop. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  7. ↑ "YoYo's School Of Hip Hop". Facebook. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ "@VIBEVixen» BET Announces 'Hip Hop Sisters' and Jeanette Jenkins Reality Series » Madison Lafayette". Vibevixen.com. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  11. ↑ Blackman, Ritch. (August 24, 2012) Rapper Yo Yo Engaged To Highland Park, Mi Mayor. UnsungHipHop.Com. Retrieved on June 3, 2013.
  12. ↑ Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker 40th Birthday and Engagement Celebration at Club Rooftop 3100 in Los Angeles on August 3, 2012 - Celebrity Photos At. Prphotos.com (August 3, 2012). Retrieved on June 3, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Yolanda Whitaker & Deandre Windom - Wedding Registry". Registry.theknot.com. August 17, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Full cast and crew for Paper Soldiers (2002)". IMDb. Retrieved June 2, 2013.

External links