Yo-Yo (rapper)
Encyclopedia
Yo-Yo is a Grammy
-nominated American
hardcore rapper and actress. Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequent sexism
found in hip-hop music. She is the protege of gangsta rapper Ice Cube. Yo-Yo dubbed her crew the IBWC, which stood for the Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition.
'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, partly because of its focus on positive messages and uplifting themes that contrasted the popular gangsta rap
style. 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.
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. 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.
, 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.
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-nominated American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
hardcore rapper and actress. Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequent sexism
Sexism
Sexism, also known as gender discrimination or sex discrimination, is the application of the belief or attitude that there are characteristics implicit to one's gender that indirectly affect one's abilities in unrelated areas...
found in hip-hop music. She is the protege of gangsta rapper Ice Cube. Yo-Yo dubbed her crew the IBWC, which stood for the Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition.
Music career
Yo-Yo first appeared as a guest on Ice CubeIce Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
'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
Make Way for the Motherlode
Make Way for the Motherlode is the first album by Yo-Yo. The album was released on March 19, 1991, on East West America/Atlantic Records and featured production by Ice Cube, Sir Jinx and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien. The album did very well on the Billboard charts, peaking at #74 on the Billboard 200...
.
Her follow-up in 1992, Black Pearl was well-received by critics, partly because of its focus on positive messages and uplifting themes that contrasted the popular gangsta rap
Gangsta rap
Gangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
style. However, despite a plethora of renowned producers such as DJ Muggs
DJ Muggs
Lawrence Muggerud , better known as DJ Muggs, is Cypress Hill's DJ and producer. He also produced tracks for Funkdoobiest on the albums Which Doobie U B? and Brothas Doobie.-Cypress Hill :...
, this did not translate into a hit with mainstream hip-hop audiences, and the album's sales were considered a disappointment.
Less than a year later, released her follow-up You Better Ask Somebody
You Better Ask Somebody
You Better Ask Somebody is the third album by Yo-Yo. It was released on June 22, 1993, on East West America/Atlantic Records and featured production by Ice Cube, N.W.A producer Laylaw, the Baker Boys, Derrick McDowell, Mister Woody and Tootie. The album peaked at #107 on the Billboard 200 and #21...
. The final track on the album was her third recorded hip-hop duet with Ice Cube
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
, "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. Later that year, she performed with MC Lyte
MC Lyte
MC Lyte is an American rapper who first gained fame in the late-1980s becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock.-Early life:...
, the Lady of Rage
The Lady of Rage
Robin Yvette Allen , better known by her stage name The Lady of Rage, is an American rapper and actress best known for collaborations with several Death Row Records artists, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg on the seminal albums The Chronic and Doggystyle...
, and Salt-n-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa is an American hip hop trio from Queens and Brooklyn, New York, that was formed in 1985. The group, consisting of Cheryl "Salt" Renee James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton, and Deidra "DJ Spinderella" Roper, was one of the first all-female rap crews....
at the BET Hip Hop Awards
BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. The awards ceremony began in 2006, was held on November 12, 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, was first aired November 15 and was hosted by comedian Katt...
.
As of 2009, she has been at work on an EP, titled My Journey to Fearless: The Black Butterfly.
Acting career
She appeared in the 1991 film Boyz n the HoodBoyz N the Hood
Boyz n the Hood is a 1991 American hood film written and directed by John Singleton. Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Angela Bassett and Regina King, the film depicts life in poor South Central Los Angeles, California and was filmed and released...
, 1993's Menace II Society
Menace II Society
Menace II Society is a 1993 urban crime drama and the directorial debut of twin brothers Allen and Albert Hughes. Menace II Society is set in South Central Los Angeles and follows the life of a hoodlum named Caine Lawson and his close friends. The film gained notoriety for its frequent scenes of...
and other urban-oriented films; had a recurring role on the television show Martin
Martin (TV series)
Martin is an American sitcom produced by HBO Independent Productions that aired for five seasons, from August 27, 1992 to May 1, 1997 on Fox...
as Keylolo, the sidekick of comedian Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House...
's alter ego Sheneneh; and appeared on other TV shows, including the Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
network's New York Undercover
New York Undercover
New York Undercover is an American police drama that aired on the FOX television network from 1994 to 1998. The series starred Malik Yoba as Detective J.C. Williams and Michael DeLorenzo as Detective Eddie Torres, two undercover detectives in New York City's 4th Precinct who were assigned to...
. She has also made many cameo appearances, including the music video for Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott
Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...
's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
"The Rain " is a 1997 hit song recorded by American rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. It was written and composed by Don Bryant, Bernard "Bernie" Miller, Elliott, and producer Timbaland for her debut album Supa Dupa Fly and contains a sample of Ann Peebles' 1974 single "I Can't Stand the Rain",...
". She has also appeared in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a 2004 open world action video game developed by British games developer Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the third 3D game in the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise, the fifth original console release and eighth game overall...
, as a voice actor.
Albums
| Year | Album | Chart Positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Hip-Hop Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999... |
||
| 1991 | Make Way for the Motherlode Make Way for the Motherlode Make Way for the Motherlode is the first album by Yo-Yo. The album was released on March 19, 1991, on East West America/Atlantic Records and featured production by Ice Cube, Sir Jinx and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien. The album did very well on the Billboard charts, peaking at #74 on the Billboard 200... |
75 | 5 |
| 1992 | Black Pearl | 145 | 32 |
| 1993 | You Better Ask Somebody You Better Ask Somebody You Better Ask Somebody is the third album by Yo-Yo. It was released on June 22, 1993, on East West America/Atlantic Records and featured production by Ice Cube, N.W.A producer Laylaw, the Baker Boys, Derrick McDowell, Mister Woody and Tootie. The album peaked at #107 on the Billboard 200 and #21... |
107 | 21 |
| 1996 | Total Control | — | 46 |
| 1998 | Ebony (Unreleased) | — | — |
| "—" denotes the album failed to chart or not released | |||
Singles
- "You Can't Play wit My Yo-Yo" (1991)
- "Ain't Nobody Better" (1991)
- "Girl Don't Be No Fool" (1991)
- "Stompin to tha ’90's" (1991)
- "Home Girl Don't Play Dat" (1992)
- "Black Pearl" (1992)
- "IBW'in wit My Crewin'" (1993)
- "West Side Story" (1993)
- "The Bonnie and Clyde Theme" (feat. Ice CubeIce CubeO'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
) (1993) - "Same Ol' Thang" (1996)
- "Steady Risin" (1996)
- "One for the Cuties" (1996)
- "Iz It Still All Good" (feat. Gerald LevertGerald LevertGerald Levert was an American R&B singer. Gerald Levert sang with his brother, Sean Levert, and friend Marc Gordon in the R&B trio LeVert. He was also a part of LSG, an R&B supergroup comprising Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, and Levert...
) (1998) - "Do You Wanna Ride" (featuring Kelly PriceKelly PriceKelly Price is an American R&B and soul singer, formerly on the Def Soul label.-Life and music career:Kelly Cherelle Price was born in Queens, New York. She was first discovered by Mariah Carey in February 1992 and subsequently introduced to Sony Columbia's then CEO Tommy Mottola...
) (1998) - "Give It T'Um" (2009)
Miscellaneous appearances
- 1990 "It's a Man's World" (with Ice Cube) (AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted)
- 1991 "Mama Don't Take No Mess" (Boyz in the Hood SDTK)
- 1992 "Get the Fist" (with B-Real, Ice Cube, J-Dee, Kam, King Tee, MC Eiht, Threat) (VA - Get the Fist Movement)
- 1993 "Romantic Call" (with Patra) (Queen of the Pack)
- 1994 "I Wanna Be Down (Remix)" (with Brandy, MC Lyte & Queen Latifah) (Baby CD SINGLE)
- 1994 "Sweet on You" (with Teena MarieTeena MarieMary Christine Brockert, better known by her stage name Teena Marie, was an American singer, songwriter and producer...
) (Passion PlayPassion Play (Teena Marie album)Passion Play is the tenth album by Teena Marie, released in 1994. Marie had parted company with Epic Records following disappointing sales of her 1990 album Ivory, and Passion Play was released on her own independent label, Sarai...
) - 1995 "Freedom (Theme From Panther)" (with VA) (Panther SDTK)
- 1995 "Stomp" (with Coolio, Luniz, Melle Mel, Shaquille O'Neal) (Q's Jook Joint)
- 1995 "Crazay" (VA - Pump Ya Fist)
- 1996 "I Can't Take No More" (Girls Town SDTK)
- 1997 "Keep on Pushin'" (ft MC Lyte, Bahamadia, Nonchalant) (Dangerous Ground SDTK)
- 1997 "True Dat" (with Levert & Queen Pen) (The Whole Scenario)
- 1999 "Set Trippin'" (with Dresta, I Smooth 7) (VA - Gumbo Roots)
- 2005 "Mercedes Boy" (B-Side to Mobb Deep's "Get Twisted" 12")
- 2005 "Only 4 the Righteous" (with 2Pac) (The Rose, Vol. 2)
- 2005 "Boogie Oogie Oogie" (with Brooke Valentine & Fabolous) (Roll Bounce SDTK)
- 2009 "Watcha Wan Do" (with DJ Quik, Kurupt & Problem) (BlaQKout)
- 2010 "Só Rezo 0.2" (with Nx Zero & Emicida) (Projeto Paralelo)
Films
- 2000 The Rev. DoWrong Ain't Right ...
- 2000 3 Strikes3 Strikes3 Strikes is a 2000 American screwball comedy film, written and directed by DJ Pooh. The film stars Brian Hooks as Rob Douglas, a man just released from a one-year sentence in jail, who already has two strikes to his name. Since he is living under California's Three strikes law, Rob decides to go...
.... Charita - 1999 Beverly Hood .... Tilly
- 1997 SprungSprungSprung is a video game for the Nintendo DS. It was released in North America on December 7, 2004. Sprung puts players in the shoes of either Becky or Brett who try to get an NPC of the opposite sex to fall in love with them. Players "flirt" their way through conversations; player responses...
.... Sista #3 - 1995 PantherPanther (film)Panther is a 1995 film directed by Mario Van Peebles, from a screenplay adapted by his father, Melvin Van Peebles, based on his book. The film dramatizes the story of The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense...
.... Pregnant junkie - 1994 Adventures of D.P. Boys 17: South of the Border (V)
- 1993 Sister Act 2: Back in the HabitSister Act 2: Back in the HabitSister Act 2: Back In The Habit is a 1993 comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg. Directed by Bill Duke, and released by Touchstone Pictures, it is the sequel to the successful 1992 film Sister Act...
.... Sondra - 1993 Who's the Man ....
- 1993 Menace II SocietyMenace II SocietyMenace II Society is a 1993 urban crime drama and the directorial debut of twin brothers Allen and Albert Hughes. Menace II Society is set in South Central Los Angeles and follows the life of a hoodlum named Caine Lawson and his close friends. The film gained notoriety for its frequent scenes of...
.... Girl at Party - 1991 Boyz n the HoodBoyz N the HoodBoyz n the Hood is a 1991 American hood film written and directed by John Singleton. Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Angela Bassett and Regina King, the film depicts life in poor South Central Los Angeles, California and was filmed and released...
.... Yo-Yo
Television appearances
- 2008 VH1's 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs ... Herself (4 episodes)
- 2008 ego trip's Miss Rap Supreme ... Co-Host (9 episodes)
- 2007 "Parallel Paths" .... Herself (1 episode)
- 2006 "How Do I Look".... Herself
- 2006 3rd Annual VH1 Hip-Hop Honors ... Herself
- 1998 "The Jamie Foxx Show" .... Kierston (1 episode)
- 1997 "The Parent 'Hood" .... Audrey (1 episode)
- 1997 Trials of Life (TV) .... Jennifer
- 1995 "New York Undercover" .... Nikki (1 episode)
- 1993-1997 "Martin" .... Keylolo (3 episodes)
- 1993 Strapped (TV) .... Ann
Voice work
- 2006 Waist DeepWaist DeepWaist Deep is a 2006 drama-action film directed by Vondie Curtis-Hall, starring Tyrese Gibson and Meagan Good. It is loosely based on the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, including some similar subplots including the two main characters on the road, trying to avoid police, and committing bank...
.... Female Radio DJ (Voice) - 2006 Da Jammies .... Mrs. Mangual (Voice)
- 2004 Grand Theft Auto: San AndreasGrand Theft Auto: San AndreasGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a 2004 open world action video game developed by British games developer Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the third 3D game in the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise, the fifth original console release and eighth game overall...
.... Kendl Johnson (Voice)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 1995 | MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best Rap Video for "I Wanna Be Down I Wanna Be Down "I Wanna Be Down" is the debut song performed by American singer Brandy. It was co-written and produced by Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones for the singer's self-titled debut studio album, Brandy , and released as its lead single during the third quarter of 1994... " (Remix) (featuring Brandy Brandy Norwood Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu.... , MC Lyte MC Lyte MC Lyte is an American rapper who first gained fame in the late-1980s becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock.-Early life:... and Queen Latifah Queen Latifah Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy... ) |
| 1996 | Grammy Award Grammy Award A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry... nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Duo or Group for "Stomp" |
External links
- [ Yo-Yo biography] provided by allmusic.com
- Yolanda Whittaker at imdb.com