West Coast Hip-Hop royalty, community warrior, and all-around boss woman Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker has never been one-dimensional. From rocking stages alongside Hip-Hop heavyweight Ice Cube in the golden era of Left Coast rap, to mentoring the next generation through the Yo-Yo School of Hip Hop and the Intelligent Black Women’s Coalition, Yo-Yo has always moved with purpose. Now she’s bringing that same love, flavor, and community spirit into the kitchen with her cooking series Downright Delicious.
In this conversation with Parlé Mag, Auntie Yo-Yo keeps it real about faith, family, sisterhood, classic records, and turning life lessons from South Central into a recipe for empowerment. Pull up a chair—this one is full of game, flavor, and a little bit of that old-school Hip-Hop sauce. Check out our full Yo-Yo interview below.
Parlé Mag: Yo-Yo, you’re known for being a Grammy-nominated Hip-Hop entertainer, actress, educator, and philanthropist. How do you balance all these incredible roles in your life?
Yo-Yo: I balance it all with prayer. To begin, I make sure to take time for myself. In addition, to recenter, I pray, stay still, and talk to God. Furthermore, spending quality time with my family helps me maintain balance and keeps me grounded. Overall, that kind of focus truly centers me.
Parlé Mag: What inspired you to start the cooking series?
Yo-Yo: Well, I’ve always loved to cook for guests when they came to my house. That became my new way of giving—sharing something I loved, which was cooking. It was a way to give beyond material things. Cooking felt like a piece of me. I’ve always loved it. What made me want to do a cooking show? I was a lover of food shows, and it was a dream of mine. My dream came true after meeting with Powerhouse Productions and discussing how to turn my cooking in my kitchen into a television show.
Parlé Mag: What can viewers expect from the new season of this fun and flavorful show?
Yo-Yo: They can expect my mother to take over the kitchen—that’s number one. In addition, viewers can expect more vegan and plant-based dishes, as well as appearances from more family members and celebrity guests. Of course, there will also be delicious, quick, budget-friendly dishes and cocktails.
Parlé Mag: You’re affectionately called Auntie Yo-Yo by fans. What does that nickname mean to you, and how has your connection with your fans shaped your journey?
Yo-Yo: Being called Auntie Yo-Yo connects me to the Yo-Yo School of Hip Hop and the community work I do. Interestingly, the nickname came about because many children I worked with in the community had no idea I was a Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, but they did know I loved them. My goal, then, was to show them love like an auntie would and receive their love in return. I told them, “Your family might know me as Yo-Yo, but you know me as Auntie Yo-Yo—someone who wants to see you win, soar, and succeed.” Through this, I give them my resources and guidance so they can thrive.
Parlé Mag: Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, how did your upbringing influence your career in Hip-Hop and your passion for education and philanthropy?
Yo-Yo: I was always very observant growing up in South Central Los Angeles. I saw the potential in everyone but also saw many distracted from theirs. That inspired me to focus and stay on my path. My community guided and supported me.
My mother was the biggest influence. We moved to South Central when I was going into sixth grade. It was very different from Carson, California—more hardcore. In South Central, things were in your face, including gangs. I was introduced to West Coast hip-hop through 1580 K-Day and observed how women were treated in the industry.
My mother took care of many abused women and ran a mini shelter. That inspired my work with the Intelligent Black Women’s Coalition [IBWC]. We lived in a gang-infested neighborhood, and my mom created a block club while collaborating with the gang department. I joined her in everything she did. She introduced us to community support, took us to Leimert Park, and exposed me to music and mentorship. That’s how my love for hip-hop, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy began—just by watching her lead with love and involvement.
Parlé Mag: In Downright Delicious, you showcase dishes, cocktails, desserts, and more. Is there a particular recipe or dish that holds special meaning for you?
Yo-Yo: My favorite show-off dish is my ribeye oyster steak. It’s one of my fancy dishes because people usually spend a lot for that quality. Once I perfected it, it became a specialty. I also love miso salmon—my version even surpasses what I had at The Cheesecake Factory. And, of course, my Mexican dishes are always a fan favorite. I can get it together on a low budget, make it quick, and make people love it.
Parlé Mag: The show features guest appearances from family and boss girlfriends who are moguls in fashion, beauty, and business. How important is community and sisterhood in your life and work?
Yo-Yo: Sisterhood is very important. When I was growing up, women in hip-hop were often separated, cliquish. It’s vital to show young girls that we don’t have to compete—we can stand beside each other. I share my relationships and resources freely, and I love working in groups. Sisterhood is about bonding, supporting, and lifting each other up.
Parlé Mag: As a woman in the hip-hop industry, what challenges have you faced, and what advice would you give to aspiring women artists and entrepreneurs?
Yo-Yo: Some challenges I faced included not managing my own business fully and relying on middlemen, which sometimes failed. My advice: if the blessing is yours, walk through it yourself. Don’t give your blessing away. Take care of your own business and don’t let distractions prevent you from owning your success.
Parlé Mag: You’ve been involved in philanthropy. Can you tell us about some causes you’re passionate about and how others can get involved?
Yo-Yo: I’m passionate about the Intelligent Black Women’s Coalition [IBWC], where we mentor young teens and support one another. Contact us at:IBWC1990@gmail.com. I’m also passionate about the Yo-Yo School of Hip Hop. I recently gave my first full-ride scholarship—$148,000—to a senior in Los Angeles through the National College Resource Foundation. For more info, check out @yoyo_school_hip_hop on Instagram. I also work with foster youth and troubled teens, guiding them toward success. They can reach out to me directly via DMs.
Parlé Mag: How do you see your role as an educator influencing the next generation, both through music and your other endeavors?
Yo-Yo: I live within my truth and inspire others through my stories. In fact, youth trust you when they know you genuinely care. Consequently, that authenticity strengthens my music, my presence, and my purpose. Moreover, my work with Yolanda Whitaker—the person—supports the artist Yo-Yo and helps me operate from love and intention.
Parlé Mag: What has been the most memorable moment so far in your career, and what goals do you still hope to achieve?
Yo-Yo: The most memorable moment was giving a young woman a full-ride scholarship. In fact, she was homeschooled, and her mom and I cried with her. This experience showed me that, outside of music, I could still impact lives profoundly.
Regarding my goals, I aim to stay healthy, keep learning, continue community work, achieve financial freedom, focus on retirement, and remain spiritually connected. Ultimately, I want to keep living my dream and appreciating everything I have.
Yo Raps: Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or initiatives that fans should be excited about?
Yo-Yo: I’m writing and collaborating with other artists, while also pushing out new music and auditioning for acting roles. In addition, I hope to continue sharing my cooking with Aspire TV and spotlighting Yolanda Whitaker in the kitchen.
Parlé Mag: “It’s A Man’s World,” “You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo,” “Stompin’ To Tha 90’s,” and “I Wanna Be Down (Remix)” are bona fide classics. How did these popular selections come about, and what were the studio vibes like?
Yo-Yo:
“You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo”: Cube and I created the synergy in the studio. He came in with the hook, and we wrote it together. I knew instantly it was a hit.
“I Wanna Be Down (Remix):” Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Brandy, and I collaborated. It was our first time working together. R&B and hip-hop weren’t closely connected yet, so this was groundbreaking. I recorded my verse last with Keith Crouch, and it became a classic.
“Bonnie and Clyde”: Cube recorded his parts first. I replayed his parts over and over until I matched his energy. That’s still one of my favorites.
“It’s a Man’s World”: Cube wanted me to shut the world down. It was my industry introduction. Performing it at the Apollo in New York was historic—people even threw money on stage.
“Stompin’ To Tha 90’s”: My first 18-hour session in the studio with Cube and Sir Jinx taught me how to ride the beat properly. It was a great learning experience.
Parlé Mag: Finally, if you had to describe Downright Delicious in three words, what would they be?
Yo-Yo: Flavor of Love.
Stay Connected with Yo-Yo
Yo-Yo Instagram – @yoyofearless
Yo-Yo School of Hip Hop – @yoyo_school_hip_hop
Intelligent Black Women’s Coalition [IBWC] – IBWC1990@gmail.com
