In this in-depth interview, we sit down with the multi-talented Yung Joc, a name synonymous with innovation and resilience in the hip-hop world. Known for his hit tracks and unique style, Yung Joc brings to the table more than just musical genius; he’s a connoisseur of entrepreneurship and a living testament to personal evolution.
Growing up under the entrepreneurial influence of his father, Joc developed a keen understanding of what it takes to forge one’s path in a complex industry.
Throughout our conversation, Yung Joc offers a rare glimpse into the realms of hip-hop, shedding light on its current state, marked by both its cultural significance and the troubling incidents impacting artists today. He speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of his journey, not just as a rapper but as an entrepreneur who deftly navigates the unpredictable waves of the music industry.
This interview isn’t merely about the glitz and glamour; it’s a profound exploration of the individual behind the persona, the thought processes, and the experiences that shape an artist’s life and work.
Yung Joc discusses the intricate balance of maintaining authenticity while evolving as an artist, the importance of being in control of one’s destiny, and the impact of personal experiences on his professional life. His insights reveal the undercurrents of hip-hop culture, the essence of entrepreneurial spirit, and the delicate art of staying relevant in an ever-changing landscape. Join us as we uncover the layers of Yung Joc’s journey, delving into the mind of a man who has continuously redefined himself and the industry he thrives.
Sometimes you stand in the middle of a blessing and don’t even know it. But when you don’t know, uncertainty and doubt take over. Faith is important. You must believe whether you can see it, smell it, taste it, feel it, hear it or not.
Yung Joc
A Candid Conversation with Yung Joc: Hip-Hop, Entrepreneurship, and Legacy
TheIndustry.biz: How did you learn how to become an entrepreneur?
Yung Joc: I just think that kind of started off from a tender age, seeing my father my whole life be an entrepreneur. So it’s kind of like a second language, a second understanding for me because it’s not like I’ve got to break down stuff. It’s explained to me how it works. I know what independence looks like. I’ve had the opportunity and the pleasure to watch my father wear that for my entire life. So, it’s like, I don’t see myself any other way. I want to be in control of my destiny. So entrepreneurship for me is the wave, the way.
The State of Hip-Hop: Yung Joc’s Insight on Culture and Challenges
TIB: What do you think of the current state of hip-hop? The situations with all the killings and everything else, versus when you were doing it?
Yung Joc: I don’t think there’s any difference, to be honest with you. A lot of the things that are taking place with these artists, it’s when people are allowed to get too close. Like, let’s take Nipsey. This is outside his store, okay? It was one day, you know, it didn’t appear too secure because if security would have been around, you know? They might not have let the guy who shot him walk up. Let’s take PNB Rock, in a public place. It just goes on and on. But in this situation with the latest tragedy that we just faced with Takeoff, I feel like, again, too many people are able to touch him.
At the end of the day, it’s a part of our lifestyle. We get paid by the public. But, I mean, it’s very senseless. One of the things I will say, because I just recently interviewed Young Jeezy, I posed a question to him. Where did we go wrong? What created this divide? What is the difference?
I just feel like, you know, when I was out here, we talked about getting money. But now, people find themselves being able to eat, feed their family, support their team, support their dream through clout. That’s why you got more rappers who snitch on themselves in their music or have someone else do it to kind of create that talk. Lifestyle is the key. Once you go viral, you make money, expose your lifestyle to people because that appears to be more truthful, a solid foundation for artists, their music.
Date Dilemma Segment: When You Least Expect it … Expect it
TIB: What was the result of that segment where a girl called in and said a guy she was dating had killed her brother? What happened again?
Yung Joc: She overheard him with some friends, and they had been drinking, and he was talking about it. Detectives came to my radio station. But it played out like that, just shows you how life works. You aim for one thing, but the wind changes the trajectory. We tried to contact the girl, but that was it. She was probably bombarded too.
TIB: Do you feel like you have to compete with anybody in the Atlanta radio market, or do you prefer to do things your own way?
Yung Joc: Competition is prevalent. You have to adjust as you go. You have to be steadfast in whatever your plan is. Things change, evolve. In my time, I’ve watched every show around me change its format, approach, segments, the way they market. Not saying because of me, but I do believe that our station had a lot to do with it. Competition is definitely a real thing in these challenging times. I gotta work like people have never heard my show. That’s what being competitive is about. You got to be way ahead of the ball sometimes.
Beyond the Music: Yung Joc’s Journey of Personal Evolution and Authenticity
TIB: What was it like to be on a morning show with no experience?
Yung Joc: It was hard. You never want to feel defeated. I knew it could be big for me. I just couldn’t let the thought of how big it could be die. It was challenging, man. I had to record pre-record to get the timing right. The biggest fear was knowing people were listening.
It took me a good year and a half, almost two years, to feel like I could do this. But I saw a future in it. I don’t want to be a rapper when I’m 50. I want to be able to entertain – do movies, TV, radio, podcasts, commercials.
TIB: What do you attribute your success to? Who helped guide you through the process?
Yung Joc: First and foremost, I have to say, Steve Hegwood. He gave me the opportunity. Working with my team, having a co-host like Milkweed who had radio experience, helped me. And my best friend and co-host, we influenced each other. We built the team. Here we are, six, going on seven years later.
TIB: How does being syndicated affect the show?
Yung Joc: The impact is real. When I’m on the streets, it just opens our eyes to how many people truly appreciate you, your tribe. You get a sense of how many people you impact.
We may not have a million markets, but the impact is real. It’s amazing because it helps in other business realms too. People trust me enough to talk on the radio in the morning with women and children in the cars.
From Rap to Radio: Yung Joc’s Path to Multi-Dimensional Success
TIB: You’ve got the attention of radio stations around the country. How would you sell your show to them?
Yung Joc: I’m for the people. People don’t just know me from that platform. People feel like they know me. When people get a chance to connect with me, it’s hard for them to let go. I’m not a shock jock. I try to be as respectful and aware as possible. I try to be as solid as I can be in this space.
TIB: What is it like to be syndicated? Are you making appearances in other markets?
Yung Joc: Yes, I do appearances in other markets. It’s interesting because people really listen to the radio. When you feed those interests properly, you gain fans, supporters, allies. Some days I wake up and wonder, why me? What did I do so special to deserve these blessings? The syndication has been great, different, amazing.
Yung Joc On Having Faith and Seizing the Moment
TIB: I wanted to mention that you’ve described the feeling of getting up each day excited about what you do. I’ve experienced that too. Do you realize most people will never experience that?
YJ: A lot of people will never get that opportunity. They just don’t see life the same way. Sometimes you stand in the middle of a blessing and don’t even know it. But when you don’t know, uncertainty and doubt take over. Faith is important. You must believe whether you can see it, smell it, taste it, feel it, hear it or not. A lot of people won’t ever get the opportunity to understand that.
TIB: Thanks for the interview. It’s been one of the best interviews we’ve had.
