Yo-Yo (born Yolanda Whittaker)

Yo-Yo (born Yolanda Whittaker) has been among the most sophisticated and unpredictable female MCs around. She doesn’t take an overtly feminist tack but urges young women to show sexual restraint and use their minds as well as their bodies.

Her introduction to the hip-hop game came with an appearance on the 1990 Ice Cube track “It’s a Man’s World” (off his debut solo album, “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted”). It wasn’t until the next year, when East West America/Atlantic Records issued her first single, “You Can’t Play with My Yo-Yo” (#1/#36 – R&B/Hot 100) that she gained critical acclaim and success. The following singles “Stompin in the ’90s” (#2 – hip-hop), “Ain’t Nobody Better” (#4/#30 – R&B/Hot 100) and “Girl, Don’t be No Fool” helped propel the album “Make Way for the Motherlode” toward cracking the Billboard Top 100 (#74/#5 R&B) chart. Meanwhile, she added her first screen credit in the Oscar-nominated film Boyz n the Hood (1991) with a small cameo.

After 2000, little was heard from Yo-Yo until her voice work in one of 2004’s best-selling video games Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004). She finally returned to the music spotlight with 2005’s mix-tape remix of Ciara’s “Goodies” and the Game’s “How We Do.” Her sixth studio album is set for release in 2006 on her own indie label amid fans’ anticipation, as well as more voice work on the upcoming animated film Da Jammies (2006).

YoYo’s School of Hip Hop will serve youth ages, 7-18, who are interested in developing and crafting their skills through the arts and academics of hip hop. A recent study from the University of California found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. For example, second graders who were given music lessons scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children who received no special instruction. Research indicates that musical training permanently wires a young mind for enhanced performance. YoYo’s School of Hip Hop provides a challenging program that offers a positive outlet and a safe haven for the children in the community.

Ages Served: 7-17

Capitalizing on youth culture and young people’s love of music, specifically, Hip Hop performance arts, YoYo’s School of Hip Hop focuses on building self-discipline, confidence, academics, teamwork, and love….READ MORE