Yung Joc Shares Insight on Business, Politics, Life and Death
 photo by Steed Media Service |
ATL native son Yung Joc is known for creating dance floor classics to keep club goers jumping. With three years in the national spotlight, two albums under his belt and his own Swagg Team imprint, the platinum-selling entertainer is more than just the go-to guy to get the party started. Joc is the entertainer. Jasiel Robinson, as he is known on his income tax return, is the business man.
“Business is everything,” he says from his Atlanta office looking like new money in a green hoodie and a matching baseball cap accented by an iced-out watch, ring and necklace. “You can be cool about some things, but when it comes to business, that’s all you’ve got. You have to initiate the business sometimes because other people are like ‘Man, we ain’t worried. We’ll get it.’ No, I’m even more concerned now that you’re telling me I don’t have to worry about it.”
Joc didn’t make it this far being cavalier. Over the course of his career, he has implemented his own blueprint to success, which he sticks to religiously and executed when he signed Chicago-based rap group Hot Stylez. “Pay attention first and foremost,” he breaks down. “How can you understand what you’re dealing with if you’re not focused and paying attention?
He continues, “Understanding your worth is number two. Third, be prepared to challenge yourself. If you’re not prepared to challenge yourself, then, what are you in it for? It will become very redundant. Fourth, be passionate about what you do. Assert yourself. Push yourself to go over and beyond what’s expected of you. And last but not least, love yourself … have self-respect, pride in what you do, integrity.”
Joc shares his perspective on President-elect Barack Obama’s phenomenal win. “I was at my house with my family. I was pacing because I was electrified. At the same time, I was mourning the loss of one of my mentors, Mr. Shakir Stewart,” he says referring to the 34-year-old Def Jam executive VP who committed suicide in early November.
“The last time I dealt with a situation like that was when I was looking at television and Tom Cruise was doing my dance [at the same time] in Cincinnati a friend is killed,” he says referring to rapper T.I.’s best friend Philant Johnson. “It was like tragedy and victory at the same time.” –carlton wade
Check out our interview with Yung Joc
