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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.”
