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Yo-Yo (born Yolanda Whittaker on August 4, 1971) is a Grammy-nominated American hardcore rapper and actress. Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequent sexism found in hip-hop music. She is the protege of gangsta rapper Ice Cube. Yo-Yo dubbed her crew the IBWC, which stood for the Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition.[1]
[edit] Music careerYo-Yo first appeared as a guest on Ice Cube's AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted album in 1990, on the track "It's a Man's World." Cube returned the favor by appearing on "You Can't Play with My Yo-Yo," which was on Yo-Yo's 1991 debut album, Make Way for the Motherlode. Her follow-up in 1992, Black Pearl was well-received by critics,[2] partly because of its focus on positive messages and uplifting themes that contrasted the popular gangsta rap style.[3] However, despite a plethora of renowned producers such as DJ Muggs, this did not translate into a hit with mainstream hip-hop audiences, and the album's sales were considered a disappointment.[3] Less than a year later, released her follow-up You Better Ask Somebody. The final track on the album was her third recorded hip-hop duet with Ice Cube, "The Bonnie and Clyde Theme". Yo-Yo's next album was 1996's Total Control. In 1998, she finished her fifth and final album, Ebony, but it was not released. In 2008, her single "Can't Play With My Yo-Yo was ranked number 92 on VH1's 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs.[4] Later that year, she performed with MC Lyte, the Lady of Rage, and Salt-n-Pepa at the BET Hip Hop Awards. [edit] Acting careerShe appeared in the 1991 film Boyz N The Hood, 1993's Menace II Society and other urban-oriented films; had a recurring role on the television show Martin as Keylolo, the sidekick of comedian Martin Lawrence's alter ego Sheneneh; and appeared on other TV shows, including FOX (network)'s New York Undercover. She has also made many cameo appearances, including the music video for Missy Elliott's "Da Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)". She has also appeared in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, as a voice actor. [edit] Discography
[edit] Miscellaneous appearances
[edit] Acting Discography[edit] Films
[edit] Television Appearances
[edit] Voice Work
[edit] Awards and nominations
[edit] External links
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