Published: Thursday - June 1, 2006
Words by Starrene Rhett
Yung Joc (Photo: Bad Boy)
The only way you wouldn't be familiar with Yung Joc is if you don't watch music videos or you live underground. But most likely, you've heard the name here or there. His debut single has people all over chanting "It's goin' down." In the song, Yung Joc himself says, "Anywhere you see me, guaranteed it's goin' down," and he wasn't lying.
His star is rising fast and he wants everyone to jump on the bandwagon. Not because you have to, but because you want to. His highly anticipated debut album, New Joc City, hits storess June 6. He says his God, his confidence, and his laid-back approach to music and life are the keys to his success.
Ballerstatus.com: Your album, New Joc City, is out June 6. What can people expect?
Yung Joc: I think what people can expect is a well put together album. It wasn't rushed and my music doesn't sound the same. So, it's just a well-put together album.
Ballerstatus.com: Speaking of well put together, you worked with Marques Houston, Lil Wayne, Cheri Dennis and others. What was it like working with other artists?
Yung Joc: It was a very beautiful process. I told them, "I don't want it rehearsed, keep doing what you do," and it worked. Diddy told me, "I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing what you do because it's working."
Ballerstatus.com: So, you basically took a laid-back approach to your music and got good results. What's your secret?
Yung Joc: Basically, music is only an expression of emotions. A lot of times, you have to make sure it's the right music. You can't determine a hit, people do. So, I don't go at it trying to make a hit. You shouldn't have to try when it comes to music, you just have to let it do what it does.
Ballerstatus.com: Your first single is "It's Goin' Down" and in the video you guys do a special dance. It's kind of like the "Lean Wit' It Rock Wit' It" dance that Dem Franchize Boyz do. What is that dance and does that mean your music is considered "snap music?"
Yung Joc: The dance in the video is called "Joc." At parties, out of like 10,000 people, I know at least 7,000 people are doing it. I just did this West Coast run and it's crazy because this dude was like, "Ain't nobody doing snap sh--, but everybody here doing your dance. Gangtas, gangsta bitches, everybody." Really though, it's not snap music, but everybody can snap to it...I can snap to it.
Ballerstatus.com: How did you end up at Bad Boy?
Yung Joc: I ended up at Bad Boy because I was doing my thing real hard in Atl and picked up crazy street buzz. I met the producer for Outkast's "I Love The Way You Move." Two days later, Block called me and flew me to New York. I rocked a show, met with Diddy, and picked up a major label deal with Block Entertainment/Bad Boy.
Ballerstatus.com: You're on Bad Boy, a label more known for their success with northern artists like Biggie and Mase. Do you think that will affect your success negatively?
Yung Joc: I have a good brand behind me and some key players behind me. Ultimately, no one can determine my success but myself and God, so I'm looking straight ahead.
Ballerstatus.com: There's Young Jeezy, Yung Redd, Young Gunnas and Yung Joc. I'm not saying that you're like the others, but all the "Youngs" could get confusing, so what makes you unique?
Yung Joc: My momma named me Joc and I'm young. Joc is always going to turn it out on any occasion. I know when it's time to show my gangsta style and I know when to articulate my words. I'm me and I got my own personal style and it shows.
Ballerstatus.com: Your mother named you Joc as in that's your government?
Yung Joc: Do you remember the show Dallas?
Ballerstatus.com: Oh yeah...JR...
Yung Joc: Yeah. He was rich and famous and my mother named me that because she knew I would be one day.
Ballerstatus.com: Maybe she was on the money because you're working a lot now. Don't you have some tours coming up?
Yung Joc: I got the T.I. tour and then I break in the middle of that for the Bow Wow tour and then the Omarion tour is in negotiations.
Ballerstatus.com: Are you working on projects other than your music? Is there acting or perhaps a clothing line in the works?
Yung Joc: I do it all. I'm looking into commercials and I've been talking to directors and movie producers. You should look out for me soon, like around Thanksgiving.
Ballerstatus.com: Who are some of your favorite MCs?
Yung Joc: Slick Rick, Biggie, and Dana Dane to name a few.
Ballerstatus.com: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Yung Joc: In five years, I'm going to be doing real estate, acting and I'm still going to be doing music. You know, just doing it real big.
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