Yung Joc Talks Supporting Black Men, Marriage Challenges, and More

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For over two decades, Jasiel Robinson, known as Yung Joc has been a fixture in the entertainment industry, transitioning from music to television and now to acting. With a lead role in the new movie Allure and his commitment to uplifting Black men through the “Awakening of the Underdogs” event, the multi-talented artist continues to evolve. In this candid conversation, he discusses his career, the importance of honoring Black men, and the ups and downs of his marriage to Kendra Robinson.

YOU ARE PAYING TRIBUTE TO BLACK MEN WITH THE “AWAKENING OF THE UNDERDOGS” EVENTS. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CELEBRATE AND UPLIFT BLACK MALE RESILIENCE

Yung Joc: As a man, no matter where you come from, men are often overlooked in the care department. If you’re not being honored for working at a company for 20 or 25 years, or retiring at 65 or 70, you just get overlooked. Every year, there are days dedicated to celebrating women—whether it’s your mother, daughter, wife, or sister. But for men, there’s rarely that moment where someone stops and says, “Hey, this is for you because you are a man.” So, it’s refreshing when men see an event like this and realize it’s specifically for them, especially Black men. The first Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to rapper and community activist Maino and hip hop artist Fabolous.

CONGRATULATIONS ON 20 YEARS IN ENTERTAINMENT! WHEN YOU REFLECT ON YOUR JOURNEY, WHAT STANDS OUT AS THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT?

Yung Joc: The biggest highlight is just knowing that dreams do come true. Half of my adult life, I’ve been known as a professional entertainer. I was always that kid who was bright-eyed and passionate about my dreams. When I saw that I could transition from music to radio, television, and now acting, it confirmed that you can have multiple facets to your care.

Source: Melissa Nyomi Stoll / Melshotya

WAS THERE EVER A MOMENT WHEN YOU DOUBTED YOURSELF?

Yung Joc: I always felt like I would win, but doubt came in when I kept hearing, “You still rapping? When are you going to drop something?” I remember lying in bed, looking at the ceiling, thinking, “I’m not getting any younger.” People around me were graduating, starting careers, and I was still trying to “get on.” I thought it was over for me. Then, out of nowhere, people started calling me, saying, “Yo, I swear that song you let me hear is on the radio!” That moment changed everything for me.

YOU’VE MADE THE TRANSITION FROM MUSIC TO ACTING WITH YOUR NEW MOVIE ALLURE. WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT?

Yung Joc: Allure is a story of betrayal. It’s one of those moments when you realize you are built for something greater. I’ve always wanted to be an actor—I even thought I’d be an actor and a lawyer. While the lawyer part didn’t work out, the acting dream never left me. The film is dropping on Tubi. We had some delays due to content clearance, but it’s finally coming out. I’m the lead in the movie. and it’s just one of those moments when you realize, you know what I am cut out for this. I’m fit for this, I’m built for this.

ON LOVE & HIP HOP, YOUR MARRIAGE TO KENDRA IS A FOCAL POINT. YOU ADMITTED TO BEING JEALOUS OVER HER WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH ANOTHER MAN. CAN YOU CLARIFY WHAT HAPPENED?

Yung Joc: It wasn’t her ex. It was a dude she had been calling “bro” and even setting up with other women. But after a while, he started sending her heart-eye emojis and all that. She never really engaged with him on that level, but sometimes silence says a lot. If I keep telling someone, “You’re a queen,” and they don’t say anything back, I might take it as an opening. I’m going to say this and I’m going to say this as respectful as I can. I told her what it was. If I catch anything going on, I’m going to be on the news. I ain’t playin’that s**t.  It’s too much I have to do to be considered a husband. Then you got to do three times that to be considered a good husband. Then you got to do 10 times that to be considered a great husband.  And I’ll be damn if somebody gonna play with me to where I can’t have my way with any woman I want when they coming at me too. And you telling me I got to turn a certain lifestyle down and I can’t do this and that type of s**t because I’m supposed to be married. But you doin s**t .  I can show you better than I can tell you but I don’t want to be that person. So I try my best to let it be known. Don’t f**kin’ play with me in that space. And that’s it.

THE INTERNET WAS BUZZING OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT KENDRA STOLE $3 MILLION FROM YOU. CAN YOU SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT?

Yung Joc: Man, that’s just internet nonsense. I never said that. People will believe anything they read online, but I don’t get mad at it because there’s a market for that kind of gossip. Just like people sell drugs because there’s a demand, there’s a demand for internet drama. If people weren’t looking for it, it wouldn’t exist.

ARE YOU COMPETING WITH NICK CANNON.  YOU HAVE NINE CHILDREN WITH FIVE BABY MAMAS? ARE YOU PLANNING ON HAVING MORE KIDS?

Yung Joc: No, I don’t want any more kids. If my wife told me she was pregnant right now, I would probably break down and cry. Of course, I’d be happy because I’d know it was meant by God, but I’m good. I have nine beautiful children, and that’s enough!

WHAT’S YOUR BAD HABIT?

Yung Joc: Procrastination. There have been so many opportunities I could have taken advantage of, but I put them off. Procrastination is like a temperament—it’s not laziness. It’s like when you know you need to do something, but you just can’t muster up the energy to do it. I still get things done, but I know I could be even further along if I didn’t procrastinate.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Yung Joc: I’m really focused on Allure and making “Awakening of the Underdogs” a national movement. We’re standing on business now. It’s not about throwing money in the club—it’s about throwing love, ideas, and relationships to uplift each other. We need to perpetuate this type of behavior so that future generations can benefit.

With two decades in entertainment under his belt, Yung Joc continues to evolve and inspire. Whether through his work on screen or his advocacy for Black men, his impact is undeniable. Fans can catch Allure on Tubi soon and stay tuned for the next chapter in his ever-evolving career.

Source: Jazmyn Summers / Jazmyn Summers

Interview by Jazmyn Summers.  Photos by Melissa Nyomi Stoll of Melshotya.  You can hear Jazmyn every morning on “Jazmyn in the Morning “on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz . Subscribe to Jazmyn Summers’ YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.