Yolanda “YoYo” Whitaker, the celebrated, GRAMMY-nominated, legendary hip hop artist, philanthropist, educator, actress and mother, releases “Out of Control,” her first new single in more than a decade. The song debuts today, on YoYo Fearless Ent. in partnership with Foundation Media and will be available on all digital service providers. The date coincides with the latest episode of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” that airs at 8/7C. YoYo joined the cast this season.
The buzzing, funk-laced track captures YoYo’s signature demand for respect, effortless flow, plus features from her “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” castmate Brittany B and “The Rap Game” Season 5 winner Tyeler Reign. Patient Picasso delivers the chorus and the song’s inviting production
Recently featured on The Breakfast Club, Sway’s Universe, GRAMMY.com, HipHopDX, “Sister Circle,” AllHipHop and other media platforms, YoYo explains the song. “‘Out of Control’ for me is three generations of women giving relationship reminders,” she says. “I’m coming in as a wife or main thang with the kids, saying, ‘Listen don’t let this trend with girls and fake asses get you messed up, sending me all these crazy texts. Don’t let Becky get your ass beat,’” she laughs. “Brittany says she can take them hood rich or slick. Tyeler’s 19-years-old. She reminds me of me, saying, she don’t need no man for no clout. I definitely wanted to bridge the gap. I thought teaming up with today’s artists was a good way to reintroduce myself.”
The “Out of Control” single cover art was painted by Demont Pinder, the commissioned artist for Starz’ “Power” who has toured with Eric B & Rakim and was recognized for his painting of Aretha Franklin. The music video for “Out of Control” is being edited and will be released in coming weeks.
Joining the cast of “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” was another great way for YoYo to connect with new audiences. “OMG, I love being on ‘Love & Hip Hop Hollywood,’” she says. “I’ve been doing the work, working with young artists through my YoYo School of Hip Hop. Being on the show is giving people insight into what I’ve been doing and who I am. I also love that people get a chance to meet my family. Television is a great way to reintroduce yourself to an audience that knows nothing about you and why not do it in an organization that has a humongous following, great ratings and deals with a lot of today’s topics.”