*Grammy-nominated rapper, actress, and philanthropist Dr. Yolanda ‘Yo-Yo’ Whitaker is back in the kitchen for a new helping of her hit aspireTV series “Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo,” which debuted Thursday, October 16th at 8pm ET. Known for her magnetic energy and love for food, Yo-Yo invites viewers into her home kitchen where the beats are lively, the dishes are soulful, and the company is always good.
“Listen, more flavor, more fun, definitely,” Yo-Yo says of the new season. “I feel like I don’t mind the cameras watching me get in there and get busy. I think more of my personality shows in this season. I have more friends popping up, those who cook, those who want to learn how to cook, and those who just pop they ish with me in the kitchen, who are legendary just by conversation alone. And Mama Mia, of course, is back in the kitchen, bossing me around. So I think you’re going to get more of family, friends, community, and entertainment. It’s just elevated, up a notch.”
In this season, the hip-hop legend continues to mix culture and cuisine with heart. Among her favorites is a moqueca, a Brazilian-inspired seafood stew. “One of my favorite dishes is the moqueca dish, which is like a seafood stew,” she explains. “I love it because it’s the different spices that people are unfamiliar with… It just brings a different aroma to my home, and my family and friends love it. It feels high quality with the lobster in it and all of the different shellfish.” She also brings vegan recipes to the forefront this season. “Another favorite is, although I eat meat, making my vegan recipes really shine this season.”
For home cooks looking to join her in the kitchen, Yo-Yo suggests starting with something approachable and soulful. “I would say the catfish etouffee because it’s really simple. It’s very delicious, and it is a pass-the-recipe-along kind of dish,” she says. With a few simple ingredients—“Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and cayenne pepper” – Yo-Yo proves comfort food can be both easy and impressive.
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Her secret to elevating any meal? “Oh, cayenne pepper. That’s it. Spice changes the life of the dish,” she says, adding that she always keeps celery on hand to enhance the flavor.
For Yo-Yo, cooking is more than a pastime; it’s an extension of her rhythm and creativity. “Listen, it’s all flavor. It’s all rhythm. I mean, it’s a rhythm in cooking,” she explains. “But the difference for me is it’s a stillness because my anxiety won’t let me sit down… I’ll go to five stores for one recipe. I’ll sit there and chop it up. It just calms my energy down.”
When it comes to comfort food, Yo-Yo has her favorites. “My go-to comfort food when I just want to chill at home. Oh my God, I will make… a bomb burrito any day,” she says. “My friends call me all the time and say, When are you going to make your fish tacos? They love my fish tacos.”
She also whips up “a mean grilled cheese and a tomato soup… with this five cheese sandwich” or a hearty salad packed with “chickpeas,” “craisins,” and “whatever fruit you want in there.”
Fans wondering about a cookbook won’t have to wait forever. “We’re working on it,” Yo-Yo reveals. “I have my own recipes and I still go to my elders… just searching for recipes and bringing them in my home has really changed my palate.”
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Beyond her kitchen adventures, Yo-Yo continues to inspire as co-host of the five-time Gracie Award-winning “Café Mocha Radio” and as founder of Yo-Yo’s Arts and Academics School of Hip Hop, which provides scholarships and mentorship to young artists. Her acclaimed film and television credits include “Boyz N the Hood,” “Sister Act II,” “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood,” and “Saturdays” on Disney+. She’s also a two-time recipient of President Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, holds an honorary doctorate in philosophy in humanitarianism, and is an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated.
With “Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo,” the artist hopes viewers take away more than just recipes. “Well, I hope they come in and get a chance to see how I’ve remixed my hip hop into my love for cooking,” she says. “This show is all about life, and it shows young women, even women who grew up with me from 17 years old, when I first started that, you know, the grind doesn’t stop… Change is beautiful. And you can get paid for change.”
As for juggling her many roles as artist, radio host, educator, and chef, Yo-Yo says it’s all about faith, purpose, and love. “It brings joy to my heart because it’s such a blessing to be able to do all of that, to be able to give. I was praying for more. I was asking God for more. I kept asking God to help me, and God helped me.”
Through it all, Yo-Yo’s mission remains clear: connection. “Me working in the community, I get that love… the radio, it just gives me time to connect with the community, play music that I love, and from a woman’s perspective with Café Mocha. And then the cooking… now you get a chance to come into my home and see me love on you the way I am,” she says.
Watch our full conversation with Yo-Yo via the clip below.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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