“Yo-Yo” Whitaker Dishes On “Downright Delicious”

Legendary lyricist nd philanthropist Dr. Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker is continuing to feed fans fresh flavor on AspireTV, serving up something delightfully different.

Now in its third season, her series Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo brings together family, flavor, and faith in one kitchen.

“The cooking show is my love language,” Yo-Yo told BOSSIP. “It’s a passion I’ve had for a long time. I’ve been cooking on the road for Too Short and his crew, the Lynch Mob, Cube and the gang. I’ve been cooking for my family and friends for many moons.”

Known for classic bars and bold energy, Yo-Yo’s always been a creative force. But on Downright Delicious, she trades the stage lights for stovetops, letting fans see the woman behind the mic.

“Although I’m a kitchen cooker and a party goer, a hip hop legend, an educator, a radio host; I think the fun is at home,” she explained. “This lane I’ve created is full circle for me. People get to see me and my family in a different kind of light.”

The AspireTV hit gives viewers a front-row seat to Yo-Yo’s real life, where garlic, laughter, and good music fill the air. She’s also not shy about showing off her flavor.

“You gonna smell garlic and hear music, you know what I mean? Depending on the music, I can cook two meals in one day if you let me,” she laughed. “I have company and I gotta show out, that means I gotta go to the store!”

The Recipe For Connection

Food has always been more than just a meal for Yo-Yo. It’s her way of showing love.

“It’s the art of showing love, creating a safe space for people to come in and feel appreciated without you buying their time,” she said. “My kids smell those onions, and they running down the stairs asking ‘Mom, you cooking?’”

When asked which dish takes her back to her roots, Yo-Yo didn’t hesitate.

“It’s my Spanish food, my Mexican food. I’m low-key Mexican and I’m okay, so I’m spicy with my dishes,” she joked. “I’m making burritos, fish tacos, refried beans over rice..and even though it’s burritos, it’s still a feast. And don’t forget the Cadillac Margarita with a little shot of Hennessy on the side. Everybody can’t hang with the big dog!”

A Family Affair

Of all her guests, one stood out the most.

“The best has been my mother,” Yo-Yo said proudly. “Having my mother in that kitchen reminds me of being 17, leaving home to tour the world. To come back and cook with her, and have her respect my kitchen, that’s full circle. My mom is probably my best guest. Mama Mia, that gangster!”

Yo-Yo says her mother taught her the golden rule of cooking: never leave the kitchen until it’s right.

“You can follow a recipe, but make it your own,” she said. “I always put a timer on because my ADD won’t let me sit still, but my mother..she doesn’t leave the kitchen. One trick she gave me is: it’s your kitchen, it’s to your liking. Taste your food. Don’t leave it until it’s right.”

Boss Brunch Energy & Sisterhood

One standout episode this season features Yo-Yo’s “Boss Brunch,” celebrating women in business, beauty, and fashion. For her, it’s more about growth and sisterhood, than just good food.