As Yung Joc celebrates 20 years in the industry and 20 years of his breakout hit “It’s Goin’ Down,” he spoke with Hollywood Unlocked on all of his success and more. HU caught up with Joc in Atlanta, Georgia at Rolling Out Magazine’s headquarters, where they unveiled their latest cover featuring the Atlanta rap legend. HU also caught every moment of his Q&A, moderated by Jerry Clark, the cover unveiling, and a special performance of his 20-year-old debut hit.
Yung Joc Celebrates 20 Years Of “It’s Goin’ Down,” Talks Atlanta Hip-Hop, ATL OGs, And More
While speaking with Hollywood Unlocked, Joc reflected on the success of his massive debut and his successful career spanning over 2 decades. We also asked him about the Atlanta rap scene and how its music and artist continues to transcend decades, maintaining a huge role in the larger music conversations.
During the exclusive conversation, Joc mentioned the public falling outs between ATL artists, but also their reunions. When asked how the artists in ATL can rebuild after feuding, unlike other major Hip-Hop cities, he confirmed it’s because of the OGs who help govern the youth and the communities.
Joc also touched on the folks who don’t necessarily look like the community, but are still making fortunes off it. Without getting too deep, he reserved some of the potential shade, and continued praising his people and highlighting the positivity within Atlanta, its rich culture, and deep history.
After mentioning the OGs, we had to ask bout the kings. We know Jacquees dubs himself “The King of R&B,” and T.I., “The King of the South.” However, who else can we dub a King in this Atlanta Hip-Hop world? Joc doesn’t necessarily dub anybody king, but still offered a worthy answer. By the end of the interview, Joc revealed what’s next for him, including new music, and more.
Yung Joc Reflects On 20 Years Of “It’s Goin’ Down,” Reveals Juvenile Influence, And More
During the Rolling Out Magazine Q&A, moderated by Jerry Clark, Yung Joc reflected on 20 years in the industry, including his breakout hit “It’s Goin’ Down.” As he began to recall how the track came to be, with producer NItti Beatz, he said the two were recording amid Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Joc said he used New Orleans, Louisiana rapper Juvenile as inspiration. He recalled, “I wondered what would Juvie do. I was really mimicking Juvenile; ‘It’s goin’ down…’”
Jerry continued to ask the 2026 version of Yung Joc to give the 2006 version some advice. He not only told his younger self to “not give up,” but the father of 9 also jokingly said, “Try not to make too many kids.” Joc also revealed some words of wisdom for others as he shared some things that the industry taught him.
Joc also revealed why he stepped back from music. He explained that he “felt a lil guilty” about some of things he contributed to the masses, including the stereotypes and imagery constantly seen in Hip-Hop. He said he couldn’t rap about “spinning the block” and then sit his kids down and say, “Don’t do that.”
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Yung Joc Talks 42 Dugg’s ‘Broke Like Joc’ Lyric And Previews New Music
Joc continued to reveal whether or not he lets the negative comments online get to him. He mentioned Gucci Mane and said he watched people constantly call Guwop “ugly.” But he also saw Guwop say, “B*tch Brrr,” and then go out and buy some more jewelry. He applauded the free promo and said in the face of adversity, he knows how to adapt.
This led to him speaking on Detroit rapper 42 Dugg’s viral lyric calling Joc “broke” on “We Paid.” Joc said the line can feel embarrassing, but because it wasn’t true, it didn’t affect him in that way. However, when it came to business deals, it played a role. Despite the drama the lyric brought, Joc said he and 42 Dugg are cool.
By the end of the Q&A, Joc revealed what’s next for him. He has a new scripted TV role on the way, a new movie, and of course, some new music. He even previewed two tracks, which he says is for the hood and another for the ladies.
The track for the hood samples T.I.’s “What You Know.” When asked if Tip makes an appearance on the track, Joc smiled and kept it hush. The song for the ladies, Joc disclaimed that he created the song before DaBaby dropped his viral 2025 song “PHAT.” DaBaby’s track has a viral line dance that social media created. And Joc’s new song is ready for one too as he raps, “Welcome to the Rodeo.”
Finally, after concluding the moderated Q&A, Rolling Out unveiled Joc’s new cover. He also performed a special version of “It’s Goin’ Down.”
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