Born on May 2, 1983, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Joseph Yosko has lived a life that epitomizes resilience, perseverance, and defying the odds. His journey into hip-hop began at the age of 16, where he swiftly established himself as a fierce freestyle battle rapper. Undefeated in his craft, Yosko faced backlash when opponents couldn’t keep up, culminating in an altercation at 20, when he was punched in the face—a testament to how much of a threat he was in the rap scene. Despite the hate and obstacles thrown his way, Yosko’s determination only grew stronger.
At 23, he joined a local hip-hop group and performed at various shows, continuing his ascent in the music world. However, tragedy struck on July 28, 2012, when he was involved in a devastating car accident. With his right femur shattered into 30 pieces and other severe injuries across his body, doctors told Yosko he would never walk again. But they didn’t account for his fighting spirit.
Embracing the persona of the ‘Real-Life Rocky,’ Yosko became the embodiment of the underdog who refuses to stay down. His music tells his life story—each track a chapter of struggles, triumphs, and resilience. “Industry Snakes,” his latest release, is a scathing reflection of the challenges he’s faced in the music industry, including an intense situation involving Fat Joe. The track dives deep into the betrayal and deception within the industry, shining a light on what many artists endure behind the scenes.
J-YO has been vocal about one particular incident, where he was denied a refund—an event he’s immortalized with a screenshot that fans can view alongside the track, offering an inside look into the gritty realities of navigating the music world.
In addition to “Industry Snakes,” Yosko has two upcoming music videos—one for “Industry Snakes” itself, and another for the motivational anthem, “Never Give Up.” Fans are also eagerly awaiting his diss track, “Webb-Pills,” dropping on September 10th. And just in time for Halloween, Yosko will release a four-track EP on October 31st.
Through all the hate, setbacks, and life-altering challenges, Joseph Yosko continues to rise. His music is a reflection of his unyielding spirit, and his message is clear—never back down, and always fight for your dreams.
