Jones' surname translates to "King Joseph" in Arabic. He was raised in Chicago’s South Side, in the area known as the “Wild 100's,” where he became affiliated with the Blackstone Rangers street gang before later distancing himself from that life. During his youth, he developed a friendship with the rapper Common. He is dyslexic, a condition he discovered as a teenager. Jones first gained regional attention as a street poet before transitioning into acting, often portraying characters rooted in his “street hustler” persona.

As a spoken word artist, Jones uses poetry to explore a range of personal and social issues, offering a global perspective centered on compassion and understanding. His style blends street vernacular with varied musical influences, including hip-hop rhythms, live instruments, and soulful elements. Known as a skilled wordsmith, he delivers verses shaped by his experiences growing up in Chicago and reflects on the challenges and intricacies of inner-city life and broader economic and social realities.

Yusef draws creative inspiration from his children, dreams, ancestral lineage, and notable writers such as Langston Hughes, William Shakespeare, Haki Madhubuti, and Phillis Wheatley. His spoken word work has played a significant role in his career, leading to collaborations and features in major promotional campaigns for companies including ASCAP, Sprite, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Chrysler, Verizon, Miller Brewing Co., and Nike.