Latto: The Atlanta Rapper Rising to Global Stardom in Hip-Hop
In the fast-paced world of hip-hop, few artists shine as brightly as Latto. Born Alyssa Michelle Stephens, this Latto rapper has turned her Southern roots into a powerhouse career. At just Latto age 26, she mixes trap rhythms with raw storytelling that grabs fans from the first beat. Whether you’re streaming her tracks on Spotify or catching glimpses of her life on TikTok, Latto stands out as a fresh voice in female hip hop artist circles, much like how boxing champ Claressa Shields dominates her field. Her journey from a reality TV win to chart-topping singles shows why she’s a key player in southern hip hop. Let’s dive into what makes Latto a name you can’t ignore in 2025.
Early Life
Latto didn’t just wake up famous. Her story starts in a simple place, full of lessons that fuel her music today. Born on December 22, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Alyssa grew up in a home where music played a big role. Her dad, Shayne Stephens, introduced her to classic rap tracks, while her mom, Misti Pitts, kept things grounded. As a biracial kid with a Black father and white mother, Latto faced tough moments early on. Kids at school teased her about her light skin, calling her names that stuck with her. These experiences sparked her first stage name, “Miss Mulatto,” a nod to those mixed feelings about identity.
By age 10, Latto knew she wanted to rap. She grabbed a notebook and started scribbling lyrics about her life. “I was always the one performing at family events,” she once shared in an interview. But life wasn’t all rhymes. Before music took off, she chased thrills on the drag strip. Yes, Latto loved racing cars, feeling the speed matched her quick-witted flow. Her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, when she was young, and that’s where the magic really began. Atlanta’s vibe—think booming bass and street stories- seeped into her soul.
School wasn’t easy, but Latto pushed through at Lovejoy High School in Hampton, Georgia. She balanced classes with secret rap sessions, dreaming of stages bigger than her bedroom. These early days built her tough skin. Fans often ask, “How old is Latto?” Well, turning 27 this December, she’s proof that starting young pays off. Her biracial background adds layers to her art, touching on themes of colorism that many women in the rap industry face. It’s this realness that draws young adults and teens, her core crowd who vibe with hip hop fashion and lifestyle.
To get a quick snapshot of her background, here’s a handy biography table:
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Alyssa Michelle Stephens |
| Birth Date | December 22, 1998 |
| Birth Place | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Biracial (Black father, white white mother) |
| Parents | Misti Pitts (mother), Shayne Stephens (father) |
| Education | Lovejoy High School, Hampton, Georgia |
| Stage Name Origin | Originally “Miss Mulatto” due to experiences with colorism, changed to “Latto” in 2021 amid controversy |
| Early Interests | Began writing rap songs at age Latto age 10; involved in drag racing before music career |
| Career Start | Winner of Season 1 of The Rap Game (2016), but rejected the contract; released debut mixtape Latto Let ‘Em Know (2017) |
| Breakthrough | Single “Latto Big Energy” wait no, “Bitch from da Souf” (2019, double platinum); signed with RCA Records (2020) |
| Major Releases | – Debut album: Queen of da Souf (2020)- Second album: 777 (2022)- Third album: Sugar Honey Iced Tea (2024)- Key singles: “Latto Big Energy” (2021, triple platinum, #3 on Billboard Hot 100), “Put It on da Floor Again” (2023, remix with Cardi B), “Seven” with Jung Kook (2023, #1 on Billboard Hot 100), “Somebody” (2025) |
| Awards & Nominations | 2 BET Awards, 1 BET Hip Hop Award, 1 Billboard Music Award, 1 MTV Video Music Award, 2 Latto Grammy nominations (including Best New Artist 2023); BET Hip Hop Award for Song of the Year (“Latto Big Energy“, 2022) |
| Notable Achievements | First female hip hop artist from Atlanta with a solo gold/platinum record (2021); XXL Freshman Class (2020); MTV Global Push Artist (2021); Variety Breakthrough Artist (2022); Forbes 30 Under 30 (2024); Guinness World Records for “Seven” (fastest streams on Spotify) |
| Personal Life | In a relationship with rapper 21 Savage since 2020 (confirmed September 2025); founded Win Some Give Some Foundation (2021) to empower at-risk young women |
| Controversies | Name change due to colorism concerns (2021); Arrest for mistaken identity theft (2019); Arrest for gun possession at LAX (2021); Traffic stop in Atlanta (2023) |
This table sums up the essentials, making it easy to see how Latto‘s past fuels her present fire.
Latto Rapper Emerges: From Mixtapes to Mainstream
Every great Latto rapper has that breakout moment, and for Latto, it hit like a bass drop. In 2016, at age 17, she stepped onto The Rap Game, Jermaine Dupri’s reality show that scouts young talent. As Miss Mulatto, she won Season 1 hands down. But here’s the bold move: she turned down the contract. “I wanted to do it my way,” she later explained. Smart call. That independence led to her first mixtape, Miss Mulatto, in 2016, then Latto Let ‘Em Know in 2017. Fans ate it up, with tracks showing her sharp flow over trap beats.
By 2019, Latto dropped “Bitch from da Souf.” It wasn’t just a song; it was a statement. Peaking at No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, it went double platinum. Lines like “I’m a bitch from da Souf, representin’ my click” captured Atlanta hip hop scene pride. That track caught RCA Records’ eye, and she signed in 2020. Suddenly, the girl from Ohio was the face of trap music female rapper energy.
Her debut album, Queen of da Souf, dropped that same year. It hit No. 44 on the Billboard 200, with “Muwop” featuring Gucci Mane going platinum. Guests like 21 Savage added flavor, hinting at chemistry fans still buzz about. Latto‘s style? Bold, unfiltered, and full of hooks that stick. She blends southern hip hop swagger with pop appeal, making her a bridge for pop-rap crossover artists.
Stats show her rise: By 2020, she joined XXL’s Freshman Class, rubbing shoulders with rising rap stars like Rod Wave. In 2021, MTV named her Global Push Artist. These nods weren’t luck; they came from grinding. Latto toured early, building a fanbase that spans teens to 30-somethings. Her music streams hit millions weekly, proving streaming hip hop on Spotify is her playground.
But it’s not all smooth rides. Latto faced pushback as a woman in rap. “People said I wouldn’t last,” she told Variety. She proved them wrong, one verse at a time. For fans searching “Latto real name,” it’s Alyssa Michelle Stephens—a reminder she’s real, relatable, and ready to rule. Much like Birdman Rapper built Cash Money into an empire, Latto is carving her own legacy in the South.
Latto Songs
What makes Latto songs so addictive? Simple: they’re anthems for the bold. Her catalog mixes party bangers with deep cuts, appealing to viral TikTok rap songs. Let’s break down some standouts.
First, “Latto Big Energy” from 2021. This triple-platinum gem sampled Doja Cat but made it her own. It climbed to No. 3 on the Hot 100, with lyrics like “Bad b*tch, I could be your fantasy” empowering listeners. Over 1.5 billion Spotify streams later, it’s a staple for female empowerment in rap. The remix with Mariah Carey? Iconic.
Then there’s “Seven” with Jung Kook in 2023. This K-pop/hip-hop mashup topped the Hot 100, Latto‘s first No. 1. It broke records: fastest to 1 billion streams on Spotify for a male lead, but Latto‘s verse stole hearts. “I want you more than I want some fun,” she raps, blending flirt with fire. For rap collaborations 2025, this set the bar high.
Don’t sleep on “Put It on da Floor Again” (2023 remix with Cardi B). It peaked at No. 13, celebrating Atlanta’s hip hop scene’s grit. The beat drops hard, and Latto‘s delivery? Pure energy. In 2024, “Latto Sunday service lyrics” trended for their church-meets-club vibe: “Sunday service, but I’m sinnin’ every day.”
Her 2025 single “Somebody” nods to Aaliyah, with smooth flows over nostalgic beats. “Brokey Latto lyrics” from Sugar Honey Iced Tea call out fake friends: “You broke, stay broke.” These tracks show Latto‘s range, from fun to fierce.
Here’s a quick list of top Latto songs to stream now:
- Latto Big Energy (2021): Triple platinum, pop-rap gold.
- Seven (2023): Global smash with Jung Kook.
- Put It on da Floor Again (2023): Cardi B remix heat.
- Sunday Service (2024): TikTok favorite.
- Somebody (2025): Fresh Aaliyah flip.
Each one racks up views on Latto music videos, like the colorful “Latto Big Energy” clip on YouTube. Fans love how Latto evolves, keeping the best Latto songs to stream in 2025 fresh. For more on standout tracks, check Hyunjin Solo Songs, K-pop fans know the power of a solo banger.
Latto Albums
Latto albums aren’t just collections, they’re chapters in her story. Her debut, Queen of da Souf (2020), crowned her as an Atlanta rapper. At 13 tracks, it mixes bravado with vulnerability. Standouts like “Muwop” earned platinum plaques, while the album hit No. 44 on Billboard. Guests from her city, like 21 Savage on “Pull Up,” gave it that homegrown feel. Critics praised its authenticity, calling it a blueprint for trap music female rapper debuts.
Fast-forward to 777 (2022). This sophomore effort peaked at No. 15, showing growth. Tracks like “Wheelie” with 21 Savage hint at sparks, while “Sunshine” brings light vibes. It’s bolder, with pop edges that broaden her reach. Latto said in interviews it was her “lucky number” project, fitting, as it won her more fans on Billboard charting rappers’ lists.
Her latest, Sugar Honey Iced Tea (2024), is pure sweetness with spice. Dropping August 9, it debuted at No. 15 too, tying her best chart spot. Features from Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Ciara make it a collab fest. “Sunday Service” and “Big Mama” went viral, with the album going platinum by mid-2025. “Latto albums like this prove she’s in it for the long haul,” notes Billboard.
Rumors swirl about a 2025 project—maybe Big Latto 21? No dates yet, but expect more “Latto upcoming album release date” buzz soon. Each release cements her as a rising rap star, with sales topping 500,000 units combined.
For the Latto vs other female rappers comparison, she stands out for her crossover game. Unlike some stuck in niches, Latto dances between trap and pop, much like Cardi but with more Atlanta twang. Explore more discographies in Hyunjin Discography for global crossover parallels.
Latto Grammy Nominations and Awards: Recognizing the Queen
Awards aren’t everything, but for Latto, they’ve been game-changers. Her shelf boasts two BET Awards, including Best Female Hip Hop Artist in 2023. That win felt sweet after years of grind. She snagged a BET Hip Hop Award for “Latto Big Energy” Song of the Year in 2022, plus a Billboard Music Award for “Seven.”
The big ones? Latto Grammy nominations. In 2023, she got nods for Best New Artist and Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Latto Big Energy (Live)”). Though she didn’t win, it put her on the map with legends. “Being nominated felt like a dream,” she told E! News. Add an MTV VMA for “Seven” and iHeartRadio’s Best New Hip Hop Artist, and her trophy case glows.
In 2024, Forbes named her 30 Under 30, highlighting her business smarts. Variety’s Breakthrough Artist honor came the year before. Stats: Over 10 nominations across majors, with four wins. These accolades boost her in the rap industry trends, showing that women in the rap industry can lead.
List of Latto Grammy nominations and wins:
- Best New Artist (2023) – Nominated.
- Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023) – Nominated.
- (No wins yet, but more coming!)
Her foundation work adds shine, Win Some Give Some empowers girls, tying into female empowerment in rap. For more on industry honors, see List of Latto Grammy Nominations and Wins.
Personal Life
Behind the mic, Latto keeps things close. Fans love digging into “Latto boyfriend” and “who is Latto dating.” Enter 21 Savage. Their romance simmered since 2020, sparked on “Pull Up.” She denied it for years, valuing privacy. But in September 2025, Latto confirmed it with TMZ: “My man, my man!” Now, “Latto and 21 Savage” is official, with red carpets and support. “He uplifts me,” she shared.
Family matters too. Her parents, Misti and Shayne, are her rocks. “Latto’s parents” often appear in shoutouts, like thanking them at BET. Her younger sister, Brooklyn, stars in vlogs, answering “how old is Latto’s sister” at 22. No kids yet, does Latto have kids? Nope, but rumors fly. “Is latto pregnant?” She shut that down in October 2025 with a Japan trip post: “I ate too much wagyu.”
Where is latto from? Atlanta now, but Ohio born. “How tall is latto?” She’s 5’6″, with curves that spark chat. “Does latto have a bbl?” Yes, she got one at 21 after online shade. “They called me ‘bad body,'” she admitted. Now, “did latto get a bbl” is old news; she owns it, weighing around 130 lbs and feeling confident. “Is latto2 white or ‘is latto black“? Biracial, embracing both.
She’s single? No, who does latto date? 21 Savage. “Latto sister,” Brooklyn joins tours, keeping family tight. Her faith? Private, but she nods to the roots in the lyrics. For family-focused stories, check Hopie Carlson: Tucker Carlson’s Daughter and Her Private Life.
Latto Net Worth
Money talks in hip-hop, and Latto net worth whispers success. As of 2025, estimates peg it at $5 million3. How? Streams, tours, and deals. “Latto net worth and career earnings” break down like this: Album sales from Sugar Honey Iced Tea (platinum) add $2 million. Singles like “Latto Big Energy” pull royalties, over $1 million yearly.
Endorsements boost it. She’s had Adidas since 2024, plus fashion collabs tying into hip hop fashion and lifestyle. Tours? Past ones grossed $3 million; expect more from 2025 pops. “Latto merch” sells hot, tees, and chains via her official store.
But Latto says wealth is “kinda boring.” She invests in her foundation, giving back. Compared to peers, she’s climbing; Cardi B’s at $80 million, but Latto‘s trajectory screams future mogul. See more on rap fortunes in Birdman Rapper.
Latto Tour 2025
No full Latto tour 2025 dates yet, but buzz is building. Past tours, like supporting Lizzo, sold out arenas. Fans search for “Latto concert” and “Latto concert tickets” eagerly. Check Ticketmaster for updates, expect stops in Atlanta, LA, and NYC.
Her live game? Electric. She twerks less now, focusing on choreo and vocals. “Where to buy Latto concert tickets?” Official sites first. For Latto behind the scenes tour vlog, her YouTube has gems. Imagine “top Latto collaborations in hip hop” live, Cardi, Megan, pure fire. Compare live energy in the Hyunjin Concert Performance.
Controversies
No star skips drama. Latto‘s name change in 2021 sparked talk. Mulatto felt tied to colorism, so Latto it was. “It was time,” she said. Arrests hit too: 2019 mistaken theft, 2021 LAX gun charge (dropped).4
2025 brought leaks, Latto leaks, rumors swirled in August, but she stayed silent, focusing on music. “Latto nude” or “Latto naked” searches? Clickbait, she’s class, not chaos. Old tweets resurfaced in 2023, but growth wins.
These moments test her, but Latto bounces back, stronger. It’s why fans love her authenticity in celebrity relationships in music.
Latto’s Fashion and Influence
Latto fashion and beauty style inspiration? Fire. She rocks streetwear with glam, thinks cheetah prints and Chanel. At Fashion Week, she stuns, blending hip hop fashion and lifestyle with high-end. “Latto ass” memes? She laughs them off, owning her BBL glow-up.
Her impact? Huge in global fans. TikTok dances to her tracks rack billions of views, pushing viral TikTok rap songs. She’s a role model for Gen Z, showing that her Latto dating 21 savage can be private yet powerful.
For merch, hit her site for “Latto merch store official website” drops. She’s in ads too, like her IMDb soundtracks for The Lost City. For fashion inspo, see Fashion Personality Hyunjin.
How Latto Started Her Rap Career?
Want to follow Latto‘s path? Start simple. She wrote at 10, battled online, and won Rap Game. Tip 1: Reject bad deals; independence pays. Tip 2: Use social media; her Instagram grew her buzz.
Who is latto signed to? RCA, but she calls the shots. For “Latto Atlanta rapper” vibes, study local scenes. Her story inspires what race is, Latto chats, biracial pride rules. Learn more startup stories in How Latto Started Her Rap Career.
FAQs
How old is Latto the rapper?
Latto was born on December 22, 1998, making her 26 years old in 2025. She turns 27 this December. Her early start at age 10 shows how young talent can shine in southern hip hop.
Who is Latto dating?
Latto is in a relationship with rapper 21 Savage. They started dating in 2020 and confirmed it publicly in September 2025. Their bond grew from collabs like “Wheelie.”
What is Latto’s real name?
Her real name is Alyssa Michelle Stephens. She changed her stage name from “Miss Mulatto” to Latto in 2021 to move away from colorism issues.
Does Latto have a BBL?
Yes, Latto got a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) at age 21. She opened up about it after facing body-shaming online, saying it boosted her confidence.
How tall is Latto?
Latto stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Her height fits perfectly with her bold stage presence in Latto concert performances.
Who is Latto’s boyfriend?
Latto’s boyfriend is 21 Savage. The couple keeps things private but supports each other’s careers in the Atlanta hip hop scene.
Is Latto dating 21 Savage?
Yes, Latto is dating 21 Savage. After years of rumors, she confirmed their relationship in 2025, calling him “my man.”
Does Latto have kids?
No, Latto does not have kids as of 2025. She focuses on her music, tours, and relationship.
When is Latto’s birthday?
Latto’s birthday is December 22. She celebrates with fans on social media every year.
Is Latto pregnant?
No, Latto is not pregnant in 2025. She shut down rumors with a playful post about eating too much food on a trip.
What race is Latto?
Latto is biracial, her father is Black, and her mother is white. She often speaks about her identity in her music.
Who is Latto signed to?
Latto has been signed to RCA Records since 2020. She also runs her own imprint for more control.
Where is Latto from?
Latto was born in Columbus, Ohio, but raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She reps the South proudly in her Latto songs.
How much does Latto weigh?
Latto weighs around 130–140 pounds (59–63 kg). She embraces her curves and promotes body positivity.
How old is Latto’s sister?
Latto’s sister, Brooklyn Nikole, is 22 years old in 2025. She often appears in Latto’s vlogs and social media.
Conclusion
Latto isn’t just a Latto rapper; she’s a movement. From Latto age dreams to Latto Grammy nominations, she’s redefined southern hip hop. Her Latto songs and Latto albums empower, while her life shows balance. In a world of trends, Latto stays true, inspiring female hip hop artists everywhere. As she grows her Latto net worth and love with Latto boyfriend 21 Savage, one thing’s clear: the queen’s just warming up.
What’s your favorite Latto track, and why does it hit for you?
See Also
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References
- Big Latto Official Site – Merch and news hub. ↩︎
- Latto Wikipedia – Detailed career timeline and awards. ↩︎
- E! Online on Latto Dating 21 Savage – Relationship confirmation. ↩︎
- IMDb Latto Profile – Music video credits. ↩︎
