Latto Then and Now: From reality TV origins to Billboard No. 1 hit collab 'Seven', the rapper's evolution
Latto's journey from 'The Rap Game' to earning her first Grammy nomination
Alyssa Michelle Stephens, or Latto as she is more popularly known as, has become a force to reckon with in music industry at the age of 24. Starting her career by appearing on Jermaine Dupri's reality series 'The Rap Game' in 2016, she has come a long way to garner her first Grammy nomination in 2023. Latto, who was formerly known an 'Miss Mulatto' had to change her stage name in 2021 owing to a 'colorism' controversy.
Latto appeared on 'The Rap Game' in 2016
Latto appeared on Jermaine Dupri's reality series 'The Rap Game' in 2016 as Miss Mulatto. She won the first season of the music reality show, but rejected the record deal offered by Dupri's So So Def Records citing "It wasn't enough money." She opted to take the 'independent artist' route.
Latto releases breakout hit in 2019
Latto released her first breakout hit 'B**ch from da Souf' in January 2019 under her then-stage name, Miss Mulatto. The song came at number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States. The song was also remixed featuring rappers Saweetie and Trina.
Latto signs with RCA Records in 2020
It was announced in March 2020 that Latto had signed with RCA Records. In April and May of the same year, she released two back to back promotional singles, 'No Hook' and 'He Say She Say'. In 2020, Latto was included on XXL's Freshman Class. Her debut project with the RCA Records was released in August 2020 named 'Queen of da Souf'. The album climbed to the Number 44 on the US Billboard 200.
Latto changes stage name in May 2021
In January 2021, it was announced that Latto would be changing her stage name following the controversy that the term "mulatto" was colorist. Her name change was first visible to her fans on Toosii's album 'Thank You for Believing' where she was credited as Latto. She also released a song named 'The Biggest' to mark the change in her stage moniker.
Latto's 'Big Energy' reaches No. 3 spot on Billboard Hot 100
In September 2021, Latto released the lead single from her then-upcoming album 'Big Energy'. It reached the third position at Billboard Hot 100. She released an official remix version of the song in collaboration with Mariah Carey in March 2022. In March 2022, she also released her second studio album '777'.
Latto wins BET Hip Hop Awards in 2022
Latto's song 'Big Energy' won Song Of The Year at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards. Her album '777' was also nominated for Hip Hop Album of the Year at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Latto receives her first Grammy nomination in 2023
Latto earned the nomination for Best New Artist and Best Melodic Rap Performance for 'Big Energy (Live)' at the Grammy Awards in February 2023. Latto also featured on South Korean superstar Jungkook's debut solo single 'Seven' in July. The single debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first song featuring Latto to reach the coveted position.