Latto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Latto
Latto during a WHTA radio interview, March 2024
Background information
Birth name	Alyssa Michelle Stephens
Also known as	Miss Mulatto Mulatto Big Latto Big Mama
Born	(1998-12-22) December 22, 1998 (age 26) Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip hop trap pop rap
Occupation(s)	Rapper singer songwriter
Years active	2010–present
Labels	RCA Streamcut Pittstop

Alyssa Michelle Stephens (born December 22, 1998), known as Latto, is an American rapper and singer from Atlanta. She first became known on a TV show called The Rap Game in 2016. She won the first season of the show.

Latto released her first studio album, Queen of da Souf, in 2020. This album included the popular song "Muwop". After changing her stage name to Latto, she became even more famous with her 2021 song "Big Energy." This song was a huge hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award.

"Big Energy" was the main song from her second album, 777, released in 2022. In 2023, she was featured on Jungkook's song "Seven." This song became her first to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Latto has won several awards, including two BET Awards and a MTV Video Music Award. She was also named Variety's "Breakthrough Artist" in 2022.

About Latto's Early Life

Alyssa Michelle Stephens was born in Columbus, Ohio, on December 22, 1998. Her parents are Misti Pitts and Shayne Stephens. She grew up in Clayton County, Georgia. She went to Lovejoy High School.

When she was young, Alyssa was sometimes teased for her skin color. This experience later inspired her first stage name, Miss Mulatto. At age ten, she decided she wanted to be a rapper. She started writing her own rap songs. Before music, she also enjoyed drag racing.

Latto's Music Career

Starting Out in Music (2016–2018)

In 2016, Alyssa joined a TV show called The Rap Game. This show was produced by famous artists Jermaine Dupri and Queen Latifah. It was a competition for young, talented rappers. Alyssa, using the name "Miss Mulatto," won the whole competition.

She was offered a music contract from Jermaine Dupri's record label, So So Def Records. However, she decided not to sign the deal. She wanted to be an independent artist instead. This meant she would manage her own music career.

In April 2017, she released her second mixtape, Latto Let 'Em Know. This mixtape featured other artists like Molly Brazy and Silentó.

Becoming Famous (2019–2020)

In May 2019, Latto performed at the Rolling Loud festival in Miami, Florida. This is a big annual hip hop event. In June 2019, she released her second extended play (EP), called Big Latto. The song "B_ from da Souf" became a major hit. It reached number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also certified gold, meaning it sold a lot of copies.

Later, a new version of the song was released. It featured other rappers like Saweetie and Trina. This remix was part of her third EP, Hit the Latto, released in December.

In March 2020, Latto officially signed with RCA Records. She released new songs like "No Hook" and "He Say She Say." In July 2020, she released the song "Muwop" with famous rapper Gucci Mane. This song used a sample from Gucci Mane's older song, "Freaky Gurl." Latto also appeared in Cardi B's music video for "WAP."

In August 2020, XXL magazine included Latto in its "Freshman Class" list. This list highlights new and rising hip hop artists. On August 21, 2020, Latto released her first album with RCA, called Queen of da Souf. The album reached number 44 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

New Name and Big Hits (2021–Present)

Latto speaking at her album release, November 2021

In January 2021, Latto decided to change her stage name. Her old name, "Mulatto," had caused some discussion. In May 2021, she officially changed her name to Latto. She released a new song called "The Biggest" to announce her new name.

On September 24, 2021, Latto released "Big Energy." This song became her most successful hit. It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Famous singer Mariah Carey later joined Latto for a remix of the song in March 2022.

Latto during a radio interview with WHTA in January 2023

On March 25, 2022, Latto released her second studio album, 777. This album included "Big Energy" and other songs like "Wheelie" featuring rapper 21 Savage. In February 2023, Latto was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards.

In July 2023, Latto was featured on the song "Seven" by South Korean singer Jungkook. This song became a global hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. In October 2023, Latto worked with singer Christina Aguilera on a unique song called "Did Somebody Say HipOpera."

In January 2024, Latto was featured on a remix of Jennifer Lopez's song "Can't Get Enough." On February 5, 2024, Latto announced her new song "Sunday Service."

Other Projects

In 2017, Latto opened her own clothing store. It is called Pittstop Clothing and is located in Jonesboro, near Atlanta.

Giving Back to the Community

In 2021, Latto started the Win Some Give Some Foundation. This foundation helps young women who are facing challenges. It gives them resources and support to help them succeed in life.

Filmography

Discography

• Queen of da Souf (2020)
• 777 (2022)
• Sugar Honey Iced Tea (2024)

Awards and Nominations

Special Recognitions

World Records

Tours

Headlining Tours

• Big Latto Tour (2019)
• 777 Tour (2022)
• Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour (2024)

Supporting Tours

• Lizzo – The Special Tour (2022-2023)