Latto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Latto
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Latto during a radio interview in 2024
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| Birth name | Alyssa Michelle Stephens |
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| Born | December 22, 1998 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2010–present |
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Alyssa Michelle Stephens (born December 22, 1998), who is known by her stage name Latto, is an American rapper and singer from Atlanta. She first became known on the TV show The Rap Game in 2016. She won the show's first season but decided not to take the prize of a record deal.
Latto became very popular with her 2019 single "... from da Souf." The song was a huge hit and was her first to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. After signing with RCA Records, she released her first album, Queen of da Souf (2020).
In 2021, she changed her stage name to Latto and released the song "Big Energy." This song became a massive success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Because of her success, she was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. "Big Energy" was the main song from her second album, 777 (2022).
In 2023, she was a featured artist on Jung Kook's song "Seven." It became her first song to reach number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200 charts. Latto has won many awards, including two BET Awards and a Billboard Music Award.
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Early Life and Background
Alyssa Michelle Stephens was born in Columbus, Ohio, on December 22, 1998. She grew up in Clayton County, near Atlanta, and went to Lovejoy High School. Her mother is white and her father is African American.
Because of her mixed-race background, she faced some challenges in school. This inspired her first stage name, Miss Mulatto. She later changed it to Latto. She decided she wanted to be a rapper when she was ten years old and started writing her own songs. Before her music career, she also participated in drag racing.
Music Career
2016–2018: Starting on 'The Rap Game'
In 2016, Latto competed on the reality TV show The Rap Game. The show, produced by Jermaine Dupri and Queen Latifah, featured young rappers competing against each other. Latto, who was called "Miss Mulatto" then, won the competition.
She was offered a record deal with So So Def Records but turned it down. She felt the offer wasn't right for her and chose to be an independent artist instead. In 2017, she released her second mixtape, Latto Let 'Em Know.
2019–2020: Rise to Fame
In 2019, Latto released the song "... from da Souf." It became her breakout hit, reaching number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was so popular that it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). A remix of the song featuring rappers Saweetie and Trina was released later.
In March 2020, Latto announced that she had signed a record deal with RCA Records. She released the single "Muwop," featuring Gucci Mane, in July 2020. That same year, she appeared in Cardi B's music video for her hit song.
On August 21, 2020, Latto released her first major album, Queen of da Souf. It reached number 44 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
2021–Present: Becoming a Superstar
In 2021, Latto officially changed her stage name. She felt her old name was controversial and wanted a fresh start. She released a new single called "The Biggest" to announce her new name.
Later that year, she released "Big Energy," which became her biggest hit yet. The song climbed all the way to number three on the Billboard Hot 100. A popular remix of the song featured singer Mariah Carey.
On March 25, 2022, Latto released her second album, 777. The album included "Big Energy" and other singles like "Soufside" and "Wheelie" featuring 21 Savage.
In 2023, Latto's career reached a new high when she was featured on the song "Seven" by Jung Kook of BTS. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Latto her first chart-topping hit. That same year, she was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards.
In 2024, Latto was featured on a remix of Jennifer Lopez's song "Can't Get Enough". She also released her own singles, "Sunday Service" and "Somebody."
Other Work and Charity
In 2017, Latto opened her own clothing store called Pittstop Clothing in Jonesboro, Georgia.
In 2021, she started the Win Some Give Some Foundation. Her charity helps empower young women who are at risk by giving them resources and support.
Discography
- Queen of da Souf (2020)
- 777 (2022)
- Sugar Honey Iced Tea (2024)
Awards and Nominations
Latto has been nominated for and won many awards for her music. Here are some of her major achievements.
- BET Awards: She won Best New Artist in 2022 and Best Female Hip Hop Artist in 2023.
- BET Hip Hop Awards: Her song "Big Energy" won Song of the Year in 2022.
- Billboard Music Awards: She won Top Global K-pop Song in 2023 for "Seven" with Jung Kook.
- Grammy Awards: She was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023.
- MTV Video Music Awards: She won Song of Summer in 2023 for "Seven" with Jung Kook.
- People's Choice Awards: She won New Artist of 2022.
Tours
Headlining
- Big Latto Tour (2019)
- 777 Tour (2022)
- Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour (2024)
Supporting
- Lizzo – The Special Tour (2022-2023)
Images for kids
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Latto during a radio interview with WHTA in January 2023
