Alyssa Michelle Stephens, known professionally as Latto (formerly Mulatto), is an American rapper and singer-songwriter born on December 22, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. At 26 years old, Latto has solidified her place as one of hip-hop’s leading ladies, blending Southern trap influences with pop-rap flair and unapologetic lyricism. With a career spanning over a decade, she has earned critical acclaim, chart-topping hits, and a reputation for breaking barriers as a female rapper from Atlanta.
Early Life and Beginnings
Born to Misti Pitts, who is Caucasian, and Shayne Stephens, who is African American, Latto grew up in Clayton County, Georgia, a place she credits for giving her “street credibility.” As a biracial child, she faced bullying for her light skin, which later inspired her initial stage name, Miss Mulatto, a nod to the historical “mulatto” racial classification. By the age of 10, she was writing her rap songs, determined to carve out a career in the music industry. Before fully committing to rap, Latto was involved in drag racing, a passion she shared with her family.
Latto’s early exposure to the music industry began in 2016, when, at 16, she competed on Jermaine Dupri’s reality TV series, The Rap Game, under the name Miss Mulatto. She won the first season but turned down a record deal with Dupri’s So So Def Recordings, citing insufficient financial terms. Choosing independence, she honed her craft through mixtapes like Miss Mulatto (2016), and Latto Let ‘Em Know (2017), which featured artists like Molly Brazy and Silentó.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Latto’s career took a pivotal turn in 2019 with the release of her single “Bitch from da Souf.” The track’s brash energy and trap-infused production resonated with listeners, peaking at No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning double platinum certification from the RIAA. Its remix, featuring Saweetie and Trina, further amplified her visibility. In 2020, Latto signed with RCA Records, and “Bitch from da Souf” became the lead single for her debut album, Queen of da Souf (August 2020), which reached No. 44 on the Billboard 200. The album also spawned “Muwop,” featuring Gucci Mane, which earned platinum certification and marked her as a rising star.
In March 2021, Latto made history as the first female rapper from Atlanta to have a solo record certified gold and platinum with “Bitch from da Souf” and “Muwop.” That same year, she officially changed her stage name from Mulatto to Latto, addressing criticism over the racially charged connotations of her former moniker. The transition was marked by the release of “The Biggest,” a single reflecting her evolution.
Her mainstream breakthrough came with the 2021 single “Big Energy,” the lead track from her second album, 777 (March 2022). Peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became the longest-charting rap song by a solo female artist in the chart’s history. The remix, featuring Mariah Carey, showcased Latto’s ability to blend hip-hop with pop appeal. Seven hundred seventy-seven also included collaborations with 21 Savage (“Wheelie”) and Lil Wayne (“Sunshine”), further cementing her versatility.
Continued Success and Collaboration
Latto’s third studio album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea (August 2024), was hailed as a cohesive Southern hip-hop masterpiece, blending rap and R&B with standout tracks like “Sunday Service” and collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, Flo Milli, and Playboi Carti. The album’s release was celebrated for its immaculate production and Latto’s experimentation with diverse sounds, earning praise for its flow and authenticity.
Her collaborative streak is equally impressive. In 2023, Latto featured on Jungkook’s debut solo single “Seven,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her first chart-topping hit. Other notable collaborations include Cardi B’s “Put It on da Floor Again,” Chloe Bailey’s “For the Night,” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Can’t Get Enough” remix (2024). Her 2023 single “Lottery,” featuring LU KALA, and “Did Somebody Say HipOpera” with Christina Aguilera further showcased her genre-blending range.
Accolades and Impact
Latto’s talent has earned her numerous accolades. She was named Variety’s “Breakthrough Artist” of 2022 and won Song of the Year for “Big Energy” at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards. She also secured BET Awards for Best New Artist (2021) and Best Female Hip Hop Artist (2023). Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Melodic Rap Performance (for “Big Energy” live) came in 2023, and she was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Music list for 2024.
Beyond music, Latto is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 2017, she opened Pittstop Clothing, a store in Jonesboro, Georgia. In 2021, she founded the Win Some Give Some Foundation to empower at-risk young women, reflecting her commitment to giving back.
Personal Life and Challenges
Latto’s biracial identity has been a significant part of her narrative. She has spoken openly about the bullying she faced for being light-skinned, which shaped her early-stage persona. In 2022, she addressed challenges in the industry, including sexual harassment allegations against unnamed male collaborators, sparking speculation but maintaining her focus on her craft. Despite rumors linking her romantically to artists like 21 Savage and Key Glock, Latto has kept her personal life private, emphasizing her career over public speculation.
Latto Net Worth
As of 2024, Latto’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, according to multiple sources, including Celebrity Net Worth and Forbes. This wealth stems from her successful music career, with hit singles like “Bitch from da Souf” and “Big Energy,” which have garnered millions of streams and charted high on the Billboard Hot 100. Her albums, Queen of da Souf (2020) and 777 (2022), along with collaborations with artists like Jungkook, Cardi B, and Mariah Carey, have significantly contributed to her earnings through music sales, streaming royalties, and live performances. Forbes reported that Latto was on track to earn $12 million in 2023, with an average of $300,000 per appearance, reflecting her high demand for concerts and festivals like Coachella.
Beyond music, Latto has diversified her income through entrepreneurship. In 2017, she opened Pittstop Clothing, a boutique store in Jonesboro, Georgia, which adds to her revenue. She has also secured lucrative brand endorsements with companies like Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, which has contributed to her financial growth. Her social media presence, with over 12 million Instagram followers and 23 million monthly Spotify listeners, further boosts her earning potential through sponsorships and partnerships.
However, estimates of her net worth vary, with some sources, such as HotNewHipHop and 21Ninety, citing a lower figure of $2 million, while others, like EnglishSumup, suggest a higher figure of $3 million. In a 2025 interview with Complex, Latto dismissed the $5 million estimate as inaccurate but did not provide a specific figure, noting that money is “kinda boring” and emphasizing her pride in becoming a millionaire by age 21. Given her ongoing projects, tours, and upcoming business ventures teased for 2024, her net worth is likely to continue growing.
Legacy and Future
Latto’s journey from a teenage reality TV contestant to a Grammy-nominated rapper reflects her resilience and ambition. With over 12 million Instagram followers and a growing discography, she continues to break barriers for women in hip-hop. Her ability to navigate controversies, evolve her artistry, and collaborate with industry heavyweights positions her as a trailblazer. As she told XXL, she regrets past feuds, focusing instead on her music: “I’m too talented for that s**t.”
With Sugar Honey Iced Tea and her ongoing tour, Latto is poised to cement her legacy as a Southern hip-hop icon. Her blend of confidence, authenticity, and versatility ensures that her “big energy” will resonate for years to come.
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