latto

Latto is the stage name of Alyssa Michelle Stephens, an American rapper and songwriter born December 22, 1998, in the Atlanta, Georgia area. She began releasing music in the late 2010s and built a following through a blend of Southern rap and infectious hooks that resonated with streaming audiences and on social media.

Early in her career, Latto performed under the name Mulatto. She gained attention with the 2019 single Bitch from Da Souf and followed with the 2020 project Queen of Da Souf, which included the singles Bitch from Da Souf and Muwop, a collaboration with Gucci Mane. She has been associated with RCA Records, through which she released music that aimed to reach a broader mainstream audience while maintaining a Southern rap stance.

In 2021, she announced a change of stage name from Mulatto to Latto, citing backlash to the former name and seeking a more widely acceptable identity in the industry. The change coincided with a continued push into mainstream charts and media attention.

Latto achieved a major breakthrough with the 2021 single Big Energy, a track that gained substantial chart presence in 2022 as it expanded beyond regional appeal. A remix featuring Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled helped broaden its reach and brought additional attention to Latto’s work. Since then, she has released additional singles and collaborations, establishing herself as a prominent figure in contemporary Southern rap and pop-leaning hip hop.

Her work is characterized by confident delivery, punchy production, and collaborations that mix street narratives with accessible hooks. Latto continues to release music and perform, contributing to ongoing discussions about female representation in rap.