Latto, whose real name is Alyssa Michelle Stephens, was born on December 22, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She is now one of the most confident and powerful voices in modern hip-hop. She grew up in Clayton County, which is just outside of Atlanta, and was surrounded by the rich musical culture that gave rise to stars like T.I., Gucci Mane, and OutKast. Her style was heavily influenced by Atlanta’s trap scene and Southern rap traditions. Her music has a bold, bass-heavy sound and sharp lyrics.
Latto was interested in music and performance from a young age. She started writing her own raps when she was only 10 years old and took part in local talent shows and contests. She quickly stood out because of her confidence, stage presence, and competitive spirit. Latto, on the other hand, had a clear sense of who she was from the start—assertive, unapologetic, and ambitious. This is different from a lot of other artists who are trying to find their voice.
Latto Profile Summary in table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alyssa Michelle Stephens |
| Stage Names | Latto, Big Latto, formerly Miss Mulatto |
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1998 (age 27) |
| Birthplace | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Height | 5’5½” (166 cm) |
| Genres | Southern hip hop, trap, pop rap |
| Occupations | Rapper, singer, songwriter |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Labels | RCA, Streamcut, Pittstop |
| Breakthrough | Winner of Season 1 of The Rap Game (2016) as Miss Mulatto |
| Notable Works | “Bitch From da Souf” (2020), Queen of Da Souf (2020), “Big Energy” |
| Collaborations | Cardi B (“Put It On Da Floor Again”), Megan Thee Stallion (“Budget”) |
| Awards/Nominations | Grammy nominations (Best New Artist, Best Melodic Rap Performance, 2023) |
| Website | biglatto.com |
Reality TV Breakthrough
In 2016, Latto became famous across the country when she won the first season of the reality TV show The Rap Game, which was made by Jermaine Dupri and Queen Latifah. At the time, she went by the name “Miss Mulatto” and wowed the judges with her lyrical skill, charm, and drive. Winning the contest was a big deal, but it also meant making a tough choice.
Latto turned down the recording contract that came with her prize because she thought she could do better on her own. This brave move showed that she believed in herself and had a long-term plan. Instead of following the safer path, she chose to build her career on her own terms. This was an early sign of the independence that would define her journey.
Branding and Growth
As Latto’s fame grew, she made the smart choice to stop using the name “Miss Mulatto,” which had caused controversy because of its historical meaning. She officially changed her name to Latto in 2021, which marked a new phase in her career. The new name showed that she had grown up, matured, and learned more about how her culture affected others.
Mixtapes like “Latto Let Em Know” and “Queen of Da Souf” were some of her first independent projects that helped her make a name for herself in Atlanta’s rap scene. “Queen of Da Souf,” which came out in 2020, had great songs that showed off her range. It had both hard-hitting trap anthems and more melodic, radio-friendly songs.
Latto Net Worth
Latto’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be around $7.9 million, though some sources suggest it could be closer to $11.1 million when factoring in her diverse income streams such as music sales, touring, brand endorsements, and other ventures .
Her financial growth reflects her rise in the hip-hop industry, especially after breakout hits like “Bitch From da Souf” and “Big Energy”, along with collaborations with major artists.
“Big Energy” and Success in the Mainstream
Latto’s big break into the mainstream came with her hit song “Big Energy” in 2021. The song became a huge hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and getting a lot of radio play. The song was based on a sample of Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” and mixed old-school pop sounds with modern rap swagger, which helped her reach a wider audience than just hip-hop fans.
“Big Energy” wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural event. The song’s happy vibe and catchy hook made it popular on social media. Latto’s confident delivery also helped her brand as a strong, fearless woman in rap. The remix with Mariah Carey made it even more popular and showed how Latto’s power is growing in the business.
The success of “Big Energy” helped her album “777” get more attention. The project made it into the top 20 of the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations with big-name artists, showing how popular she was becoming in mainstream music.
Sound, Style, and Influences
Latto’s songs mix Southern trap beats with strong lyrics and catchy melodies. She raps a lot about being confident, being independent, having good relationships, and making money. Her flow is sharp and rhythmic, and she can switch between fast bars and catchy choruses with ease.
Latto embraces both femininity and power at the same time, drawing inspiration from Southern rap legends and female pioneers like Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj. She fights against double standards in the industry and often talks back to people who say women aren’t real in hip-hop. Her music shows a modern feminist point of view: strong, confident, and not sorry.
Latto’s style is both glamorous and edgy. She loves high-fashion looks, bright hair colors, and bold makeup, whether she’s on stage or on the red carpet. Her image supports her larger-than-life personality while staying true to her Southern roots.
Awards and Praise
People have noticed Latto’s effect. She won Best New Artist at the 2023 BET Awards, which made her one of the best new artists in hip-hop. She has also been nominated for awards from big groups like the Grammys and the Billboard Music Awards.
Her accomplishments are even more impressive because rap is so competitive these days. With streaming services and social media making fame happen faster, viral hits alone won’t keep you famous. Latto has shown that he can stay in the game by releasing music regularly, working with other artists in smart ways, and building a strong personal brand.
Starting a business and running one
Latto has shown that he is an entrepreneur in more than just music. She has put money into fashion and beauty businesses that fit with her brand’s message of empowerment and style. Her Georgia boutique, “Pittstop Clothing,” shows that she wants to give back to her community while also growing her business.
She uses social media to stay in touch with her fans, just like a lot of modern artists do. She can use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote her music, show off her personality, and connect with fans in real time. This smart use of technology has helped her gain a loyal fan base that goes beyond just hip-hop fans.
Dealing with controversy and public scrutiny
Latto has been in the news and gotten a lot of criticism as a public figure. There have been arguments about her stage name and about how real and competitive female rap is. Instead of avoiding problems, she often talks about them directly in interviews and on social media.
Her willingness to speak honestly has made her reputation as someone who stands her ground even stronger. Latto has stressed working together and respecting each other while still being competitive in an industry where women are often pitted against each other.
Cultural effects and representation
Latto is a new kind of female rapper who is pushing the limits of the genre. She embraces her Southern roots while also appealing to people all over the world. Her songs are all about self-worth, confidence, and ambition, which are all things that young people really connect with.
She shows how to be persistent and grow strategically by going from being a contestant on a teen reality show to a top-charting artist. Her journey also shows how the paths to fame have changed in the digital age, when talent shows, viral hits, and streaming numbers all come together.
Latto’s success is part of a larger movement of women taking charge in hip-hop, which is mostly a male-dominated genre. She is helping to change the stories about female artists, independence, and business savvy along with other artists like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
What Latto Will Do Next
Latto is not slowing down as her career continues to grow. She is likely to stay a big name in hip-hop because she has multiple platinum certifications, worked with big names, and has a growing international fan base. People who follow the music industry think she will keep experimenting with her sound, maybe adding more pop and R&B influences while still staying true to her Southern rap roots.
Her goals go beyond winning awards and charting. Latto has said that she wants to leave a legacy and live a long time. To do this, she needs to be flexible and come up with new ideas. Based on her past work, she has both the skill and the will to reach them.
In conclusion
Latto’s rise from Atlanta talent shows to stages around the world shows that she is strong, confident, and good at making decisions. She has kept her own voice through rebranding, industry politics, and public scrutiny. With hits like “Big Energy,” awards, and business ventures, she has become one of the most interesting people in modern hip-hop.
In a time when things change quickly and there is a lot of competition, Latto stands out not only for her chart success but also for being real and not afraid to be herself. As she keeps growing as an artist and as a person, her impact on the genre and on young women who want to get into music will probably last for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Latto’s real name?
Latto’s real name is Alyssa Michelle Stephens. She was born on December 22, 1998.
2. Where is Latto from?
Although she was born in Columbus, Ohio, Latto was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta’s strong hip-hop culture heavily influenced her musical style.
3. How did Latto become famous?
Latto first gained national recognition after winning the reality competition series The Rap Game in 2016. Her independent releases and later mainstream hits helped her build a major career in hip-hop.
4. Why did Latto change her name?
She originally performed under the name “Miss Mulatto.” In 2021, she shortened it to Latto after public discussions about the historical meaning of the former name. The change marked a new phase in her career and personal growth.
5. What is Latto’s biggest hit song?
One of her biggest commercial successes is Big Energy. The song became a major radio and streaming hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum certifications.
6. Has Latto won any awards?
Yes. Latto won Best New Artist at the BET Awards in 2023 and has received several other nominations from major music award organizations.
7. What genre of music does Latto make?
Latto primarily makes hip-hop and Southern trap music. Her sound blends confident rap verses with catchy, melodic hooks.
8. Does Latto write her own music?
Yes. Latto has been writing her own raps since childhood and is known for her strong lyrical voice and confident delivery.
9. Is Latto involved in business ventures?
Yes. In addition to her music career, Latto has entrepreneurial interests, including fashion-related projects and brand partnerships.
10. What makes Latto unique in hip-hop?
Latto stands out for her bold personality, Southern rap roots, and strong focus on female empowerment. She combines mainstream appeal with authentic Atlanta trap influences, helping her connect with both core hip-hop fans and wider audiences.