As one of the most exciting and dynamic young talents in hip-hop today, Latto (formerly known as Mulatto) has continued to rise as a powerful voice in the industry. From her early beginnings as a teen star on reality TV to becoming a chart-topping artist, her journey has been one of growth, resilience, and undeniable talent. With her bold persona and evolving artistry, Latto’s influence extends beyond music, making her a pivotal figure in today’s hip-hop culture.
Many fans often wonder, “How old is Latto?” as they track her impressive career. In this article, we’ll explore Latto’s age, her rise to fame, and the mark she’s leaving on the music world.
Latto’s Early Years: A Young Star in the Making
Latto was born Alyssa Michelle Stephens on December 22, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio. This makes her 25 years old as of 2024. At the age of 10, her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia—a city that would prove instrumental in shaping her musical career. Growing up in Atlanta’s rich hip-hop culture, Latto was exposed to a wide array of musical influences from an early age, particularly Southern rap, which would heavily inform her sound.
By the age of 8, Latto was already writing her own raps. She was a natural performer, participating in talent shows and rap battles throughout her childhood. Her first major break came in 2016 when she was only 16 years old and competed on Lifetime’s reality TV series The Rap Game. Latto’s performance on the show, where she won the first season, launched her into the spotlight and solidified her place as a rising star in the rap world. This early success also marked the beginning of her professional music career.
The Rise of Miss Mulatto: A Star on the Horizon
After her victory on The Rap Game, Latto initially performed under the stage name “Miss Mulatto.” She quickly gained traction in Atlanta’s vibrant music scene, releasing a series of mixtapes that showcased her lyrical talent and strong presence on the mic. Her early work was marked by confidence and raw ambition, traits that helped her stand out in a competitive industry.
In 2019, she dropped her breakthrough single, “B*tch from da Souf,” which became an instant hit. The track’s infectious beat and Latto’s commanding delivery caught the attention of hip-hop fans across the country. A remix of the song featuring Saweetie and Trina only heightened its success, turning it into a defining moment in Latto’s career.
A New Chapter: From Miss Mulatto to Latto
In 2021, at the age of 22, Latto made the significant decision to change her stage name from “Mulatto” to simply “Latto.” The original name, which references the historical term for a person of mixed race, had drawn criticism from fans and critics alike due to its controversial connotations. Latto, showing maturity and sensitivity to these concerns, explained in interviews that the change was a reflection of her personal growth and desire to move away from the term’s problematic history.
In an interview with Billboard, Latto said, “I wanted a name that felt like a true reflection of who I am now, not who I was when I started. The name change represents my evolution as an artist and a person.” This shift in branding allowed her to step into a new phase of her career with a stronger and more inclusive identity, free from past controversies.
Latto’s Influence on Hip-Hop and Popular Culture
Latto’s impact on hip-hop extends far beyond her music. She has emerged as a symbol of female empowerment, using her platform to challenge traditional norms in the genre. Her lyrics are often bold, confident, and unapologetically assertive, and she speaks openly about women’s rights, sex positivity, and independence.
Her hit single “Big Energy,” released in 2021, was a perfect example of her ability to merge catchy beats with an empowering message. The song, which samples Mariah Carey’s classic track “Fantasy,” became her highest-charting single to date and further solidified her place in mainstream music.
Latto’s confidence has made her a role model for young women in hip-hop, encouraging them to embrace their power and break barriers in a male-dominated industry. She has also openly discussed the challenges of being a female rapper, including the double standards women often face in terms of appearance, behavior, and lyrical content.
Major Milestones in Latto’s Career
Over the course of her career, Latto has reached several major milestones, each marking a new step in her artistic development. Below is a timeline highlighting some of the key moments in her career:
- Age 8: Started writing her own raps.
- Age 10: Moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where her exposure to Southern hip-hop shaped her future career.
- Age 16: Won the first season of The Rap Game (2016), catapulting her into the spotlight.
- Age 20: Released her breakout hit “B*tch from da Souf” (2019), which earned her national recognition.
- Age 21: Signed with RCA Records (2020), marking her transition from an independent artist to a major label star.
- Age 21: Released her debut studio album Queen of Da Souf (2020), solidifying her status in mainstream hip-hop.
- Age 22: Officially changed her stage name to Latto (2021) and released the hit single “Big Energy.”
- Age 23: Released her second studio album 777 (2022), which showcased her growth as an artist.
Pushing Boundaries: Latto’s Continuing Evolution
As Latto’s career progresses, she continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, experimenting with different sounds and collaborating with artists across genres. Her ability to blend trap, Southern rap, and pop influences has made her music accessible to a wide audience, while still staying true to her Atlanta roots.
In recent years, Latto has collaborated with several major artists, including Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, and Mariah Carey. These collaborations have allowed her to further cement her place in the industry, proving her versatility and star power.
Beyond her music, Latto is expanding her brand into fashion and entrepreneurship. She has launched her own line of merchandise and is involved in various partnerships with major brands. This strategic move has positioned her as not only a successful rapper but also a savvy businesswoman.
Looking Ahead: Latto’s Future in Hip-Hop
At just 25 years old, Latto has already achieved a level of success that many artists work decades to reach. But for Latto, this is only the beginning. She has consistently shown that she’s unafraid to evolve—whether it’s through her music, personal growth, or her career decisions. With two successful studio albums under her belt and several hit singles, Latto’s influence on hip-hop will only continue to grow.
As we look ahead, there’s little doubt that Latto will keep making waves in the industry, whether by breaking new musical ground or using her platform to advocate for important causes. Her evolution from a teenage reality star to a major force in hip-hop is a testament to her hard work, vision, and talent.
Conclusion
Latto’s journey from a young girl in Atlanta with big dreams to one of hip-hop’s most influential stars is a remarkable story of growth and perseverance. At 25 years old, she’s already left a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring a new generation of female rappers and proving that with talent and determination, anything is possible.
As she continues to evolve, both musically and personally, Latto’s future in hip-hop looks incredibly bright. Whether she’s challenging norms, creating chart-topping hits, or expanding her brand, Latto is a force to be reckoned with—and her story is far from over.
Latto’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots has cemented her place as one of the most exciting artists of her generation. And as she continues to grow, fans can look forward to even more groundbreaking music and cultural influence from this trailblazing star.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Latto?
Latto was born on December 22, 1998, making her 25 years old as of 2024.
What was Latto’s breakout hit?
Her breakout hit was “B*tch from da Souf,” released in 2019.
Why did Latto change her name?
She changed her name from Mulatto to Latto in 2021 to address concerns about the term’s historical connotations.
What is Latto’s most popular song?
As of 2024, her most popular song is “Big Energy,” released in 2021.
What label is Latto signed to?
Latto is signed to RCA Records.
Does Latto write her own lyrics?
Yes, Latto is known for writing her own lyrics, a skill she’s developed since childhood.
