Recently spotlighted as one of Billboard’s 10 hottest female rappers right now, American rapper Latto, whose real name is Alyssa Michelle Stephens, has come a long way from her early days.

Originally known as Miss Mulatto, she rebranded to Latto in 2021 given the negative connotations of her original name. She started performing in talent shows and open mics in her hometown of Atlanta from the age of 10, per Forbes.

At 25, Latto’s star has quickly risen in the music industry, boasting awards like best female hip-hop artist at the 2023 Bet Hip-Hop Awards, and Grammy nominations for best new artist and best melodic rap performance for “Big Energy”.

Latto made her mark at just 16 years old by winning the first season of Lifetime’s reality show The Rap Game (2016). Despite her victory, she boldly declined the grand prize of a record deal with So So Def Records to carve out her own path in the music industry.

She’s collaborated with many stars

Latto has collaborated with a star-studded list of musicians, including Saweetie, Trina, Gucci Mane, Cardi B, Mariah Carey, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Lil Wayne, Lil Baby and 21 Savage.

In 2023, Latto topped both the Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200 charts with “Seven”, a hit collaboration with BTS member Jungkook.

She paid for her sister’s tuition

In an interview with The Standard, Latto said that despite two albums, a No 1 single and brag-worthy collaborations, her proudest moment remains paying for her sister’s university tuition. “Nobody in my family went to college, so I’m happy I got to do that for her,” she said.

For a while, Latto’s sister Brooklyn Nikole was rumoured to be dating Drake.