Case study. by Iyanna Carnegie

biography:

carnegiein — 2025-04-07 12:23:01 UTC

Alyssa Michelle Stephens better known as "Latto", formally known as "Mulatto" is a Grammy nominated rapper, trendsetter, influencer, fashionista and songwriter. She was born in Columbus, Ohio but was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She started rapping at the age of 10. Her lyrical flow earned her a spot on the 2016 hit show The Rap Game produced by producer Jermaine Dupri. Young Latto was now able to show her talent worldwide. Many people were amazed at how she was able to write her own raps and deliver them with an incredible flow. She won the show which landed her a deal.

Latto then gained more popularity from her hit song "B*tch from the Souf" that was released in 2019. This Song later earned a RIAA certification. She later had a song with Gucci Mane called "Muwop." This song solidified her spot in the rap game. Over the years Latto released many hit singles. She has multiple platinum and gold certified singles. Her song "Big Energy" was her first mainstream hit. This song samples Mariah Carey's song "Fantasy." This song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. She was BET's Best New Artist in 2022. Latto's bold authentic country flair influences many women today. She is known for uplifting women, promoting confidence and speaking out about colorism.

lyric analysis:

carnegiein — 2025-04-11 12:38:28 UTC

In 2022 Latto dropped a protest song named "Pu$$y." This track sampled Betty Wright's song "Girls Can't Do What the Guy's Do." This song links to the past and now present struggles. "Pu$$y" was released shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Latto discusses the unfairness of men having so much say so when it comes to a women's body & the choices women choose to make.

"How you ain't got a pu$$y, but got opinions on pu$$y? That's pu$$y. My ovaries ain't for you to bully, y'all the reason we make music teachin' b***** how to use it."

This line is very powerful. Latto is challenging the double standards that allow men to express themselves freely without a care in the world, but when it comes to women, they are judged and restricted from doing the same things. She also is questioning them about how they have opinions and "control" over something they don't even have. Having so much "control" as if their the one's who have to push out a baby and go through all the cycles a women has to go through that weren't asked for, but because we are women, these are fazes that we just have to go through. A portion of the song's proceeds were donated to Planned Parenthood.

influential lyric post:

carnegiein — 2025-04-29 12:30:19 UTC

In the song "Mind Yo Business" by Lakeyah (feat. Latto) this song influences me to work harder to expand my business and focus on building my empire.

"Only business that I mind is the one that pay. (one that pay) My kids, kid's gon' have they way (have they way), B****."

These two lines spoke to me because I have my own hair business and my goal is to own my own beauty shop. The lyrics, "Only business that I mind is the one that pay" spoke to me. I'm usually to myself and focusing on improving my craft. I feel like generational wealth is important to accomplish especially if you have your own business. If you have your own business and don't have some type of wealth set aside for the generations to come it kind of feels like you put in all that work for nothing. Having a good foundation so the business will be set in stone is the end goal.

geographic lo / musical influence:

carnegiein — 2025-05-06 12:37:52 UTC

Latto grew up in Atlanta which is known for southern rap/ trap rap influences her music and style. Latto has that hustler mentality. Coming up in a competitive rap environment Latto always strived to be the best. Atlanta taught her to hustle hard and be different from those upcoming artists. Latto's beats usually have heavy bases. She raps aggressively and confidently which many Atlanta rappers tend to do. She uses Atlanta slang, talks about experiences growing up in Atlanta, and overall just the local culture of Atlanta. These references keep her identity rooted in the city. She grew up listening to artists like Gucci Mane, Outkast T.I, Missy Elliot, and many more. Despite having some previous tension publicly, Latto has talked about how Nicki Minaj influenced her lyrical ability, visuals, and breaking barriers for women in the rap industry.

genre:

carnegiein — 2025-05-07 12:03:48 UTC

Latto's music is primarily hip hop and rap. A big portion of her songs are influenced by trap. She also blends her trap and southern hip hop style into pop rap. Her catchy pop melodies make her diverse from other typical rap artists.

playlist:

carnegiein — 2025-05-07 12:22:13 UTC

The first song I heard by Latto was her 2013 single "Crush" at this time she went by the name "Miss Mulatto."

2017: "Real Princess"

2017: "Feelings" (feat. Bandit Gang Marco)

2019: "B*tch from Da Souf"

2020: "Muwop" (feat. Gucci Mane)

2020: "In n Out" (feat. City Girls)

2022: "Big Energy"

2022: "Its Givin"

2022: "Wheelie" (feat. 21 Savage)

2024: "Big Mama"

2024: "Sunday Service"

2024: "Put it on the floor again" (feat. Cardi B)

2024: "Brokey"

2024: "Georgia Peach"

2024: "There she go"

2024: "H&M"

2025: "Somebody"

Over the years, Latto has worked hard to find her own unique style and sound. With each song released, she solidified her spot in the rap game. Latto has grown as a artist. From the lyrics to the flow to her style. She elevated each time a new record was released.

your story:

carnegiein — 2025-05-21 12:50:19 UTC

The first song I heard by Latto was her song "Crush Remix" that was released 11 years ago. From there I watched her on The Rap Game. I grew to like her from the show. Learning her story and seeing the process she went through to write her raps intrigued me. Latto has inspired me to be confident, she did her best each challenge and out rapped all of her competitors. The way she carries herself with her head held high through rooms that people may say she doesn't belong in. From starting as a young girl posting her music on YouTube to having billboards, going to the grammy's, having hit songs, and overcoming many barriers. Being a female artist in the rap game is challenging, but Latto has used all the opportunities she had to her advantage to become who she is today and it is so inspiring. Being only 26 years old many young people find her very relatable. Latto influences many people from her style and the way she dresses, to the natural hairstyles she wears. Lastly, the way Latto used constructive criticism and improved her craft for the better shows me that there is always room for improvement no matter how "great" you think you are.