5 Things to Know About Latto, Best New Artist Nominee at 2023 Grammys (2024)

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It’s no secret that when it comes to their Best New Artist category, the Grammys tend to stretch the definition of “new.” This year’s no different, as they’ve nominated the 23-year-old Latto, a rapper who’s been on the scene since 2016. She’ll be up against Anitta, Omar Apollo, Domi & JD Beck, Muni Long, Samara Joy, Måneskin, Tobe Nwigwe, Molly Tuttle and Wet Leg for the honor.

It’s been almost four years since Latto’s breakout hit “Bitch from da Souf,” which is certified platinum, and over two years since she was included in XXL’s coveted Freshman Class. Even “Big Energy,” her most successful single to date, has been out since September 2021; “Big Energy (Live)” is also nominated in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category. Hell, she has already been nominated for a “Best New Artist” type of accolade in 2020 thanks to the BET Awards. Per usual, “music’s biggest night” is playing catch up.

To the Grammys’ credit, though, the past year has seen the young artist’s profile skyrocket. Following up “Big Energy” with the full-length 777, Latto has only grown in prominence, cementing herself as a creative force with staying power. Even BET, after recognizing Latto as a new artist two years prior, re-upped and crowned Latto as 2022’s Best New Artist at this year’s ceremony. She certainly deserves the recognition – the Grammys just went about it in a very Grammy-ish way.

Nonetheless, those on the Grammy voting committee are likely not alone in their recent discovery of Latto. As such, here are five things to know about the up-and-coming rap star. You can also check out the full list of nominations here.

1. Before her music career, she was a drag racer

In an XXL video interview, not only does Latto reveal she’s been rapping since the age of 10, but she drops the bomb that she was originally set to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a drag racer. Growing up in Atlanta, several of Latto’s family members were deep into the city’s drag racing communities. She recalls the events like they were block parties or family reunions, complete with familiar faces and grilled meals.

Of course, it wasn’t long before she decided she was more interested in music than cars, and just a few years later, she’d be taking her first steps to becoming known in the scene.

2. She appeared on The Rap Game in 2016 – and refused the prize

In 2016, Latto appeared on the first season of The Rap Game, a reality television show produced by Jermaine Dupri and Queen Latifah that sought new talent in the hip-hop community. In fact, not only did she compete, she took home first prize, becoming the series’ first winner.

Even in 2016, though, Latto knew her worth as an artist. She declined the show’s grand prize of a record deal, citing unfavorable terms and, frankly, too little money. Instead, she took the independent route, a decision that seems to be paying off quite well.

3. She’s already certified gold and platinum

Following her success on The Rap Game, Latto began to independently release a series of projects, including 2016’s Miss Mulatto, 2017’s Latto Let ‘Em Know, and 2018’s Mulatto. Then, in January 2019, she dropped what was effectively her breakout single, “Bitch from da Souf.” The song went on to be certified gold and later platinum, marking Latto as the first solo female rapper from Atlanta to accomplish such a feat.

Not satisfied with one platinum single, she signed with RCA Records and did it again in 2020 with “Muwop.” The Gucci Mane collaboration also went on to sell over a million copies, giving Latto the license to call herself a “multi-platinum selling artist.”

4. She has a cameo in the “WAP” video

Just a week after dropping “Muwop,” she was also featured in the most talked about music video of 2020: Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP.” The video placed her in the company of not only the two mega-stars, but also Kylie Jenner, Normani, Rosalía, Sukihana, and Rubi Rose. Though only a brief cameo, it showed that some of the biggest artists in the game were recognizing Latto as next up.

5. She’s been racking up awards

Now fresh off the back of “Big Energy” and 777, Latto has already been turning heads in the award circuit. At this year’s BET Awards, she won Best New Artist, “Big Energy” won Song of the Year, and 777 was nominated for Album of the Year. At the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, she also received nods for Best New Artist, Video For Good, and Best Hip Hop Video. She’s now a Grammy nominee, and time will tell if she’ll graduate to become a full-on Grammy recipient.

See the full list of 2023 Grammy Awards nominations here.

Grammys 2023 Nominees Photo Gallery: