Latto, born Alyssa Michelle Stephens, is no longer the fresh face from a reality TV competition. As of 2025, the 26-year-old rapper has carved out her place in mainstream hip-hop with an estimated net worth of $5 million. From television to Billboard hits, brand partnerships to a clothing store, Latto has proven she’s more than just a one-hit wonder—she’s a hustler in every sense.
Humble Beginnings in Ohio and Georgia
Latto was born on December 22, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, to Shayne and Misti Stephens. Her father is Black, and her mother is white, a biracial identity that played a significant role in her early life. At just two years old, her family moved to Clayton County, Georgia, where she grew up.
She was drawn to hip-hop from a young age, writing rhymes by the age of ten. As a teen attending Lovejoy High School, Latto faced bullying over her mixed race. Instead of letting that experience define her negatively, she leaned into the term “Mulatto,” reclaiming it as her original stage name. It was a bold move that later evolved as her brand matured.
Winning “The Rap Game” and Turning Down a Major Label
In 2016, at age 17, Latto became a contestant on Lifetime’s reality show The Rap Game, produced by Queen Latifah and Jermaine Dupri. Competing as Miss Mulatto, she won the first season, which gave her widespread exposure and a chance to sign with So So Def Records.
But here’s where Latto showed early business smarts—she turned the deal down. She wasn’t satisfied with the money offered and decided to go independent instead. That decision proved wise, as it gave her more control over her music and royalties in the years that followed.
From Independent Drops to Breakout Mixtapes
Shortly after “The Rap Game,” she released her debut single, “No More Talking,” followed by a collab with Lil Niqo titled “Tough on the Internet.” She quickly started building her catalog, dropping her first mixtape, Miss Mulatto, in 2016.
By 2017, she had another mixtape—Latto Let Em Know—which featured rappers like Silentó and Lil Key. She made headlines for her diss track “Response Diss” aimed at Young Lyric, her former co-star from The Rap Game. Their rivalry continued for years through music.
She wrapped up the year with her first EP, Time and Pressure, and even opened her own fashion store, Pittstop Clothing, in Jonesboro, Georgia.
Mainstream Success with “Bitch from da Souf”
Things hit a new level in 2019 when Latto dropped “Bitch from da Souf.” The track blew up and marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #95. It was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA and caught the attention of major labels.
She followed the single with two EPs, Big Latto and Hit the Latto, and recruited Trina and Saweetie for the remix of “Bitch from da Souf,” pushing her even further into the spotlight.
Signing with RCA and Dropping “Queen of Da Souf”
Latto signed a major deal with RCA Records in March 2020. Soon after, she dropped a series of singles including “No Hook,” “He Say She Say,” and her next big hit “Muwop” featuring Gucci Mane. These releases built anticipation for her first studio album.
Her debut album, Queen of Da Souf, arrived in August 2020 and peaked at #44 on the Billboard 200. The extended version of the album included “Sex Lies” with Lil Baby, which kept her momentum going through the end of the year.
The Name Change to Latto and “Big Energy”
In 2021, she officially shortened her name from Mulatto to Latto, responding to the criticism over the original name’s racial connotations. With her rebrand came another hit—“The Biggest,” which addressed the name change and her growth.
Then came “Big Energy” in September, the lead single for her second album. It became her biggest chart hit to date, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100. The catchy, radio-friendly bop signaled her crossover into a wider audience.
In November 2021, she followed up with “Soufside,” continuing to rep her Georgia roots.
Brand Collabs and Features
Latto has been busy beyond her solo work. She featured on NLE Choppa’s “Make Em Say,” Chloe x Halle’s “Do It” remix alongside City Girls and Doja Cat, and even dropped verses for G-Eazy’s “Down.”
She’s also been in the studio with 2 Chainz, Future, Jacob Latimore, and Janelle Monáe, steadily earning respect as one of the most in-demand collaborators in hip-hop.
Net Worth and Income Breakdown
As of 2025, Latto’s net worth is around $5 million. The bulk of her wealth comes from music sales, streaming royalties, concert tours, brand endorsements, and her independent clothing business.
While her earlier career was built on grassroots grind, signing with RCA brought her bigger budgets and visibility. Her growing brand, bolstered by high-profile collaborations and fashion influence, is expected to push her earnings even higher in the coming years.
She also earns from sponsored content on Instagram, where her follower count has soared past the 8 million mark. With that kind of digital reach, each post or collab brings in serious money.
Personal Life and Controversy
Latto tries to keep her personal life out of the headlines. However, in 2019, she was wrongfully arrested in a case of mistaken identity involving a theft charge. Frustrated and embarrassed, she channeled her anger into a powerful track titled “Fuck Rice Street,” calling out the Atlanta police department.
Despite the setback, she used the experience to connect with fans and raise awareness about racial profiling and the justice system.
A Star Still on the Rise
Latto is only 26, and her catalog already includes gold-certified singles, Billboard placements, and two studio albums. From her early start as a teenage reality TV champ to a Grammy-nominated star, Latto’s trajectory continues to rise.
She’s got the music, the business mindset, and the bold personality to take things even further—and with $5 million already banked, she’s just getting started.
