In an exclusive interview with Insider, Latto shares her perspective on the current state of the rap industry, where she believes women are leading the charge due to their unapologetic energy. The rapper’s statement comes on the heels of her monumental achievement on Monday, as she secured her first No. 1 hit on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 with “Seven,” a collaboration alongside BTS singer Jungkook on his debut solo single. Impressively, the song has already amassed a staggering 100 million streams on Spotify since its release on July 14.
Latto goes on to emphasize the remarkable presence of female artists in the current rap scene, describing it as raw, uncut, and authentic, reflecting a “take-me-for-who-I-am” type of energy. The rapper, who recently teamed up with Wingstop to introduce the Latto Meal, a new and limited edition offering featuring 21 wings, fries, and two dips, shared these insights in a recent interview.
Notably, Latto joins the ranks of Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Nicki Minaj, and others who have all achieved top 10 hits on the Hot 100 since the beginning of the year. This trend was also evident in 2022, with Coi Leray, Minaj, and Latto, alongside artists like Doja Cat, Lizzo, GloRilla, and Cardi B, all enjoying top 10 hits.
Latto further elaborates on the admiration and respect garnered by the current generation of female rappers, attributing it to their genuine authenticity. She specifically highlights the Southern female rap scene, which she believes is making a strong impact, with numerous women from the region fearlessly taking center stage and staying true to themselves.
When questioned about the newfound ability of female rappers to be unapologetic, the 24-year-old star, who recently earned the award for best female hip-hop artist at the 2023 BET Awards, acknowledges the trailblazing influence of legends like Lil’ Kim and Missy Elliott.
Latto’s journey to success began in 2016, following her victory in the inaugural season of “The Rap Game,” Jermaine Dupri’s now-defunct talent show. Despite declining a record deal with Dupri’s So So Def label, the rapper signed with RCA Records in 2020 and has since released two studio albums. Her latest album, “777,” notably peaked at No. 15 on the esteemed Billboard 200 chart and included the smash hit “Big Energy.”
Her collaboration with Jungkook marks a milestone in her career, as it became her most significant hit to date. In doing so, she joins an exclusive group of female rappers, including illustrious names such as Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Missy Elliott, all of whom have achieved No. 1 hits on the Hot 100.
Speaking exclusively to Insider, Latto reveals that she was handpicked by K-pop sensation Jungkook for the collaboration. Enthusiastic about the track’s potential, she found herself thinking about how she could enhance an already remarkable hit. Describing Jungkook as a nice, genuine, and humble person, the rapper expresses her enjoyment of the whole experience, while also acknowledging the immense support from his dedicated fan base, aptly known as an army.