Introduced to the world on the television show The Rap Game, Mulatto also known as Big Latto has proven that her star is rising and she is hard to beat.
Winning the show’s first season in 2016, the Clayton County native chose not to take the deal offered to her to sign with mega producer Jermaine Durpi, who also happened to be the executive producer on the show. Now in 2020, the 21-year-old has cultivated a dedicated fan base and singles like B*tch From The South, Muwop and In & Out have gained radio play and Billboard Hot 100 placements. Despite the world being first introduced to Mulatto’s rap game when she was 17, it has always been a passion for the entertainer even as a child. “I’ve been rapping since I was 10,” she tells ESSENCE in an interview over zoom.
After dropping her debut album Queen Of The South this summer, Big Latto is back with an extended version including her new single “Sex Lies” ft. Lil Baby. While succeeding through this unprecedented year, the rapper has dealt and faced controversy as well, specifically surrounding her name – a “distasteful” phrase used to describe someone of mixed race. “The more I’m educated on things like the Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality, and things that I feel passionate about, I never want to come off irresponsible for choosing a name that is disrespectful,” she shared.
Last week, ESSENCE Associate Fashion Editor Nandi Howard spoke with Mulatto about her amazing year, her debut album, and how she is stepping into 22. Watch the interview below.