As a certified “B*tch From Da Souf,” the Atlanta hitmaker, Latto, takes pride in her Southern rap roots and the women who laid them.
Not only was Latto one of only two female rappers with debuts in 2024 to reach the top 15 on the Billboard 200, but the lyricist was also named the 2024 “Trapper of the Year” by the Trap Music Museum. While many people find Latto to be an inspiration, she has no problem giving flowers to fellow female Southern MCs, telling EBONY, “I think it’s like a whole southern female rap movement right now. And I’m a fan of everybody.”
Reflecting on the childhood influences who inspired her to become a “Big Mama” in music, Latto continued, “My dad was like a big TLC fan, so he always would put me up on Left Eye. Definitely had my little hip-hop music lessons, having to listen and watch all her videos and stuff. Gangsta Boo, and I was blessed to have worked with her before she passed, so rest in peace to her. Trina, I love Trina down, blessed to have worked with her as well.”
Though such legendary acts got Latto’s energy started, the raptress who loves to see other women win, couldn’t help but celebrate two contemporary rappers. Latto added, “And then like current girls, I love Flo Milli. That’s my Capricorn sis. Yes, my girl [Flo Milli] is pregnant! And Glo [Rilla].”
Read on to learn more about Latto’s favorite Southern-bred female rappers:
Trina
Born in Miami, Trina remains one of the most prominent rappers to come out of Florida. Known for an unapologetic attitude and slick mouth, Trina’s 2000s hits catapulted her to rap stardom. Making a standout debut on Trick Daddy’s 1999 hit “Nann,” Trina continued to capture our attention with her debut album, Da Baddest Bitch, released in 2000 and debuted at eleven on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. By November 2000, the album had sold 700,000 and was certified Gold by the RIAA. To date, Trina is one of few female rappers to release five albums and remains in the conversation of best rappers to touch the mic.
Gangsta Boo
Gangsta Boo, also known as Lady Boo, was a female, Southern rap pioneer from Memphis, TN. Known as the first lady of the Oscar-winning group, Three 6 Mafia, Gangsta Boo was one of the first female rappers to build off the gangster rap image and sound that propelled in the 90s. Earning the nickname “Queen of Memphis,” the icon eventually released three albums from 1998 to 2003, with her second album, Both Worlds *69, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard 200. Despite passing away in 2023, her blueprint continues to be followed by women in music today.
Flo Milli
With competitive lyrics and an untouchable persona, Flo Milli knew she was destined to be a star since she wrote her first song at nine years old in Mobile, AL. Predicted to hit stardom by the age of 18, the star cemented her name as one to watch with the 2019 hit, “In the Party,” reaching virality on TikTok and a platinum certification. Releasing her debut album, You Still Here, Ho? in 2022, her fourth single from the project, “Conceited,” received a gold plaque. Still on a winning streak, 2024 proved to be another year of wins, as hit “Never Lose Me” became her first top 10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
GloRilla
After a “Glorious” 2024, there’s no wonder as to why we call her ‘Big Glo’ and not the little one.
Coming from a choir background in Memphis, Tennessee, Gloria Hallelujah Woods’ genuine personality and witty lyrics captured the world by storm with her 2022 hit “F.N.F.” From being named the hottest female MC of 2024 by Billboard and her hit “TGIF” being named the best song of 2024 by Time magazine, GloRilla continues to dominate the rap charts with her Memphis accent in hand.
