Latto is one of the many artists celebrating hip hop’s 50th anniversary today. In commemoration, the 24-year-old sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE and shared her love for the genre and more.
RELATED: 50 Years Of Fiyah: A Look Back On Hip Hop In The 80s
Latto Reflects On Hip Hop’s Influence
During her interview with the publication, Latto expressed her love for the genre. She explained that it’s “more than music.”
“Hip-hop is more than music. It’s a way of life, it’s a culture. Hip-hop has influenced even other genres of music.”
Stay Connected
Subscribe to updates from The Shade Room
The rapper went on to explain that hip hop influences how people dress, what recreational activities they engage in, and the places they go for enjoyment.
“We teach people how to dress through our music. We tell them what liquor they should be drinking, and what clubs they should be at, where they should go for vacation. It’s literally so much deeper than music, and I’m very, very honored to be a part of the genre.”
The 24-Year-Old Speaks On Her Responsibility To The Genre And Craft
Additionally, Latto reflected on the rise of the female emcee and the challenge women have had in earning “equal recognition” as their male counterparts.
It’s been a long time coming for women in rap… We’ve been going 10 times as hard for equal recognition as the men…”
The 24-year-old then shared that she feels it’s her responsibility to “bring others up” as she goes.
“…and I just think it’s my responsibility to bring others up as I go. I see how hard they work and how hard we have to go to literally just get equal recognition. So it’s like, ‘Let me do my part.'”
Before concluding her thoughts, Latto shared how she hopes fans view her legacy.
“I hope that I’m leaving behind a legacy of just confidence and empowerment for women, and maybe just like an escape from your everyday life [to] just turn on some Latto and feel empowered, feel like anything is possible, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkB3xiviR_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Latto Previously Spoke On Her Support For Up & Coming Female Rappers
Latto’s sentiments regarding serving as an icon of female empowerment are unsurprising. As The Shade Room previously reported, the rapper divulged that she utilizes her “power” in “uplifting others” as her success grows.
“My No. 1 thing has been being a girl’s girl. I utilize my power in uplifting others on my way up,” Latto told Billboard in February.
Additionally, she explained that she doesn’t charge up-and-coming female emcees for features.
“When you see Latto do a feature with an upcoming female rapper, I don’t charge them. The label got to cover the glam, but I don’t profit off that.”
Roomies, what do you think of Latto’s thoughts regarding Hip Hop’s impact and hopes for her legacy?
