Billboard

HOT 100 86

Latto Big Energy

- —RANIA ANIFTOS

How did “Big Energy” come together?

I flew to Los Angeles for a month and changed my scenery to bring out new inspiratio­n. I went to the studio one day, and my A&R [reps] were like, “We have this beat, but I don’t think you’re going to like it.” They played it, and I loved it. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone. I tried it three different days before I was in pocket with it. You just have to be patient. Music is not always a mechanical math equation, where one plus one equals two. It’s a matter of not giving up, with a little bit of fate.

Did you know right away that it’d be a hit?

I did. I’m young, and I wasn’t aware of the [“Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club] sample. I just knew it was a trap-pop blend and would bring a new audience to my career. It took months to get cleared before we could talk about a rollout, but I like to stay artistic and worry about my job. I’m not going to hold myself back musically because something on the business side might not work out.

What does having “Big Energy” mean to you?

I took this masculine, trendy “big dick energy” quote from Twitter and made it a thing where all genders can have “big energy” and take it deeper than just [something] sexual. I wanted it to be empowering — it’s an aura that you carry and a confidence. It’s just an overall vibe and when you walk in the room, you have “big energy,” and no one can tell you otherwise. It’s uplifting.

 ?? ?? The 22-year-old
Atlanta native’s second Hot 100 entry also reaches a new
No. 9 high on the Rap Airplay chart.
The 22-year-old Atlanta native’s second Hot 100 entry also reaches a new No. 9 high on the Rap Airplay chart.

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