Latto's Parents: The Untold Story Of Misti Pitts & Shayne Stephens
Could the trajectory of one of today's hottest rappers, Latto, have been drastically different? The answer, surprisingly, is yes; her father initially envisioned a very different path for his daughter one fueled by the roar of engines rather than the beats of a studio.
The life of Alyssa Michelle Stephens, better known to the world as Latto, has been a fascinating blend of contrasting influences. While the glitz and glamour of the music industry now surround her, her upbringing was rooted in the very different world of drag racing. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of life that a young woman, once seemingly destined for the racetrack, has instead become a chart-topping sensation. The story of Lattos rise is inextricably linked to the experiences of her parents, Misti Pitts and Shayne Stephens, whose individual paths converged to shape the woman she is today.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Misti Pitts |
Date of Birth | December 29, 1982 |
Age (as of November 2024) | 41 years old |
Known for | Mother of the rapper Latto |
Marital Status | Married to Shayne Stephens |
Children | Alyssa Michelle Stephens (Latto) and Brooklyn Nikole |
Early Life | Born in Ohio, had her first child at age 15. Her early life was marked by the responsibilities of motherhood at a young age. |
Role in Latto's Life | Provided constant support and encouragement for Latto's musical aspirations from an early age. |
Reference | Wikipedia - Latto |
Latto's father, Shayne Stephens, held a deep passion for drag racing, a passion he hoped to pass on to his daughter. The family's roots in this high-octane world were strong, with drag racing holding a significant place in their lives. The plan was set: Latto would follow in her father's footsteps, carrying on the family tradition within the thrilling world of motorsports. But fate, and perhaps Lattos own inner drive, had other plans.
The rapper, born Alyssa Michelle Stephens, known professionally as Latto, has since carved a unique space for herself. Her story is a lesson in the power of pursuing one's true calling, even when that calling clashes with expectations. The narrative, however, took a turn, as Latto found her true calling in music. Her father, while initially envisioning a different future for his daughter, ultimately became a supporter of her artistic ambitions.
The influence of Misti Pitts, Latto's mother, should not be overlooked. Born in 1982 in Ohio, Misti's life took an early turn when she became a mother at the tender age of 15. This early experience shaped her life, impacting her educational pursuits as she took on the responsibilities of motherhood. She took on a job to support her young family. Despite the challenges, Misti played an integral role in Latto's life, consistently offering support and encouragement.
Social media has often been a stage for public opinion, and in Latto's case, her parents have found themselves the subject of scrutiny. A seemingly innocent throwback photo of Latto and her mother ignited a flurry of speculation, particularly regarding the age gap between her parents. Online discussions, including comments on Instagram pages like @theshaderoom, and even a deleted tweet by Nicki Minaj, fueled the debate. Some users on the social media platform X shared their opinions on the age gap, leading to Latto herself stepping in to clarify the situation, asserting that her parents are only three years apart. This clarification served to dispel misconceptions and bring the narrative back to reality.
The rapper has faced scrutiny over her biracial heritage. Being of mixed race, with a Black father and a white mother, Latto was often the target of bullying. She has openly spoken about these experiences, highlighting the challenges she faced. Despite the challenges, the family stood firm, illustrating the strength of their bond.
The evolution of Latto's career is a testament to her determination. She began her professional journey in 2016, appearing on Jermaine Dupri's reality television series, "The Rap Game," where she went by the name Miss Mulatto and won the first season. She initially rejected the recording contract offered by Dupri's So So Def Recordings, and this independent spirit would later define her artistic path. After releasing her 2019 song, "Bitch from da Souf," Latto signed with RCA Records. The songs success continued, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2020, reaching number 95.
The family's story is also a tale of defying expectations and embracing individuality. Her father's initial hopes for a career in drag racing underscore the way parents often imagine their children's futures. But Lattos own passion for music, which blossomed from the creative soil of Atlanta, Georgia, where she moved in her teens, was too strong to ignore. This move proved pivotal in the development of her musical identity.
Lattos parents, Misti Pitts and Shayne Stephens, have been the cornerstones of her journey, supporting and inspiring her throughout her life. They weathered the storm of public scrutiny, defending their family against unwarranted accusations. Their journey exemplifies the sacrifices parents make to nurture their children's dreams, showcasing a bond forged in love, resilience, and unwavering support.
The rapper's success is a reflection of her artistic vision and her ability to connect with audiences. In a social media-driven world, Latto's authenticity has resonated with fans. Latto's ability to defend her family, her parents and the journey they have been on, continues to endear her to her fans.
Latto's story offers a glimpse into her upbringing, one marked by the different worlds her parents came from. Her mother, Misti Pitts, raised Latto with constant support from the very start, and her father, Shayne Stephens, eventually saw his daughter become the star she is today, and his initial dream of racing became a secondary thought as he watched her light up the stage.
Latto's journey is a complex portrait of an artist, their parents, and the world that helped to shape them. It is a story of dreams realized, expectations challenged, and the power of a family's love. It is a story that continues to evolve, with Lattos music and experiences shaping her trajectory.
Latto, a product of Atlanta, Georgia, has risen to become a significant figure in the music industry. She rose to fame on Jermaine Dupri's reality television series "The Rap Game" in 2016 and she won the first season. After this, she chose not to pursue the recording contract that she won and has gone on to build a successful career of her own.
The narrative took another turn when social media erupted with commentary on the ages of Latto's parents. It was a nostalgic moment turned into a public discussion. In response to the online debate, Latto tweeted, "my parents are 3 years apart, lol," effectively silencing the claims that had skewed the perception of her family's story.
The influence of her parents, Misti Pitts and Shayne Stephens, can be seen in the path that Latto has chosen. Her father's passion for drag racing and her mother's dedication to her children have both influenced her. She was born Alyssa Michelle Stephens on December 22, 1998, in Atlanta. Her younger sister, Brooklyn Nikole, was born on July 19, 2002, and has gone on to become an Instagram model.
In an interview in 2022, Latto opened up about growing up with parents of different races. She has since been open about her experiences.



