Shawty Bae is the former stage name of American rapper Latto, who was born on December 22, 1998. As of 2025, she is 26 years old. The nickname originated from her early social media presence around age 16, before she rebranded to Mulatto and later Latto. Readers exploring shawty bae age will also find context in Paula Ebben Age: What We Know About the WBZ Anchor's Career
How Latto Started Her Music Career
Latto, whose real name is Alyssa Michelle Stephens, grew up in Clayton County, Georgia. She first gained national attention in 2016 as a contestant on the reality TV show The Rap Game, produced by Jermaine Dupri. At that time, she performed under the name Shawty Bae. The show aired on Lifetime and featured young rappers competing for a recording contract. wikipedia.org/wiki/O._T._Genasis” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>O. T. Genasis
After the show, she changed her stage name to Mulatto, a term she later abandoned due to its controversial racial connotations. In 2020, she released her debut album Queen of Da Souf, which helped establish her in the hip-hop scene. Her single “Big Energy” became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021.
Shawty Bae Age and the Transition to Latto
The name Shawty Bae was used primarily during her teenage years. She stopped using it professionally around 2017, when she adopted Mulatto. The shift reflected her growth as an artist and a desire to be taken more seriously in the music industry. By the time she turned 18, she had already built a local following in Atlanta. com/shawty-bae/” rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target=”_blank”>Shawty Bae – Age, Bio, Height, Weight, Boyfriend, Net Worth
Latto’s age has been a topic of interest because she achieved significant success early in her career. She won Best New Artist at the 2022 BET Awards, a milestone that highlighted her rapid rise. Her third studio album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, was released in 2024, further solidifying her place in contemporary rap.
| Stage Name | Years Active | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Shawty Bae | 2014–2017 | Early social media, The Rap Game |
| Mulatto | 2017–2020 | Debut album Queen of Da Souf |
| Latto | 2020–present | “Big Energy”, BET Award, Sugar Honey Iced Tea |
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Shawty Bae
However, the exact date when she first used the name Shawty Bae is not precisely known.
Another unclear aspect is why she chose the name Shawty Bae. She has not publicly explained the origin in detail. It is also unknown whether she ever officially trademarked the name. What is clear is that she has fully moved on from it, and her current brand as Latto is well-established.
Why Independent Digital Media Matters for Readers
Understanding the evolution of an artist’s stage name and age provides context for their career trajectory. For fans of Latto, knowing her shawty bae age helps trace her journey from a teenager on a reality show to a Grammy-nominated rapper. This kind of background information is often scattered across interviews and social media, making it valuable when compiled in one place.
As Latto continues to release music and perform, her early years as Shawty Bae remain a footnote in a larger story. For new listeners, it shows how artists can reinvent themselves. The music industry often rewards those who adapt, and Latto’s name changes are a clear example of that strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Shawty Bae?
Shawty Bae, now known as Latto, was born on December 22, 1998. As of 2025, she is 26 years old. Her age is often discussed because she achieved fame at a young age.
Why did Latto stop using the name Shawty Bae?
Latto stopped using Shawty Bae around 2017 to adopt a more mature stage name. She first changed to Mulatto and later to Latto, reflecting her growth as an artist and distancing herself from her teenage persona.
What was Shawty Bae’s real name?
Shawty Bae’s real name is Alyssa Michelle Stephens. She was born in Clayton County, Georgia, and began rapping as a teenager under the Shawty Bae alias before rebranding.
Is Shawty Bae still active in music?
No, Shawty Bae is no longer active as a stage name. The artist now performs as Latto and has released multiple albums, including Queen of Da Souf (2020) and Sugar Honey Iced Tea (2024).
What is Latto’s biggest hit?
Latto’s biggest hit to date is “Big Energy,” released in 2021. The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
