Latto says criticism fuels her success: ‘Now I’ve got a point to prove’

Latto says she uses criticism as motivation rather than allowing online negativity to slow her down.

27-year-old Atlanta rapper, Latto, says online criticism fuels her creativity and determination to succeed, opening up about her mindset during an appearance on “Hot Ones” and defending her viral “Soul Food Sunday” cooking videos. Latto explained why she sees people doubting her as an opportunity to prove them wrong.

“I love when people hate on me ’cause it really gives me a vendetta,” Latto said. “Like, ‘Oh, now I have to prove you wrong.” The conversation began when host Sean Evans asked the rapper about a lyric from “Business & Personal,” a track on her album “Big Mama,” in which she describes criticism as something that adds fuel to her ambition.

Asked how much spite-driven success motivates her creatively, Latto acknowledged that it plays a significant role in her approach. “I don’t know what it is in me that’s just like, ‘You think you’re gonna make me stop or slow down by saying what you saying?’” she told Evans. According to People, the rapper added that negative comments tend to make her more determined to succeed. “On my Momma, that turns me up,” she said. “Now I’ve got a point to prove.”

Her comments offer a glimpse into how she processes public scrutiny while navigating a music industry where artists frequently face criticism over their work, personal lives and public personas. Latto also addressed criticism of her “Soul Food Sunday” cooking videos, which she shares on social media. The rapper said she remains confident in her cooking despite negative reactions to some of the dishes she has posted, including her gumbo. “I don’t care what they say about my ‘Soul Food Sunday,’ ’cause baby, I can cook,” she said.

She went on to defend the dish against online criticism, saying some people who tried her food had praised it. The cooking series gives fans another way to engage with Latto beyond her music, even as the videos attract the same kind of online commentary she described during the interview.