Overview
#BigEnergy propelled rapper Latto (formerly known as Mulatto) into mainstream stardom in 2022. The song, which samples Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love” (the same sample Mariah Carey used in “Fantasy”), became an unstoppable TikTok phenomenon and Latto’s first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Viral Success
Released in late 2021, the song gained massive traction in early 2022 when TikTok users created confidence-boosting videos set to the track. The “bad bitch energy” anthem became the soundtrack for getting ready, gym motivation, and self-hype videos across the platform.
The official remix featuring Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled in March 2022 sent the hashtag into overdrive, creating a full-circle moment as Carey blessed the track that borrowed from her iconic catalog.
Cultural Impact
“Big Energy” established Latto as a force in female rap and proved that confidence anthems still dominate social media. The song’s success came during a renaissance of female rappers (alongside Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Doja Cat, and others) commanding radio and streaming.
Key Moments
- January 2022: TikTok trend explodes with 500M+ video views
- March 2022: Mariah Carey remix drops, peaks at #3 on Hot 100
- April 2022: Latto performs at Coachella, brings out Mariah Carey as surprise guest