Latto Announces New Single ‘Somebody’: A Bold Return to the Spotlight
Latto is back. After a brief hiatus in early 2025, the Atlanta rapper has reemerged with a captivating new single, “Somebody,” drawing inspiration from the late R&B icon Aaliyah. The track marks a significant artistic evolution, blending contemporary hip-hop with nostalgic 1990s R&B elements.
A Strategic Comeback
Following the success of her 2024 album Sugar Honey Iced Tea, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart and No. 15 on the Billboard 200 , Latto took a deliberate step back from the limelight. This strategic retreat allowed her to refine her sound and prepare for a powerful return. On March 11, 2025, she teased her new single on Instagram, showcasing her signature dance moves and hinting at the track’s infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics .
Paying Homage to Aaliyah
“Somebody” features a prominent interpolation of Aaliyah’s classic “Are You That Somebody?” with Latto singing, “I really need somebody, tell me are you that somebody?” . This artistic choice not only pays tribute to Aaliyah’s enduring influence but also showcases Latto’s ability to blend classic elements with her unique style.
Production and Artistic Evolution
The single’s instrumental backing prominently features elements sampled from Aaliyah’s catalog, creating an immediate sense of nostalgia while maintaining contemporary appeal. The production choices reflect Latto’s artistic growth, with layered percussion elements and carefully balanced frequency ranges that complement her vocal approach. Her vocal delivery demonstrates evolution, introducing subtle melodic variations that showcase her versatility .
Industry Implications
The enthusiastic reception to Latto’s preview suggests significant commercial potential for the full release. In an industry increasingly defined by short content cycles, her ability to generate excitement after a period of reduced visibility demonstrates exceptional brand strength. The strategic incorporation of nostalgic elements broadens the potential audience beyond her established fan base to include listeners with connections to 1990s R&B .
As Latto prepares to fully release this new material, industry observers will watch closely to see how it performs across streaming platforms and social media metrics. The track’s success could influence how other artists approach sampling classic material and structure their career rhythms between periods of high visibility and strategic retreat.
Stay tuned for the official release of “Somebody” and witness Latto’s evolution as an artist.
