Cypher Lab With Latto

11.28.23

Flo Milli, Monaelo, Latto, Mello Buckzz, Maiya the Don

The XXL Freshman Class Cyphers are a major moment recognized in hip-hop each year. But hey, it is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and we should keep celebrating it, right? Today, XXL dropped a new series Cypher Lab, where Latto curated an all-female cypher.

It has been three years since Latto’s XXL Freshman Cypher, which went super viral. While there have been some hints at little female rap beefs here and there, Latto has always maintained a sense of positive energy, and appreciating other women in hip-hop. With this latest cypher, she hand selected each of the ladies to participate in the Cypher Lab becuase of something unique she enjoyed that they brought to the table.

Mello Buckzz kicks off the cypher, representing Chicago. Followed by Maiya The Don from Brooklyn, Flo Milli from Alabama, Monaelo from El Paso, Texas and of course Latto from Clayco. They all did their thing, and we got to hear some round table chats amongst the ladies after their cypher performances. Latto mentions one thing she loves about each girl. Mello Buckzz representing for those who came from the trenches, Maiya the Don bringing back old-school-Brooklyn-Rap style, Flo Milli is feminine and flamboyant, but still has bars, and Monaelo is a brand new mother which is inspiring in itself, but also comes up with the most out-of-pocket-punchlines.

The girls all seemed to vibe well together, and mentioned being a fan of each other’s works. Latto also brought up the idea that she would have signed one of the ladies, if she had a label. Starting her own label is a goal of Latto’s, once she feels well off in her personal career as an artist. She enjoys finding new artists and remains super tapped in to those whom have not blown up yet. Therefore, she enjoyed her time curating the CypherLab, and would love to have her own label once she can dedicate the proper time to growing new artists.

Did you love the ladies CypherLab? Who should curate one of these next?! Should Latto start her label soon?!