Latto’s latest album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, has generated a lot of buzz, receiving positive feedback from both her fans and the wider hip-hop community. However, it hasn’t been without its critics. Some rival fanbases, particularly those of Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, have mocked the album’s projected first-week sales, which suggest a debut at number 17 on the Billboard 200 with about 27,000 album-equivalent units sold. While these numbers aren’t disastrous for a well-known artist like Latto, they haven’t made the splash she might have hoped for.
Despite the numbers, Latto’s public feuds with other female rappers make her an easy target for ridicule when things don’t go perfectly. It’s also worth noting that many mainstream artists are finding it increasingly difficult to boost their sales without major industry support. For example, Ice Spice’s Y2K! debuted at number 18 on the Billboard chart with 28,000 first-week sales, despite being a much shorter project. This puts both albums on a similar level of commercial success.
The real test for these albums will be their staying power. How Latto and her peers manage to sustain their momentum will be crucial in determining their long-term success. Latto’s upcoming tour could play a significant role in keeping her in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Ice Spice recently addressed the rumored tension between her and Latto. In an interview, she said, “I feel like if we ever spoke and I asked her ‘What’s the issue?’ it’d be like a blank stare. It’d really be no issue whatsoever. Especially from me… It is kind of a compliment because you’re talking about something that’s supposed to be a fun moment for you, and you’re making it about me… again.”