Latto delivers some sweet lines in “Sugar Honey Iced Tea.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. S/O to Me
Latto should’ve put a timestamp on this track.
Listen, I’m all for rappers drawing inspiration from Drake’s flows, but in “S/O to Me,” Latto straight-up steals his s**t. The good news is she uses it for good. In the track, we get to hear her introspective side as she vents about her old and new rivals and those who are still simmering in the background. She also mentions holding her man down, who I’m convinced is 21 Savage. While I wish Latto toned down the braggadociousness a bit, she still brings impressive poise and confidence throughout the track.
4. There She Go
Latto kind of slides in this track.
So, in all honesty, the main reason I like this track is because of the beat. It flips Mike Jones’s absolutely classic “Back Then” beat. At the same time, kudos must go to Latto for delivering an extremely catchy hook, rapping with overwhelming amounts of swag, and reminding us for the 1000th time that she is shining brighter than many.
3. Shrimp & Grits (Ft. Young Nudy)
Why are most of Young Nudy’s tracks named after foods?
The production attached to “Shrimp & Grits” is fantastic, with a luxurious, high-octane vibe that fans of Ludacris would likely appreciate. Over it, Latto brings a variety of flows, delivers a catchy hook, and effortlessly talks about her amazing frame. As for Young Nudy, while I’m not a fan of his shaky voice, I really like how he flows on the track, blending drug talk with some hood-romantic s**t. Overall, this track feels well-rounded and complete.
2. Sunday Service
What church got Lattos?
Latto’s “Sunday Service” deviates from the pleasant connotations associated with a real Sunday service. Instead, her verses take on a confrontational tone as she challenges other women who dare to compete with her. Referring to herself as “big mama,” Latto also boasts about her wealth while subtly referencing Ice Spice with the line “I got ice boiling.”
“Sunday Service” shares similarities with “Put It On Da Floor,” featuring competitive lyrics, a hard-hitting beat, and a delivery that balances between playful and aggressive. While some may view this as repetitive, others might argue that if a formula works, there’s no need to change it.
1. Put It On Da Floor
This is the track that put Latto on the map for hood ninjas.
In “Put On Da Floor,” as expected, Latto talks her s**t early and often. Over a beat that is on some trap Mortal Kombat s**t, she uses an aggressive rap style to put her competition in their places. She also brags about her bankroll and undeniable fame. Though the song sounds like a glorified freestyle, the hook is catchy enough to turn a club upside down.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(C) (72%)
Latto continues to have “it.”
In a stacked field, I think Latto has the most star appeal. She confirms that in Sugar Honey Iced Tea. Throughout the 21 tracks, she shows great animation, always finds ways to deliver striking lyrics, and knows how to keep listeners engaged. From a technical standpoint, she may not have the flashiest flows or the most infectious melodies, but she makes up for it with her clever punchlines. In fact, punchlines are her superpower.
The production is probably my favorite aspect of Sugar Honey Iced Tea. The project features beats that flip classic tracks, deliver tons of bass, carry strong Southern vibes, and bring serious club energy. Each beat seems to perfectly match the energy Latto brings, making them an ideal fit for her style.
I thought Latto’s last project had some odd guest appearances, but this time around, I’m really into all the artists she brought on board. None of the features felt like they were just for clout—everyone seemed to be a genuine fit (though Teezo Touchdown didn’t quite click for me). Ultimately, Latto’s flair is strong enough that she could carry an album on her own, so I’m not sure she needed any features at all.
There are a few aspects of the album I’d tweak. First, I wish Latto’s content was a bit more nuanced. I know she’s incredibly talented and could delve into deeper themes, but too often, the lyrics center around her ass, wealth, and dominance over others. Additionally, while some might find it off-putting, I didn’t mind that many of the tracks felt a bit gimmicky. Towards the end, Latto throws in a bunch of formulaic R&B-hop tracks. Honestly, I started to get a bit bored.
This album showcases Latto’s appeal as a rapper while also highlighting her eagerness to chase the next big radio hit.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
