Latto may still be promoting singles off of her second studio album 777 but it hasn’t stopped her from dropping a brand new song, “Pussy.” The 23-year-old rapper took pen to paper to make a statement about women’s reproductive rights in light of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade.
On July 15, Latto released the song and an accompanying music video, in which we see her surrounded by cats and rapping over footage of women’s rights protests. “My ovaries ain’t for you to bully!!!!” she wrote on social media to promote her single. The line ended up being a lyric heard in the song.
“Pussy” samples Betty Wright’s R&B song, “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.” Latto made sure female empowerment was present behind the scenes as well. “Pussy” was directed by a woman and the artwork was done by a woman,” she tweeted. Latto co-directed the music video with Sara Lacombe.
Katie McIntyre, who is responsible for the song’s cover art, spoke out about the song being an anthem of protest and empowerment. “I hope all the women out there who have had their rights taken away see this image and are reminded of how powerful they really are. It’s time to break ground. As Latto says, never play me like I’m average!!!” she wrote in the caption of an Instagram post.
While Latto was criticized for capitalizing on the news to sell her music, the rapper took time to answer her critics and highlighted that the role of music is also to raise awareness about important and timely issues. Part of the proceeds from the track will be donated to Planned Parenthood, as reported by Complex.
“P is for protecting women’s rights. U is for understanding this is not just a woman’s fight. S is for stand up. The other S is for speak out. And Y is for your body, your choice,” said Latto, breaking down the song’s title.
With “Pussy,” Latto brings rap back to the source and shows her versatility as an artist. She is proving that making a statement and creating catchy dance tracks aren’t mutually exclusive.
Watch the official music video for “Pussy” below:
Photo Credit: Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET