Latto and Mariah Carey’s “Big Energy” remix has passed 100 million Spotify streams. The milestone reflects the collaboration’s lasting appeal and the connection between “Big Energy” and Carey’s 1995 hit “Fantasy.”
Who is Latto?
Alyssa Michelle Stephens performs under the name Latto. Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1998, she gained national attention after winning the first season of Jermaine Dupri’s The Rap Game in 2016.
However, Latto declined the record contract offered through the program and remained independent. She had started writing rap songs at ten and later developed her career in Clayton County, Georgia.
The “Genius of Love” connection
Later, Latto released “Big Energy” as the lead single from her second album. The track became her highest-charting Hot 100 hit and peaked at No. 3.
Like “Fantasy,” the song samples Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love.” Consequently, listeners immediately connected Latto’s single with Carey’s chart-topping classic.
Mariah Carey joins the remix
Latto first imagined Carey on the remix in November 2021. At the time, she doubted that the collaboration could happen. Nevertheless, Carey remained her first choice.
Eventually, the official announcement arrived on March 25, 2022. The remix, featuring Carey and DJ Khaled, followed on March 28. A blurred track-listing credit and a playful Twitter exchange had already increased anticipation.
How the songs come together
Musically, the remix combines Latto’s confident verses with Carey’s whistles and layered vocals. Carey also interpolates the opening of “Fantasy,” making the shared sample part of the performance itself.
Critics praised the crossover. Variety called it a collaboration of epic proportions, while Billboard described it as sparkling. Uproxx viewed it as a strong R&B and pop hit.
A surprise BET Awards performance
In addition, the song earned a Song of the Summer nomination at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. It marked Carey’s first VMA nomination since “Touch My Body” in 2008.
Although the remix had no official music video, Carey surprised the audience during Latto’s BET Awards performance. Their live appearance gave the collaboration a memorable visual moment.
“Big Energy” reaches 100 million streams
Ultimately, the remix passed 100 million Spotify streams and continued to attract more than 50,000 daily plays. Its success also renewed attention around “Fantasy.”
Carey’s original was earning roughly 250,000 to 300,000 daily streams. That represented an increase of 50,000 to 100,000 plays compared with the previous year.
Together, those figures show how a thoughtful remix can introduce a classic song to another generation. They also keep both recordings active long after the initial release campaign.
