NLE Choppa | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Bryson LaShun Potts |
Also known as |
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Born | November 1, 2002 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Discography | NLE Choppa discography |
Years active | 2018–present |
Labels |
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Children | 2 |
Website | nlechoppa |
Bryson LaShun Potts, (born November 1, 2002), known professionally as NLE Choppa (previously YNR Choppa), is an American rapper and YouTuber from Memphis, Tennessee. He gained recognition with the release of his 2019 single "Shotta Flow", which received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. The song preceded his debut extended play (EP), Cottonwood , in December of that year.
Potts signed with Warner Records to release his debut studio album Top Shotta (2020), which peaked within the top ten of the US Billboard 200 and was supported by the top 40 singles "Camelot" and "Walk Em Down" (featuring Roddy Ricch). His fourth and fifth mixtapes, From Dark to Light (2020) and Me vs. Me (2022) preceded the release of his second studio album Cottonwood 2 (2023), which contained his highest-charting single, "Slut Me Out" (remixed featuring Sexyy Red).
Bryson LaShun Potts [2] was born on November 1, 2002, [3] to an African American father and Jamaican mother. [4] He was raised in Southeast Memphis, Tennessee, in the Parkway Village area, and was also enrolled in Cordova High School where he played basketball. [5] [6] He began freestyling with childhood friends at the age of 15 and started taking music seriously at 16. [7]
Potts's manager is his mother, Angela Potts, who has been managing him since he started expressing an interest in rap music career. [8] He released his first song, "No Love Anthem", in March 2018 under the name YNR Choppa. On July 22, he released his debut mixtape, No Love the Takeover. In December, he appeared on "No Chorus Pt. 3", a cypher-style song by his Shotta Fam collective. His opening verse and his dance moves in the accompanying music video made him stand out from the group, earning him an online buzz. [9] [10]
After the surge of popularity, he released his breakout single "Shotta Flow". The video reached 10 million views in a month. [11] A few days after its release, Pitchfork highlighted the track as its Song of the Day, praising his energetic delivery and adding that "he hits a new dance move every time the camera cuts back to him". [12] The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2019, debuting at number 96. [13] It later peaked at number 36. The official remix, featuring Blueface and a Cole Bennett-directed music video, was released in June, shortly after the original song was certified platinum by the RIAA. [14]
In February, he released the song's sequel, "Shotta Flow 2". The video received 20 million views within two months, prompting Carl Lamarre from Billboard to say that his "recent dominance has silenced any detractors". [15] It was around this time that it was reported that Choppa had sparked a bidding war between a handful of top record labels, with bids reaching a reported $3 million. [16] He turned these offers down, from Republic Records, Interscope Records, Caroline, however, to instead sign with the independent distribution company, UnitedMasters including Neo Lechweny, while keeping his master recordings and publishing. [17] In March, he released a new single called "Capo", with the music video debuting on Worldstarhiphop. [18] Also in March, he was featured on Birdman and Juvenile's song "Dreams". [19] In April 2019, NLE released another single called "Birdboy", produced by SGULL.
In May, Choppa released a new single, "Blocc Is Hot", produced by ATL Jacob. [20] It was made as a tribute to his favorite childhood rapper, Lil Wayne. [21] A few days later, he made his music festival debut by performing at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis. Bob Mehr of The Commercial Appeal praised his act, saying that he "did much to seize the opportunity on the big stage in his hometown" and that "his career is likely to see plenty more memorable Memphis moments." [22] On June 14, 2019, he released the single, "Free YoungBoy", produced by CashMoneyAP. The music video has achieved over 19 million views on YouTube. The title of this song is a reference to rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, who was arrested for a parole violation after a shootout in Miami. [23] This song was the first release from his own label No Love Entertainment (NLE), which he launched in partnership with Warner Records. [24] According to Billboard magazine, No Love Entertainment is slated to release new music from Potts. [24] On September 13, 2019, he released a new single titled "Camelot". [25] The song peaked at number 37 in the US, becoming his second Top 40 hit, following "Shotta Flow". [26]
On December 20, 2019, Potts released his debut extended play titled Cottonwood. [27] The EP, named after the area he grew up in, [28] features the previously released singles "Side" and his breakthrough hit "Shotta Flow" with its remix, featuring Blueface. The EP also consists of a collaboration with Meek Mill. To accompany the release of Cottonwood, a short film of the same name was released on the same day. [27]
Potts’ debut studio album, Top Shotta was initially set for release in early 2020, [4] and was preceded by multiple singles. [29] He appeared on King Von’s "Message" off the album Levon James . March 19, he released the album's lead single "Walk Em Down" with Roddy Ricch. On June 12, 2020, he released "Shotta Flow 5", the fourth sequel to his 2019 single "Shotta Flow". [30] The single "Narrow Road" featuring Lil Baby released on July 30. [31] One week later, on August 7, Top Shotta was released. On August 11, 2020, Potts was included on XXL 's 2020 Freshman Class. [32] On September 5, he vowed to stop rapping about violence, stating he has more to talk about and wants to "spread positivity and wake people up". [33] On October 15, he announced a new project titled From Dark to Light , which was released on November 1, his birthday. The mix tape's cover art sees him sitting with his legs crossed in an outside setting, with butterflies around him and a rainbow in the distance; a nod to his new spiritual journey. [34] On October 23, NLE released the music video for his song, "Narrow Road" featuring Lil Baby. The music video has over 30 million views on YouTube. [35]
Choppa previously teased "Shotta Flow 6" [36] and in February 2021, "Walk Em Down 2" with Lil Durk through a tweet. [37] The latter is included on his fifth mixtape, Me vs. Me , which was released on January 28, 2022. It consists of 16 tracks and includes guest appearances from Young Thug, Polo G, G Herbo, and Moneybagg Yo. [38] "Shotta Flow 6" was released on January 28, 2022, with an accompanying music video. It is the seventh single from Me Vs. Me, and is the sixth installment in the "Shotta Flow" series. In November of that year, he was featured on rapper Lambo40e’s single "Self Esteem".
He released the single "Shotta Flow 7" in December 2023. [39]
Potts is noted for his "animated vocals" and energetic rapping and aggressive tones, which he notably employed on his breakout single, "Shotta Flow". [40] His sound has also been described as "melodic", albeit "heavy-hitting". [41] Jessica McKinney of Complex magazine stated he usually has a "wild and rambunctious" delivery in his verses. [42] As a child, he listened to UGK and Lil Wayne, however he recalls listening "to a lot of unreleased music all around the city" of Memphis. [43]
On June 20, 2020, Potts fathered his first child. [44] [45] He said, "I knew I needed to change and be a better person for my daughter". [43]
In August 2020, Potts launched a YouTube channel called "Awakened Choppa", where he documented his holistic and healthier lifestyle, which included veganism and gardening. [33]
During an unspecified time, Potts served time at a juvenile detention center, [8] and said his time there motivated him to improve his behavior. In an episode of his YouTube series The Rise of NLE Choppa, he said being in jail helped him and was an "eye-opener". [8]
On March 29, 2021, Potts was arrested for burglary, drug and weapon charges. He released a freestyle called "First Day Out" over the viral SpotemGottem's "Beat Box" beat. [46] [47]
On March 6, 2022, he announced that he and his then-girlfriend, Marissa Da’Nae, had lost their unborn son due to a miscarriage. [48] On August 16, 2023, they welcomed Potts’ second child and Da’Nae’s first child. [49]
Studio albums
Top Shotta is the debut studio album by American rapper NLE Choppa. It was released on August 7, 2020, by Warner Records. It was initially set for release in early 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. Production on the album was handled by several record producers, including CashMoneyAP, Javar Rockamore, and TNTXD, among others. It features guest appearances from Latto, Roddy Ricch, Chief Keef, and Lil Baby. The album debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200.
"Narrow Road" is a song by American rapper NLE Choppa, released as the fifth single from his debut studio album Top Shotta (2020). The song features American rapper Lil Baby and was produced by Quay Global.
The discography of American rapper NLE Choppa consists of two studio albums, one extended play, seven mixtapes, thirty-nine singles, and 24 music videos.
"Shotta Flow" is the breakout single by American rapper NLE Choppa released on January 11, 2019. A remix featuring American rapper Blueface was released on June 20, 2019 along with a music video directed by Cole Bennett. Produced by Midas800, The song reached number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Three additional sequels to the song were released throughout 2019, with the fifth, "Shotta Flow 5", released in June 2020. The original and the remix were later included on NLE Choppa's debut EP Cottonwood. "Shotta Flow 4", featuring Chief Keef, was released on NLE Choppa's debut studio album Top Shotta, on August 7, 2020. A sixth sequel, "Shotta Flow 6", is the opening track on NLE Choppa's mixtape Me vs. Me, released on January 28, 2022.
Kiowa Roukema, professionally known as YoungKio, is a Dutch record producer and songwriter. He is best known for producing "Old Town Road", by American rapper Lil Nas X in 2019. Since the rise in popularity of "Old Town Road", YoungKio signed to Victor Victor Worldwide, Universal Music Publishing Group and French record producer CashMoneyAP's record label and production collective Cash Gang. He is of Surinamese descent.
"Capo" is a single by American rapper NLE Choppa, released on March 22, 2019. It was produced by Midas800.
"Camelot" is a single by American rapper NLE Choppa, released on September 13, 2019 as the second single from his debut studio album Top Shotta. It was produced by FreshDuzIt.
Cottonwood is an EP by American rapper NLE Choppa. It was released on December 23, 2019, through UnitedMasters and NLE Choppa Entertainment.
"Broke in a Minute" is a song by Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, released on February 7, 2020 as the lead single from his mixtape The New Toronto 3 (2020). The song was produced by Papi Yerr.
"Go Stupid" is a song by American rappers Polo G, Stunna 4 Vegas, and NLE Choppa featuring American record producer Mike Will Made It, who produced the song alongside American record producer Tay Keith. It was released on February 14, 2020, as the lead single from Polo G's second studio album The Goat. The song went viral on social media including video sharing app TikTok.
"Walk Em Down" is a song by American rapper NLE Choppa featuring fellow American rapper Roddy Ricch, released on March 19, 2020 by Warner Records as the third single from the former's debut studio album Top Shotta.
"Shotta Flow 5" is a song by American rapper NLE Choppa, released on June 11, 2020 with an accompanying music video. It is the fourth single from his debut studio album Top Shotta (2020), and the fifth installment in the "Shotta Flow" series. The cover, in the corner, shows a nod to the music video of the original "Shotta Flow".
"Shotta Flow 3" is a song by American rapper NLE Choppa, released on July 19, 2019, as the lead single from his debut studio album Top Shotta (2020). Produced by Hozay Beats, it is the third installment in the "Shotta Flow" song series.
"Shotta Flow 6" is a song by American rapper NLE Choppa, released on January 28, 2022 as the seventh single from his fourth mixtape Me vs. Me, which was released concurrently. Produced by CashMoneyAP and King Fisher, it is the sixth installment in the "Shotta Flow" series.
Me vs. Me is the fifth mixtape by American rapper NLE Choppa. It was released through Warner Records on January 28, 2022. The mixtape features guest appearances from Young Thug, Polo G, G Herbo, and Moneybagg Yo.
"Sleazy Flow" is a single by American rapper SleazyWorld Go, released on October 15, 2021. It gained traction in late 2021 and is considered his breakout hit. Following its success, the song received an official remix featuring American rapper Lil Baby on May 26, 2022.
"Do It Again" is a song by American rapper NLE Choppa, released on October 7, 2022 as the third single from his second studio album Cottonwood 2 (2023). It features American rapper 2Rare and was produced by Fya Man. The song contains a sample of "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" by Rose Royce.
Cottonwood 2 is the second studio album by American rapper NLE Choppa. It was released through Warner Records and No Love Entertainment on April 14, 2023. The album contains guest appearances from 2Rare, Lil Wayne, Lola Brooke, Modesty, Fivio Foreign, Kevin Gates, Duke Deuce, Polo G, G Herbo, Queen Naija, and Rick Ross. The sped-up, slowed-down, and instrumental versions of the album were all released on the same day. The deluxe edition of the album was released three days later on April 17, 2023. It contains guest appearances from Gino 2x, ArrDee, Fridayy, Sexyy Red, and Russ Millions. The Deluxe 2.0 edition was released on October 27, 2023, and contains additional guest appearances from Lil Wayne, BigXthaPlug, Rob49, and Carey Washington. Production on the album was handled by a variety of record producers, including NLE Choppa himself, Ben Billions, JetsonMade, DJ Paul, D.A. Got That Dope, CashMoneyAP, Chopsquad DJ, and YoungKio, among others. It serves as a sequel to his 2019 extended play Cottonwood, which served as his first project.
"Ain't Gonna Answer" is a song by American rappers NLE Choppa and Lil Wayne, released on March 23, 2023 as the seventh single from the former's second studio album Cottonwood 2 (2023). Produced by Ben Billions, it contains a sample of "Stuntin' Like My Daddy" by Birdman and Lil Wayne.
"Shotta Flow 7" is a single by American rapper NLE Choppa, released on December 7, 2023 and produced by Project X, Superstar O, Tay Keith and Midas800. It is the seventh and final installment in his "Shotta Flow" song series. An official remix of the song featuring American rapper Lil Mabu was released on February 22, 2024.