NLE Choppa
Biography
Bryson LaShun Potts, known professionally as NLE Choppa, is an American rapper and songwriter born on November 1, 2002, in Memphis, Tennessee. Raised in the Parkway Village area of Southeast Memphis, he is of African American and Jamaican descent. Before his music career, Potts attended Cordova High School, where he played basketball. At the age of 15, he began freestyling with friends and started to take music seriously a year later. His mother, Angela Potts, has been his manager since the beginning of his musical journey.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
NLE Choppa first started releasing music in 2018 under the name YNR Choppa, with his debut mixtape "No Love the Takeover" dropping in July of that year. His breakout moment came in January 2019 with the release of his single "Shotta Flow." The song quickly gained viral attention, and its music video amassed millions of views. This success led to a bidding war from major record labels, but he initially turned down a reported $3 million deal to partner with the independent distribution company, UnitedMasters, which allowed him to retain ownership of his music. Eventually, he signed a joint venture with Warner Records for his label, No Love Entertainment.
Musical Style and Major Releases
NLE Choppa is known for his energetic and aggressive rapping style, often described as having "animated vocals." His music falls under the genres of hip hop, trap, and drill. Following the success of "Shotta Flow," he released several sequels and other popular singles, including "Camelot" and "Walk Em Down" featuring Roddy Ricch. His debut studio album, "Top Shotta," was released in 2020 and peaked in the top ten of the US Billboard 200. He has since released mixtapes like "From Dark to Light" and "Me vs. Me," and his second studio album, "Cottonwood 2," in 2023.
Personal Life and Advocacy
NLE Choppa has been open about his past, including time spent in a juvenile detention center, which he credits as a motivation for change. He is a father and has stated that the birth of his first child inspired him to be a better person. In 2020, he launched a YouTube channel called "Awakened Choppa," where he documents his journey into veganism, gardening, and a healthier lifestyle. His decision to go vegan was influenced by a desire for better personal health, environmental concerns, and spiritual growth. He has also used his platform to promote positivity and has expressed interest in charity work.