Pluto’s Got Summer in a Chokehold–And She’s Following Atlanta’s Blueprint to the Top

No matter where you decide to scroll (social media, party playlists, or Hip-Hop radio), Atlanta’s breakout star Jada Smith, better known as PLUTO, is legit everywhere. Her smash hit “Whim Whammie” is dominating timelines and climbing the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her spot as one to watch.

The 21-year-old rapper from the Westside of Atlanta is blending new-school flair with a heavy dose of ATL nostalgia. With clever nods to athleisure brand Lululemon and a beat lifted from legend OJ Da Juiceman’s “Wham Bam,” PLUTO pays homage to ATL’s millennium-era icons while confidently charting her own course.

After “Whim Whammie” blew up on TikTok earlier this year, PLUTO’s momentum hasn’t let up. She was named Billboard’s Rookie of the Month and has earned co-signs from heavyweights like Lizzo, Sexyy Red, and Lil Baby. After a run on Lil Baby’s tour, she followed up with “Pull Yo Skirt Up,” a nod to Soulja Boy’s Donk, which sparked another viral wave thanks to a dance challenge boosted by food reviewer Keith Lee.

Growing up in a city like Atlanta, I’ve come to understand how deep the city’s influence runs in music culture. Atlanta has always made a special place for rising talent. Whether from here or just passing through, we rally around our own.

Even in today’s social media–driven era, where TikTok trends and viral dances often take center stage, you can still spot a blueprint rooted in Atlanta’s DNA. There’s a pattern—an energy that really feels unique to ATL. I see it in PLUTO. I’ve seen it in Latto. In 21 Savage. Beyond algorithms, there’s this sort of shared sense of strategy, coolness, and retention power that keeps the city at the forefront.

Atlanta’s DNA

Atlanta’s music scene has always thrived on community, not just individual stars. When I look at modern acts like Latto, 21 Savage, Gucci Mane, or PLUTO, it’s clear they’re working from a long-standing blueprint—one that’s deeply rooted in the city’s culture of collaboration and collective pride.

That blueprint began in the early ’90s with Organized Noize, the production trio of Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown. Recording out of what they called “The Dungeon” (a basement studio in East Point), they crafted a sound that blended Southern soul, funk, and live instrumentation with hip-hop beats—redefining what Southern rap could be. Their work catapulted Outkast and Goodie Mob into national figures, flagging how Atlanta stands on its own—a move that didn’t need to follow the steps of L.A. or New York.

That ethos of shared space, shared goals, and support was carried into the next generation. Today, artists like PLUTO, Latto, 21 Savage, and Gucci Mane are all part of that same continuum. Their collaborations feel more like conversations based on mutual respect and a common background than just another feature.

But even with that set in stone, the journey isn’t always smooth.

PLUTO was supposed to link with Latto on the “Whim Whammie” remix. But after Latto found out PLUTO had tensions with YK Niece—best known for her viral “I’m talkin’ ’bout innit” ad-lib and verse—she decided to step back. Latto reportedly urged PLUTO to lean into unity, and in the end, she chose not to appear on the track.

Social media had a field day with that drama, with people split between backing PLUTO’s decision to move on and appreciating Latto’s big-sister energy, even if the message didn’t land. Since then, though, PLUTO and YK Niece have managed to share the stage and move forward without all the weird energy.

Even with all the noise, PLUTO remains focused—and honestly, that’s what makes her feel like such an Atlanta artist to me. She still got her moment at this year’s Birthday Bash, which feels like a rite of passage. She’s kept up with more viral hits like “Pull Yo Skirt Up” and dropped her debut album, BOTH WAYS.

What I love most is that her sound feels like home. It’s ratchet, it’s fun, and a little chaotic in the best way—but it’s so true to the city.

PLUTO’s just getting started, but the way she’s moving makes me feel like she’s already helping shape what’s next for Atlanta.