NLE Choppa, born Bryson LaShun Potts on November 1, 2002, is a Memphis rapper who gained recognition with his 2019 platinum single “Shotta Flow” and is now known for his freestyle skills. Now 22 years old, he’s transformed from a teenage viral sensation into a multifaceted artist known for his wellness advocacy and spiritual journey.
Who Is NLE Choppa?
Bryson LaShun Potts was born to an African American father and Jamaican mother, growing up in Southeast Memphis’s Parkway Village area. The young artist attended Cordova High School, where basketball initially captured his attention. But music is called louder.
He began freestyling with childhood friends at age 15 and started taking music seriously at 16. His mother, Angela Potts, recognized his potential early and became his official manager—a partnership that continues today.
The name change from YNR Choppa to NLE Choppa marked his evolution. NLE stands for No Love Entertainment, the label he founded in partnership with Warner Records. This wasn’t just a rebrand—it signaled his commitment to building an empire on his own terms.
The “Shotta Flow” Breakthrough
January 2019 changed everything. “Shotta Flow” reached 10 million views in a month. The track wasn’t just another rap single. It showcased NLE Choppa’s signature animated vocals and energetic delivery, paired with dance moves that made him stand out in every frame.
Pitchfork highlighted the track as its Song of the Day, praising his energetic delivery and noting “he hits a new dance move every time the camera cuts back to him.” By May 2019, the song entered the Billboard Hot 100, eventually peaking at number 36.
The success triggered a bidding war. Record labels offered bids reaching $3 million for his next official project. Most 16-year-olds would have signed immediately. NLE Choppa didn’t. He turned down Republic Records, Interscope Records, and Caroline to sign with UnitedMasters instead, keeping his master recordings and publishing rights.
That decision revealed maturity beyond his years and set the tone for his career: creative control matters more than quick money.
Music Career Evolution
Early Success and Hit Singles
Following “Shotta Flow,” NLE Choppa didn’t slow down. “Shotta Flow 2” received 20 million views within two months. He released “Camelot” in September 2019, which peaked at number 37 on the charts—his second Top 40 hit.
His debut EP, Cottonwood, dropped in December 2019. Named after his Memphis neighborhood, it featured collaborations with Meek Mill and Blueface. A short film accompanied the release, showing that he thought beyond just dropping tracks.
Top Shotta and Mainstream Recognition
His debut studio album, Top Shotta, was released on August 7, 2020, peaking within the top ten of the US Billboard 200. The album included “Walk Em Down” featuring Roddy Ricch and “Narrow Road” with Lil Baby—both became fan favorites.
On August 11, 2020, Potts was included on XXL’s 2020 Freshman Class, cementing his status as one of hip-hop’s rising stars.
Musical Style and Influences
NLE Choppa is noted for his “animated vocals,” energetic rapping, and aggressive tones, which he notably employed on his breakout single “Shotta Flow.” His sound has also been described as melodic yet heavy-hitting.
Growing up in Memphis, he absorbed the city’s rich musical history while developing his own style. As a child, he listened to UGK and Lil Wayne, though he recalls listening to unreleased music throughout Memphis that shaped his sound.
The Spiritual Transformation
September 2020 marked a turning point. He vowed to stop rapping about violence, stating he has more to talk about and wants to “spread positivity and wake people up.”
This wasn’t a publicity stunt. NLE Choppa meant it.
From Dark to Light
On November 1, 2020, his 18th birthday, he released the mixtape From Dark to Light. The cover art showed him sitting cross-legged outdoors, butterflies surrounding him, a rainbow in the distance—a visual representation of his spiritual journey.
In August 2020, Potts launched a YouTube channel called “Awakened Choppa,” where he documented his holistic and healthier lifestyle, which included veganism and gardening. The channel wasn’t just content—it was a mission to share his transformation.
Wellness and Veganism
NLE Choppa’s commitment to health became central to his identity. He adopted a vegan lifestyle, started practicing meditation, and promoted natural healing methods. His “This Can’t Be Vegan” food truck brought healthy options to his Memphis community.
He launched NLE Health and Wellness, selling products like sea moss, herbal tonics, and detox teas. While some questioned his health claims—particularly around cancer treatment—he clarified his position, stating he helps provide tools for wellness but doesn’t claim to cure diseases directly.
The wellness journey wasn’t just about physical health. It reflected bigger changes in how he viewed success, fame, and purpose.
“Slut Me Out 2” and Cultural Impact
April 2024 brought another viral moment. NLE Choppa enjoyed breakthrough success with “Slut Me Out 2” thanks to the headlines and support it magnetized, particularly embraced by the LGBTQ community.
The track sparked conversations about masculinity, sexuality, and self-confidence in hip-hop. NLE Choppa explained the song came from looking at pictures after a show and thinking out loud, “If I was a bad bch, I’d wanna fk me too, and I also enjoy his new music.
Rather than shy away from speculation about his sexuality, he publicly thanked the LGBTQ community for showing love to the song, writing, “IDC what’s normalized as a rapper, I was raised to fuck with who fuck with you!”
The song spawned viral dances at graduations nationwide, becoming a new music phenomenon. His parents even joined him onstage to perform it, showing family support despite the explicit content.
Personal Life and Fatherhood
On June 20, 2020, Potts fathered his first child. His daughter Clover became a catalyst for bigger change in his life and inspired him to post more about his wellness journey. He said becoming a father made him realize he needed to be a better person.
On March 6, 2022, he announced that he and his then-girlfriend, Marissa Da’Nae, had lost their unborn son due to a miscarriage. The tragedy deepened his spiritual practice. On August 16, 2023, they welcomed Potts’ second child and Da’Nae’s first child.
Fatherhood grounds him. In interviews, he credits his children with keeping him connected to who he really is beyond the stage persona.
Discography Highlights
Studio Albums:
- Top Shotta (2020) – Debut album featuring “Walk Em Down” and “Camelot.”
- Cottonwood 2 (2023) – Sophomore album containing “Slut Me Out.”
Notable Mixtapes:
- From Dark to Light (2020) – Marked his spiritual shift
- Me vs. Me (2022) – Featured Young Thug, Polo G, G Herbo, and Moneybagg Yo
Hit Singles:
- “Shotta Flow” (2019) – Platinum-certified breakthrough
- “Camelot” (2019) – Second Top 40 hit
- “Walk Em Down” ft. Roddy Ricch (2020)
- “Slut Me Out” (2022) and “Slut Me Out 2” (2024)
The 22-year-old has amassed over 9 billion streams and earned 24 RIAA-certified plaques, including multiple platinum and gold singles, showcasing his original artistry.
Community Impact and Philanthropy
Success didn’t make NLE Choppa forget Memphis. His NLE Reading Challenge encouraged at-risk Memphis elementary students to read 40 million words, earning him Tennessee’s Charter School Centers Changemaker Charter Award and inspiring a new generation of followers.
He led the “Skate for Tyre” peaceful protest through Memphis streets in early 2023, and donated a state-of-the-art basketball court to the Raleigh Community Center with help from basketball legend Nancy Lieberman.
Beyond local initiatives, he’s performed at major events including The BET Awards, MTV Awards, and GRAMMY in the Schools.
Fashion and Business Ventures
In 2024, Choppa impacted the fashion industry with his exclusive Duck Boot shoe line and DITA eyewear collaboration. He modeled in Off White’s NYFW show and graced the cover of Paper magazine, further increasing his follower count.
His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond music. At 16, he established a partnership with his own NLE Entertainment and Warner Records—unusual for someone so young. The wellness brand, fashion collaborations, and strategic partnerships show business acumen that matches his original musical talent.
Recent Projects and 2024-2025
In 2024, the rapper enjoyed breakthrough success with “Slut Me Out 2” and reflected on personal growth, stating, “I did a humiliation ritual, and I passed.” He’s discussed the mental health challenges he faced, including suicidal thoughts in 2020, crediting his daughter with saving his life.
The artist continues performing at festivals and universities. With almost 19 million monthly listeners on Spotify, NLE Choppa has a large fanbase. His performances showcase the energetic stage presence that first caught attention, now combined with messages of positivity and wellness.
Current Status and Future
Now 22, NLE Choppa operates under the name NLE the Great. He’s no longer the teenage sensation who broke through with “Shotta Flow”—he’s matured into an artist who balances commercial success with personal values.
His journey from violent lyrics to wellness advocacy, from record label bidding wars to independent success, from teenage father to spiritual guide—it’s not a typical rapper trajectory. That’s exactly what makes the new music compelling.
He continues releasing music, touring, and building his wellness brand. His influence reaches beyond hip-hop into health, spirituality, and community activism.
FAQs
How old is NLE Choppa?
NLE Choppa is 22 years old, born on November 1, 2002. He broke into the music scene at just 16 years old.
What does NLE stand for?
NLE stands for No Love Entertainment, the label he founded in partnership with Warner Records while maintaining ownership of his masters.
Is NLE Choppa really vegan, or is it just a post to gain more followers?
Yes, he adopted a vegan lifestyle around 2020 as part of his spiritual transformation and continues promoting plant-based eating through his wellness initiatives and official posts.
What is NLE Choppa’s biggest hit?
“Shotta Flow” (2019) remains his breakthrough hit, earning platinum certification and reaching number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Slut Me Out 2” (2024) became his most viral recent release.
Does NLE Choppa have children, and how do they influence his new music?
Yes, he has two children. His daughter Clover was born in June 2020, and his second child was born in August 2023.
The Bottom Line
NLE Choppa represents a new generation of artists who refuse to fit into boxes. He built his career on explosive energy and street credibility, then pivoted to wellness and spirituality without losing his original audience. He turned down millions to control his masters, launched multiple businesses, and uses his platform for community impact.
At 22, most people are just figuring out their careers. NLE Choppa has already lived multiple lives—viral sensation, chart-topping artist, wellness advocate, father, entrepreneur, and community leader.
The Memphis rapper continues writing his story, one that proves you can evolve without abandoning authenticity. From “Shotta Flow” dance moves to meditation practices, from aggressive drill beats to vegan meal prep—NLE Choppa shows that growth isn’t betrayal of your origins. It’s honoring them by becoming your fullest self.
That’s the real lesson from NLE Choppa’s journey: success isn’t just about climbing charts. It’s about staying true to your evolution, even when it surprises everyone—including yourself.
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