Biography
NLE Choppa is an American rapper and YouTuber. He gained prominence with his 2019 single “Shotta Flow,” which was certified platinum by the RIAA and reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Following this success, he released his debut EP, “Cottonwood,” in December 2019. In 2020, NLE Choppa’s debut studio album, “Top Shotta,” peaked within the top ten of the US Billboard 200, featuring hit singles like “Camelot” and “Walk Em Down” (featuring Roddy Ricch). He continued his musical journey with mixtapes such as “From Dark to Light” (2020) and “Me vs. Me” (2022), leading up to his second studio album, “Cottonwood 2,” released in 2023. This album includes his highest-charting single to date, “Slut Me Out,” which was remixed featuring Sexyy Red.
Profile
- Name: NLE Choppa
- Birth name: Bryson LaShun Potts
- Birthday: November 1, 2002
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Height: 186 cm
- Instagram: @nlechoppamusic
- Twitter: @Nlechoppa1
Career
NLE Choppa rose to fame in early 2019 with his viral single “Shotta Flow,” which gained massive attention for its energetic delivery and catchy beat. The song quickly went viral, earning millions of views on YouTube within weeks and later achieving RIAA Platinum certification. Following its success, he released “Shotta Flow 2,” which further cemented his reputation as a rising star in the rap scene. Major record labels showed strong interest in signing him, but he ultimately chose to work with independent distributor UnitedMasters, allowing him to retain ownership of his music while still benefiting from wide distribution.
In December 2019, he released his debut EP, Cottonwood, which included “Shotta Flow” alongside other tracks that showcased his signature aggressive style. His momentum continued in 2020 with the release of his debut studio album, Top Shotta, in August. The album featured hit songs like “Walk Em Down” featuring Roddy Ricch, Camelot, and “Shotta Flow 3,” which all performed well on streaming platforms and the Billboard charts, solidifying his position as a major force in modern hip-hop.
Later in 2020, NLE Choppa took a new creative direction with his mixtape From Dark to Light. Unlike his previous work, this project reflected his personal growth and transformation, with themes of spirituality, self-improvement, and positivity. This shift in focus was also evident in his public persona, as he began advocating for healthy living, meditation, and plant-based diets. Despite this change, he continued to deliver the hard-hitting rap style that made him famous while incorporating more introspective and conscious lyrics.
In 2022, he released his second studio album, Me vs. Me, a project that balanced his energetic, street-focused sound with more introspective and emotionally driven tracks. Songs like “Jumpin” featuring Polo G and “Too Hot” with Moneybagg Yo showcased his versatility and ability to collaborate with top artists in the industry.
Continuing his evolution as an artist, NLE Choppa remains a dominant figure in the hip-hop scene. He consistently engages with fans through social media, shares insights into his personal growth, and remains dedicated to delivering music that blends raw energy with messages of positivity and self-betterment.
Personal Life
Early Life
NLE Choppa was born to an African American father and a Jamaican mother. He grew up in Southeast Memphis, Tennessee, in the Parkway Village area, and attended Cordova High School, where he played basketball.
Choppa first started freestyling with his friends at 14, but at 15, he realized his potential and began taking music seriously. His breakthrough came shortly after his 16th birthday when he gained attention with “No Chorus Pt. 3,” a track by his crew, Shotta Fam. His energetic performance on the song stood out, helping him build a strong following.
Initially, rap was just a fun hobby for Choppa, but as he saw his talent and growing audience, he decided to pursue it as a career. Reflecting on his journey, he shared that he wasn’t making music people wanted to hear at first, but once he improved, he knew he had something special.
Relationships
NLE Choppa has had several significant relationships. His most well-known romance was with model and entrepreneur Marissa Da’Nae, whom he began dating in 2021. The couple frequently shared their relationship on social media, and Marissa was openly supportive of Choppa’s career.
In March 2022, Choppa revealed that he and Marissa had suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage, losing their unborn son. Despite this tragedy, they remained together until their breakup in September 2022. Choppa announced the split on Twitter, explaining that he wasn’t ready for a committed relationship and needed to focus on personal growth. Marissa was devastated, later expressing her deep love for him but still respecting his decision.
However, their story didn’t end there. On August 16, 2023, Choppa and Marissa welcomed a son, Chozen Wone, marking Choppa’s second child and Marissa’s first. Choppa later explained that he chose the name because he wanted his son to feel destined for greatness.
Before dating Marissa, Choppa was in a relationship with Mariah J, the mother of his first child, Clover, born in 2020. Despite their breakup, both parents have expressed love for their daughter and remain committed to co-parenting. Choppa often shares moments with Clover on social media and credits fatherhood for inspiring his healthier lifestyle choices, such as veganism and meditation.
Now a father of two, Choppa has emphasized how his children motivate him to grow personally and professionally. He sees them as his greatest inspiration, pushing him to stay focused on his music, business ventures, and self-improvement.
Legal Issues and Personal Growth
At some point in his youth, NLE Choppa spent time in a juvenile detention center, an experience he later described as a turning point in his life. In his YouTube series “The Rise of NLE Choppa,” he called it an “eye-opener” that motivated him to change his behavior for the better.
On March 29, 2021, he was arrested on charges of burglary, drug possession, and weapon-related offenses. Following his release, he channeled his emotions into music, dropping a freestyle titled “First Day Out” over SpotemGottem’s viral “Beat Box” beat.
Net Worth
As of 2024, NLE Choppa has an estimated net worth of $5 million. He gained prominence in 2019 with his breakout single “Shotta Flow,” which led to the release of his debut studio album, “Top Shotta,” in 2020. This album achieved commercial success, peaking in the top ten of the Billboard 200 and featuring hit singles like “Camelot” and “Walk Em Down.” Beyond his music sales, NLE Choppa has a significant online presence, boasting over 6 million subscribers on YouTube, with his channel accumulating more than 2 billion views. These ventures, alongside collaborations with artists such as Blueface and Roddy Ricch, have substantially contributed to his financial success.
Fun Facts
- He was previously known as YNR Choppa. It’s unclear what the “YNR” stands for, as Choppa has not spoken about his past stage name in interviews, but he has said that “Choppa” was a nickname he got as a kid.
- The “NLE” in Choppa’s stage name stands for No Love Entertainment. It refers to a movement Choppa launched with some of his friends and local artists in Memphis.
- He reportedly turned down $3 million offers from major labels to work with UnitedMasters.
- The best advice he’s received came from Stevie Wonder.
- He loves reggae.
- He is interested in charity work.
- He would like to study business at a Florida college.
- His mother has been a big supporter from the beginning.
- He wants to open his own sneaker shop.
