Show and Prove: Pluto
Words: Kyle Eustis
Pluto’s rap popularity has skyrocketed since last year, and during that time she’s not only found success with the rousing party anthem “Whim Whammie,” but also found huge success over the summer in the process. The song, produced by Zaytoven, Mikey and Jai, was released last February as the second single of her career and has gone viral thanks to the power of social media. The virality caught the attention of major record labels hoping to sign the rising star.
In the space of four months, Pluto has released two albums and a string of single videos such as “Bow,” Sexy Red’s “Motion,” “Pull Your Skirt Up,” and of course “Whim Whammie,” which has been viewed more than 39 million times on YouTube and played more than 74 million times on Spotify.
It all happened at a dizzying pace for the 21-year-old Atlanta native, but she took it in stride. Pluto is mature enough for twice her age and she vows to invest her money instead of spending it on extravagant cars and other frivolous pursuits, which is a wise decision. She realizes that fame and wealth can come and go just as quickly.
“I’ve always pushed myself to mature,” she explains. “I had no choice but to do it for myself, so that’s all I know. I feel like I’m doing it for my city and my family. I’m really just doing it for it and I don’t want to not have any chaos. I’m keeping my head strong.”
Before setting her sights on a rap career, Pluto (born Jada Smith) attended over 10 elementary schools, eventually settling down with her family on Atlanta’s West Side when she was in fifth grade. In 2018, she enrolled at Booker T. Washington High School. During his sophomore year, Pluto discovered he had a knack for doing hair and, with the encouragement of his godmother, started taking on clients.
“She pushed me into my career, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” the rapper shared. “I immediately got excited after getting my hair done and taught myself how to do it. High school was a great experience for me because I got to do so many different things. I can always go back and it’s just love. It’s really a family. It’s the making of Pluto before Pluto was formed.”
While in school, Pluto also worked as an athletic trainer, dressing athletes during games. With her modeling career taking off and other school commitments, becoming a rapper wasn’t yet on her radar. After graduating in 2022, Pluto’s life trajectory took an unexpected turn.
“Rap didn’t come into play until after high school,” she recalls. “But my mom, she went to music school. She used to tell me funny stories, like I was dancing in the womb every time I heard a song. I feel like I have a musical third eye. I love music so much. It’s therapy for me.”
The fuse was lit when Pluto realized that making music came naturally to her. “My friends and I would go to studio sessions on random days and work on songs and stuff,” she added. “It’s made up of fun, good vibes, good energy, laughter and jokes. My mom used to always push me, like, ‘You have to get in the studio. One day you’re going to record for me.'”
After being away from home for a while, Pluto moved back in with her mother, who built a studio in Pluto’s old bedroom, so she would often fall on the floor. However, she believes she needed to go through some turbulent times to truly appreciate where she is today.
“Everything happens for a reason,” she reflects. “[In 2024]Around the same time, I was sleeping in the studio and now I’m one of the greatest artists alive – it’s crazy… I used to think the bad days would never end, look at it now. “
Moments like this are a testament to her unwavering work ethic towards success. After she started making and releasing her own music, a clip for “Whim Whammie” starring YKNiece started blowing up on TikTok last January after she posted a video of her and YKNiece dancing in the snow. The platform is a special place for Pluto, who got her rap moniker from TikTok supporters. The name is a tribute to Atlanta rapper Future.
“They took it and ran with it, and I ran with it, because it’s attractive, it draws people in, and then it does remind you of the future,” she said. “It makes you think, ‘Who is that other Pluto?’ I used to joke, ‘I’m Future Little.’ I really like that name.”
Her buzz-worthy songs are popular for their ATL party vibe and a dash of nostalgia. The song samples DJ Cool Breeze and OJ Da Juiceman’s “Wham Bam,” which references D4L rapper Mook B’s “Whim Wham,” the song behind the popular ATL dance. Pluto wrote the lyrics after finding the beat on YouTube. After being acquired by “Whim Whammie,” Pluto eventually signed a deal with Motown Records in March 2025.
Pluto said the Motown deal felt like divine intervention. Before filming the official video for “Whim Whammie,” she was braiding her hair in a salon while answering Zoom and FaceTime calls with her record label.
“In many situations, my manager and I use our hearts and the signs we get from God,” she explains. “From the first phone call [with Motown/Capitol SVP, A&R Kenoe Jordan]unlike others we’ve talked to. In a way, it was perfect timing because we almost had a bad deal. “
Pluto’s manager, Niah B., witnessed the rise of the beat firsthand. “I did see [Pluto’s] “Growing up has changed,” she said. “It’s new to her, so there are some things she’s like, ‘Oh, I wouldn’t do that,’ but now she’s open to a lot of things, and it opens more doors for her.”
These doors bring more collaborations and opportunities. Last June, she was the opening act on Lil Baby’s WHAM tour. Additionally, “Whim Whammie,” which peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 last year, has been remixed or repurposed by several artists, including Lizzo and Latto. Pluto’s “Sexyy Red”-themed version of the song appeared on her debut album Both Ways last June, but she’s still pinching herself. They also filmed a music video for the song. A month later, she dropped the deluxe version of the project.
“Any girl would be ecstatic because it feels like I was just listening to you guys a few months ago,” Pluto said with a smile. “It’s so exciting to be able to sit in the same room, record in the same studio, or text sexyy red.”
Pluto also has another fan on YoungBoy Never Broke Again, who brought her on stage to perform her hit song during the Atlanta tour last October, an experience she called “amazing” and “surreal.” That same month, she released her second record, Pluto World, which featured her collaboration with YoungBoy, “2 Crash Outs.” The 19-track album also includes guest appearances from sexyy red, nardo wick, real Boston Richey, Hunxho and the late Lil Poppa.
Looking ahead, she has more to do. GloRilla may appear on the remix of “Just in Case” that Pluto previewed last October. But more importantly, there’s another album coming out this year. She also plans to start her own nonprofit organization. “I’ve got my foot on the gas,” Pluto insisted. “I won’t give up, so there’s nothing I can do but give up.”
Pluto may be relatively new to rap, but her authenticity, relatability, and kindness will continue to take her far. She’s an all-around girl with Southern charm who knows what she sees when she looks in the mirror. “Can I curse?” she asked shyly. After getting permission, she continued, “No matter what happens, I’m going to keep farting. I feel like now I’m in a space where nothing can break me. Nothing can stop me and my music is burning. That’s what it all boils down to – music.”
Apply pressure.
