By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Atlanta, GA – In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few artists have ascended with the rapid, meteoric force of Pluto. This Atlanta native, whose real name is Jada Smith, has captivated audiences and industry insiders alike with her infectious energy, relatable lyricism, and an undeniable business acumen that belies her 21 years. Her journey from the West Side of Atlanta to the forefront of national music charts is a testament to grit, talent, and a keen understanding of the digital age.
Pluto’s breakout moment arrived in February of last year with the release of "Whim Whammie," a track that quickly became more than just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. Produced by the acclaimed Zaytoven, Mikey, and Jai, this rousing anthem was the second single of Pluto’s nascent career, but its impact was anything but modest. Fueled by the unparalleled power of social media, particularly TikTok, "Whim Whammie" transcended typical viral trends, evolving into a summer-defining smash. Its catchy melody and undeniable party vibes resonated deeply, catching the attention of major record labels actively seeking the next breakout star.
The whirlwind that followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Within a four-month span, Pluto unleashed two full-length albums and a potent visual arsenal accompanying singles like "Bow," the energetic collaboration "Motion" featuring Sexyy Red, "Pull Your Skirt Up," and, of course, the ubiquitous "Whim Whammie." The latter has amassed an impressive following, boasting over 39 million views on YouTube and surpassing an astounding 74 million streams on Spotify. This prolific output, coupled with her growing fanbase, signaled a significant shift in her career trajectory.
For the young artist, the pace of this ascent has been dizzying, yet she navigates the newfound fame with remarkable composure and maturity. Pluto articulates a grounded perspective, emphasizing her intention to invest her earnings wisely rather than succumbing to the allure of extravagant purchases. This foresight is a crucial element of her character, recognizing the ephemeral nature of fame and fortune. "I was always pushing myself to maturity," she explains, reflecting on her upbringing. "I had no choice but to do for myself, so that’s really what I know. I feel like I’m putting on for my city and my family. I’m really just going for it and I don’t wanna have no mess up. I’m keeping my head strong."
Pluto’s path to music was not a direct one. Her early years were marked by frequent moves, attending numerous elementary schools before her family settled in Atlanta’s West Side during her fifth-grade year. It was at Booker T. Washington High School, where she enrolled in 2018, that she discovered a latent talent for hairstyling. Encouraged by her godmother, she began taking on clients, a venture that quickly became a significant source of income and validation. "She pushed me into the career, but it was the best thing that could ever happen to me," the rapper shares. "I blew up immediately off doing hair and taught myself how to do it. High school was a good experience for me because I was doing so many different things. I can go back anytime and it’s nothing but love. It really was a family. It was the build of Pluto before Pluto was Pluto."
While honing her skills as a stylist, Pluto also juggled commitments as an athletic trainer, an experience that further instilled discipline and responsibility. The demands of her burgeoning styling business and academic responsibilities meant that a career in music was not yet on her immediate horizon. However, after graduating in 2022, her life took an unexpected, yet ultimately destined, turn. "Rap didn’t come into play until after high school," she recalls. "But my mom, she went to school for music. She used to tell me funny stories, like I was dancing in the womb every time I heard a song. I feel like I got a third eye for music. I love music so much. It’s therapy for me."
The realization that music flowed through her veins organically ignited her passion. "Me and my friends would get studio sessions just on a random day to kick it and make songs and whatnot," she adds. "It was made out of nothing but fun, good vibes, good energy, laughing and jokes. My mom used to push me all the time, like, ‘You got to get in the studio. You’re going to record for me one day.’" A period of living away from home, followed by a return to her mother’s house, proved pivotal. Her mother had ingeniously transformed Pluto’s old bedroom into a recording studio, a space where Pluto often found herself sleeping on the floor. She views these challenging times as essential to appreciating her current success. "Everything happened for a reason," she reflects. "[In 2024], around the same time, I was sleeping in the studio, and now I’m one of the biggest artists as of today—that’s crazy… I was once thinking the bad days are never going to end, and now look."
This unwavering work ethic and resilience became the bedrock of her burgeoning music career. The genesis of "Whim Whammie’s" viral explosion can be traced back to a TikTok video posted in January of last year, featuring Pluto and fellow artist YKNiece dancing in the snow. This platform proved to be a fertile ground for Pluto, who even credits her TikTok supporters for bestowing upon her the moniker "Pluto," a nod to fellow Atlanta rapper Future. "They took it and ran with it, and I ran with it as well because it’s catchy, it pull people in and then it do remind you of Future," she says. "It make you think like, ‘Who is this other Pluto?’ I used to joke like, ‘I’m Future Jr.’ I really just like the name."
The track’s resounding success was a direct result of its potent blend of Atlanta party energy and a touch of nostalgia. Sampling DJ Cool Breeze and OJ Da Juiceman’s "Wham Bam," which itself references D4L rapper Mook B’s "Whim Wham" – the inspiration behind a popular Atlanta dance – "Whim Whammie" resonated with a deep cultural significance. Pluto crafted the lyrics after discovering the beat on YouTube, a testament to her organic approach to creation. Following the track’s overwhelming popularity, Pluto officially signed with Motown Records in March of 2025.
The Motown deal felt like a divinely orchestrated event for Pluto. Even before the official music video for "Whim Whammie" was filmed, she was engaged in numerous virtual meetings with record labels, all while continuing her work at her hair salon. "It was a lot of situations where me and my manager, we went with our heart and the signs that we got from God," she explains. "From the first phone call [with Motown/Capitol SVP, A&R Kenoe Jordan], it was different from everybody else that we’d spoken to. It was perfect timing in a way because we almost just got into a bad deal."
Pluto’s manager, Niah B., has been a firsthand witness to her remarkable ascent. "I do see [Pluto’s] growth has changed," she states. "It was new for her, so certain things she was like, ‘Oh I’m not doing it,’ but now she is open to a lot of things and it’s opened up many more doors." These expanding opportunities have led to significant collaborations and high-profile performances. She served as an opening act on Lil Baby’s WHAM Tour, which commenced last June. Furthermore, "Whim Whammie," a track that peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100, has been reimagined and remixed by artists such as Lizzo and Latto. The June release of her debut album, Both Ways, included a version of "Whim Whammie" featuring Sexyy Red, a collaboration that left Pluto in awe. A music video for the track was also produced, with a deluxe version of the project following a month later. "Any girl would feel overwhelmed with joy because it’s like I was just listening to you guys a couple months ago," Pluto maintains with a smile. "To be able to sit in the same room and record in the same studio or send a text message to Sexyy Red, it’s mind-blowing."
Her impact has also garnered the attention of artists like YoungBoy Never Broke Again, who brought her onstage during an Atlanta tour stop last October to perform her hit song, an experience she described as "amazing" and "surreal." That same month, she released her sophomore LP, Pluto World, featuring "2 Crash Outs," a collaboration with YoungBoy. The expansive 19-track project also boasts features from Sexyy Red, Nardo Wick, Real Boston Richey, Hunxho, and the late Lil Poppa, among others.
Looking towards the future, Pluto has ambitious plans. There is potential for a remix of "Just in Case" featuring GloRilla, a track she previewed last October. More significantly, another album is slated for release this year, alongside plans to launch her own nonprofit organization. "I got my foot on the gas," Pluto insists. "I’m not letting up, so I can’t do nothing but drop."
Despite her relatively recent entry into the rap scene, Pluto’s authenticity, relatability, and inherent kindness are poised to propel her career forward. She embodies the spirit of an "around-the-way girl" with a distinct Southern charm, possessing a clear self-awareness. "Can I curse?" she coyly asks, before declaring, "I will keep popping my sh*t regardless of everything. I feel like now I’m in a space where nothing can tear me down. Nothing is going to stop me and my music is on fire. That’s what it all come down to—the music." The industry, and fans alike, are undoubtedly feeling the pressure of her undeniable momentum.