Latto is winning. Honestly, if you've spent any time on TikTok or scrolled through Twitter lately, you’ve heard the line. It's catchy. It’s defiant. Think he got one up on me is the phrase that launched a thousand captions, but the context behind her track "Sunday Service" goes way deeper than a simple catchy hook.
Music moves fast. One minute a song is a snippet on a leaked studio session, and the next, it's the definitive anthem for anyone who’s ever been underestimated. Latto, the Atlanta-born "Big Latto" herself, has a knack for this. She doesn't just release music; she releases moments. When she dropped the "Sunday Service" video, the internet basically imploded. Why? Because the song felt like a direct response to the swirling rumors of rap beefs and industry pettiness that always seem to follow women in hip-hop.
People love drama. It sells. But for Latto, the lyric think he got one up on me isn't just about a guy or a specific rival. It’s a statement of invincibility. It’s about that specific feeling when someone thinks they’ve outsmarted you, only for you to reveal you’ve been ten steps ahead the whole time.
The Origins of Sunday Service
The song didn't just appear out of thin air. It was teased. Heavily. Latto knows how to build anticipation like a pro. She posted snippets that featured her vibing in the studio, and fans immediately started dissecting every single syllable. They were looking for "subs"—subliminal shots at other rappers. Specifically, people were looking for connections to Ice Spice or Nicki Minaj, because that's where the discourse usually lives these days.
When the full track finally hit, the line think he got one up on me stood out because of the delivery. It’s laid back. It’s almost bored. That’s the ultimate power move, isn't it? Showing your opponent that their best shot didn't even make you flinch.
The music video took things to another level. Shot in the Bronx—Ice Spice’s home turf—the visuals were seen by many as a bold "checkmate" move. Latto was seen eating at local spots, surrounded by fans, looking completely unbothered. It was a visual representation of the lyrics. You can't get one up on someone who owns the space they're in.
Why the Lyrics Went Viral
TikTok is the kingmaker now. If a song doesn't work on TikTok, does it even exist in the charts? Probably not. The "think he got one up on me" segment became a "use this sound" goldmine.
It’s the "delusional confidence" trend.
Users started using the audio to show off their glow-ups, their career wins, or even just funny moments where they caught someone in a lie. It transitioned from a rap lyric into a universal mood. Honestly, that’s the dream for any songwriter. You want your specific experience to become a template for everyone else’s life.
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The beat, produced by Go Grizzly and Pooh Beatz, uses a soul sample that feels nostalgic but hits hard. It gives the song a weight that some of the more "bubblegum" rap hits lack. It sounds like something you’d hear at a cookout, which fits the "Sunday Service" title perfectly.
The Art of the Subliminal
Let's talk about the "beef" for a second. In hip-hop, everything is a signal. Latto is a student of the game. She knows that by not naming names, she makes the song evergreen. If she called out a specific person, the song would be dated in six months. By saying think he got one up on me, she allows the listener to fill in the blanks.
Is she talking about an ex? Maybe.
Is she talking about a rival rapper? Probably.
Is she talking about the industry scouts who doubted her during her "The Rap Game" days? Almost certainly.
The nuance here is in the "he." In Southern slang and general AAVE (African American Vernacular English), "he" or "him" can sometimes be used as a gender-neutral placeholder for an adversary or just "the opposition." It’s a linguistic quirk that adds a layer of mystery.
Breaking Down the "Up On Me" Mentality
What does it actually mean to "get one up" on someone? It’s about leverage. It’s about the score.
In the high-stakes world of celebrity, the score is kept in followers, platinum plaques, and viral moments. For a long time, the narrative around Latto was that she was "next up." But after "Big Energy" went nuclear, the goalposts moved. Suddenly, she had to prove she wasn't a one-hit wonder.
She responded with "Put It On Da Floor" and then "Sunday Service."
The recurring theme in her recent work is sovereignty. She’s claiming her throne. When she says think he got one up on me, she’s laughing at the idea that anyone could actually diminish her value. It’s a masterclass in branding. She’s transitioned from the underdog to the incumbent.
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The Impact on Female Rap Discourse
We have to be real about the environment this song exists in. Female rap is more competitive and more scrutinized than it has been in decades. Every line is a potential headline.
Latto’s approach is interesting because she balances aggression with poise. She isn't screaming. She’s whispering truths. This specific track solidified her as a lyricist who cares about flow as much as she cares about the "vibe."
Critics have pointed out that "Sunday Service" feels like a pivot. It’s less "pop-rap" and more "street-rap." That was a calculated risk. Staying in the pop lane is safe, but it doesn't give you the "street cred" needed to survive long-term in hip-hop. By leaning into the "one up on me" energy, she’s reclaiming her roots in the Atlanta trap scene while keeping the catchy hooks that the radio loves.
Technical Mastery in the Booth
If you listen closely to the track, the cadence Latto uses is incredibly varied. She doesn't stick to a simple 4/4 rhyme scheme. She play with the pockets of the beat.
- The Hook: Slow, melodic, and repetitive enough to get stuck in your head.
- The Verses: Fast-paced, packed with internal rhymes and cultural references (shoutout to the 21 Savage nods).
- The Outro: It leaves you wanting more.
She’s basically proving that her technical skill is her greatest weapon. You can't get one up on someone who is simply better at the craft.
The "Leaked" Strategy
We also have to mention how the song leaked. In 2024 and 2025, "leaks" became a primary marketing tool. Sometimes they're accidental; often they are "accidental."
When the snippet of "Sunday Service" first started circulating, it created a frenzy. Fans were begging for the drop. By the time the official version hit Spotify and Apple Music, the demand was at a fever pitch. Latto turned a potential crisis into a massive win.
That’s the ultimate "one up."
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How to Apply the "Latto Energy" to Your Life
You don't have to be a multi-platinum rapper to feel the power of these lyrics. It’s a mindset.
When you’re dealing with a toxic workplace, a messy breakup, or just general haters, you have to adopt the "think he got one up on me" stance. It means you recognize the attempts to bring you down, but you don't validate them with a reaction.
Actionable Insights for the "One Up" Mindset:
- Audit Your Circle: Latto often raps about keeping her circle small. If people are trying to "get one up" on you, they shouldn't be in your inner sanctum.
- Focus on the Output: The best revenge is a massive hit. Or a promotion. Or a finished project. Don't tweet your frustrations; channel them into your work.
- Stay Unbothered: The power of "Sunday Service" is the calmness. High emotion usually means you’re losing. Calmness means you’ve already won.
- Document the Win: Just like Latto’s Bronx video, make sure people see you thriving in the very places they thought you wouldn't belong.
Latto’s journey from a reality show contestant to a global superstar is a testament to resilience. She’s been told "no" more times than she’s been told "yes." But every time someone thought they had the upper hand, she changed the game.
Whether you’re a fan of the music or not, the cultural impact of think he got one up on me is undeniable. It’s a phrase that defines a generation that refuses to be played.
To truly embody this energy, start by identifying the areas in your life where you've been playing defense. Switch to offense. Stop worrying about who thinks they are winning and start defining what winning looks like for you. The next time you feel like the world is trying to humble you, just remember the hook. They might think they got one up, but the reality is usually very different.
Next Steps for Music Fans:
Listen to the "Sunday Service" remix featuring Megan Thee Stallion and Flo Milli to hear how different artists interpret the "one up" energy. Notice how each verse brings a different perspective on power and competition. This will give you a broader understanding of how the lyric has evolved into a full-blown movement within the genre.