LaTocha, known to fans as one of the lead voices of the iconic R&B group Xscape, is entering a powerful new chapter filled with growth, healing, and self-discovery. Stepping confidently into her solo artistry, LaTocha is preparing to release her latest single, Love Changes, a song that reflects her personal evolution and the many facets of love.
“I wanted the song to reflect the beauty of that — learning how to embrace love, whether it’s self-love or just love in general,” LaTocha explained.
As LaTocha focuses on her new music, family and faith remain the foundation that has guided her throughout her life and career. Growing up surrounded by music in church, LaTocha said her father recognized her talent early and encouraged her to nurture it.
“My father would wake me up every day to practice harmonies. I was always mesmerized by people coming together with these beautiful harmonies, and I wanted to do that,” LaTocha recalled.
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Family support continues to keep LaTocha grounded today. “I have a village that supports me and keeps me honest. Because sometimes in this business, people say, ‘Yeah, that’s great,’ but I have people that say, ‘No, do that again,’” LaTocha said.
Faith has also been a crucial part of LaTocha’s strength and resilience. “God has been the one who has sustained me and kept me. So, my faith is always in front,” LaTocha shared.
Reflecting on her time with Xscape, LaTocha acknowledges that although the group found great success, there were real challenges that came with being a young woman in the spotlight. “Keep in mind, we came out in ’93, and back then, women were expected to be cute and doing their thing. And if you didn’t fit that, it was hard,” LaTocha said.
Despite those pressures, LaTocha fought to find her voice — not just as a singer, but as a songwriter who could tell her story on her own terms. “Writing songs was important for me to tell my side and write from my heart and know that it’s real,” LaTocha said.
Music has also played a pivotal role in mending personal relationships, including LaTocha’s bond with her sister and fellow Xscape member, Tamika.
After a two-year estrangement, LaTocha reconciled with Tamika and expressed her desire to heal their relationship through a freestyle rendition of Chris Brown’s “Residuals,” which she dedicated to her sister. In the freestyle, LaTocha reflects on their past conflicts and emphasizes the importance of family unity.
Beyond music, LaTocha has found empowerment through other creative ventures, including her brand Made Girl, which focuses on giving women confidence, whether through fashion or by sharing stories like her own.
“I wanted women to feel powerful in these clothes because Made Girl is all about confidence,” LaTocha explained. “But it’s not just about fashion — I also have a foundation where I share my story to inspire young women and help them shift how they think about themselves. Whether it’s through the clothes or through my music, I want women to feel strong and empowered.”
LaTocha also has a cookbook — a creative project that reflects another side of her life that many fans may not yet know about. “People don’t know that side of me yet, but it’s coming,” LaTocha said with a laugh.
Though LaTocha has much to celebrate, she is honest about the difficulties she has faced, especially regarding comments about her body over the years.
“When I was younger, people would say things like, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t do this,’ or, ‘Why are you doing that?’” LaTocha shared. “And as I got older and started coming up in the industry, people would ask, ‘Did you lose the weight?’ I always tried to give them something deeper than that — because I wondered, why is that even the question?”
Instead of allowing those remarks to define her, LaTocha chose to share her story to inspire others. “I ended up sharing my story because I saw how it moved people in so many ways. And I said to myself, I have to keep going because this is bigger than me,” LaTocha said.
LaTocha now makes it a point to inspire other women to embrace their worth and beauty. “I always try to tell young women, even some that may be a little overweight, ‘Listen, you are beautiful as you are,’” LaTocha said. “Don’t let people define you.”
For LaTocha, staying authentic in the music industry has meant learning to set boundaries and stand firm in who she is, even when others tried to shape her image or choices. LaTocha said she’s learned over time that artists must protect their creative voice and sense of self, no matter the pressures they face.
“You have to be okay with saying no. You can’t let people put you in a box,” LaTocha said, emphasizing the importance of knowing your worth and not letting others define your path.
As LaTocha prepares for the release of Love Changes, she says she’s excited to share her growth and connect with her audience through music that truly represents where she is now. “When I see people swaying, singing along, snapping their fingers — that’s what it’s all about,” LaTocha expressed.
For LaTocha, this moment signifies more than just releasing a song; it’s about embracing her full story — the highs, the lows, and everything in between — and using her platform to uplift others. “At the end of the day, I just want to give love and be impactful,” LaTocha concluded.
