GloRilla, the name echoing through the hip-hop scene, is set to drop her debut album, “Glorious,” this week. But before diving into the new tracks, many fans are asking: Where did this dynamic artist originate? The answer lies in the vibrant musical landscape of Memphis, Tennessee, the city that shaped Gloria Woods, the woman behind the moniker, into the rapper we know today.
Born and raised in Memphis, GloRilla’s connection to her hometown runs deep. She spent her formative years navigating the city streets and absorbing its rich cultural tapestry. Her educational journey led her through Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School, a local institution where she honed not only her academic skills but also, perhaps unknowingly, the early seeds of her artistic identity. Demonstrating a strong sense of community and gratitude, GloRilla returned to her alma mater in 2022 to make a significant $25,000 donation, a testament to her Memphis pride and commitment to giving back to the place that raised her.
GloRilla performing on stage, highlighting her Memphis origin and rise in hip-hop.
GloRilla’s breakthrough into mainstream music came with the explosive track “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” in 2022. This anthem resonated widely, climbing to No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and firmly placing her on the national hip-hop radar. She solidified her rising star status later that year with “Tomorrow,” a collaboration with Cardi B that soared even higher, reaching No. 9 on the Hot 100. 2024 saw GloRilla maintain her chart presence with multiple hits, including “Yeah Glo,” “Wanna Be” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, and “TGIF,” all landing within the Hot 100’s top 50. These successes underscore her consistent ability to create music that connects with a broad audience.
Now, anticipation is building for “Glorious,” GloRilla’s debut album, slated for release on Friday, October 11th. The album promises a diverse sonic experience, featuring 13 new songs alongside the previously released singles “Hollon” and “TGIF.” Intriguingly, “Glorious” is set to explore new musical territories, incorporating elements of R&B and gospel music into her signature rap and hip-hop foundation.
The album boasts an impressive roster of collaborations, with 11 featured artists lending their talents to “Glorious.” Notable names like T-Pain, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sexyy Red are joined by a range of artists including Muni Long, Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, BossMan Dlow, and Fridayy. This eclectic mix of features hints at the album’s sonic diversity and GloRilla’s willingness to experiment and push genre boundaries.
Here’s a glimpse into the tracklist of “Glorious”:
- “Intro”
- “Hollon”
- “Procedure” featuring Latto
- “TGIF”
- “Whatchu Kno About Me” featuring Sexyy Red
- “Stop Playing”
- “Don’t Deserve” featuring Muni Long
- “Rain Down on Me” featuring Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, and Maverick City Music
- “Glo’s Prayer”
- “How I Look” featuring Megan Thee Stallion
- “I Ain’t Going”
- “Step” featuring BossMan Dlow
- “Let Her Cook”
- “I Luv Her” featuring T-Pain
- “Queen of Memphis” featuring Fridayy
From her Memphis roots to the impending release of “Glorious,” GloRilla’s journey is one of rapid ascent and unwavering connection to her origins. As fans eagerly await her debut album, understanding her background in Memphis provides valuable context to the artistry and authenticity that define GloRilla’s music.
