Memphis-bred rap sensation GloRilla has proven that she knows how to make a powerful comeback in the music industry.

In 2022, she made a significant impact on the music scene with her breakout hit “F.N.F.,” which received a Grammy Award nomination and dominated the charts throughout the summer. Following its success, she collaborated with Cardi B on “Tomorrow 2,” a track that climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her first entry into the top 10. This rapid rise showcased her talent and potential in the highly competitive world of hip-hop.

However, 2023 presented a stark contrast to her initial success. The year started with the collaboration “On What U On” alongside Moneybagg Yo, but it only managed to reach No. 56 on the Hot 100, which was disappointing compared to her previous hits. Despite her efforts with releases like “Lick or Sum” and “Internet Trolls,” none gained traction on the charts. Additionally, a tragic incident occurred when three people lost their lives at her concert in Rochester, N.Y. This series of setbacks led many to believe that GloRilla’s moment in the spotlight was fading.

Reflecting on 2023, GloRilla stated, “It was an eye-opener for me.” At just 25 years old, she acknowledged the need to remain persistent and focused. “I didn’t realize I had eased off the gas pedal, but I did,” she admitted. The criticism she faced with new releases acted as a wake-up call, prompting her to deepen her spiritual connection. “Getting closer to God was one of the key things that helped me,” she remarked, highlighting her personal growth amidst the challenges.

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GloRilla, born Gloria Hallelujah Woods and the eighth of ten siblings, grew up deeply rooted in the church, where she sang in the choir. Her upbringing was heavily influenced by gospel music, which her mother insisted on playing exclusively. As GloRilla’s musical taste evolved towards hip-hop, she seamlessly integrated the uplifting themes of gospel into her lyrics. This influence can be seen in tracks like “Blessed” and “Rain Down on Me,” from her highly anticipated debut studio album Glorious, set to release in 2024.

She credits Yo Gotti, the iconic rapper and fellow Memphian, as a significant mentor in her career. After signing with his CMG Records label in 2022, GloRilla and Gotti collaborated closely to refine her unique sound and public persona. Their partnership has transformed her from a viral sensation into a powerful voice in the industry, even allowing her to perform at a political rally for former Vice President Kamala Harris. Yo Gotti praised her authenticity, stating, “Even with all the success and accolades, she’s still the same ambitious hustler that I met back in 2022.”

With the support of her CMG team, including acclaimed choreographer Sean Bankhead and creative director Coco Gilbert, GloRilla dedicated the latter part of 2023 to strategizing her comeback. Their efforts paid off when she released “Yeah Glo!” in February 2024. This upbeat anthem quickly became a staple at nightclubs and gatherings, dominating the airwaves and reaching No. 28 on the Hot 100, marking her highest solo peak to date.

“Releasing ‘Yeah Glo!’ and seeing its immediate success was a personal victory for me,” GloRilla shared during a break from rehearsals for her upcoming Glorious tour. This track was initially intended to usher in her debut album, but its unexpected popularity shifted her promotional strategy. “I realized I needed to rebuild my momentum, which is why we decided to create a mixtape,” she explained. The mixtape, titled Ehhthang Ehhthang, debuted in April and featured a hit collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on “Wanna Be,” which later received a remix from Cardi B and climbed to No. 11 on the Hot 100. Just prior to this, Megan announced GloRilla as a special guest on her highly anticipated Hot Girl Summer Tour, marking a significant milestone in Glo’s career.

As an opener for the Hot Girl Summer Tour in June, GloRilla released “TGIF,” which further propelled her status in the industry. The song gained massive popularity when Rihanna shared a clip of herself dancing to it, which went viral almost instantly. By February 2025, GloRilla had established herself as a prominent figure, becoming the first artist to represent all four of Rihanna’s Fenty brands.

With Rihanna reaching out for new music and Beyoncé sharing moments with her on social media, GloRilla has solidified her position as a leading female MC in the rap scene. As “TGIF” showcased her crossover appeal, she consistently engaged her core fans with features like her collaboration on Real Boston Richey’s “Get in There,” reinforcing her distinctive sound and style.

“Me and my team have come to understand the distinction between mixtape tracks and album songs: you have to feel it,” she explained. “My core sound is rooted in the gritty vibe of the mixtape. While I had many songs ready before the mixtape, I recognized that they weren’t appropriate for that format.”

After a concerted effort to regain and amplify her momentum, GloRilla proudly released Glorious in October. Featuring collaborations with artists like Sexyy Red and Maverick City Music, her debut album capped off a remarkable year, achieving the highest opening week sales for a female rapper in 2024 with 69,000 units sold, debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. Five tracks from the album made it onto the Hot 100, including “Whatchu Kno About Me,” which later found a place in a TikTok by Taylor Swift for her Eras Tour. GloRilla expressed her excitement, saying, “I was thrilled when everyone started sending me that clip — I felt like ‘that girl’ when she posted it.”