GloRilla shines bright on her debut album Glorious

Gloria Hallelujah Woods, better known as GloRilla, is a Memphis crunk rapper known for her “deep and textured drawl.” Her claim to fame was "F.N.F. (Let's Go)" which gained popularity on TikTok. GloRilla’s debut album, Glorious, was released just six months after her second mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang. It has definitely been Glo’s year with popular releases including “Yeah Glo!” “Wanna Be ft Megan Thee Stallion,” and “TGIF.” She also finished going on tour with Megan Thee Stallion this summer as her opener on the Hot Girl Summer Tour.

Glorious begins with “INTRO,” the first track that establishes the overall theme of gratitude and reflection on how far Glo has come in life, especially pertaining to her career. The short but catchy track has great flow and a beat that goes hard. It is clear from the song’s spoken outro, this album is a direct callback to all the critique and hate GloRilla has received for not being respectable or conventional enough. Another song where Glo gets into this is “STOP PLAYING,” where she raps in the chorus “She glowin', they mad,” both a play on her and the album’s name alongside reference to the hate she receives. Despite critique, GloRilla mentions material triumphs that symbolize how far she has come and explains that she does it for the other women out there like her, “the baby Glo’s,” who can relate to her experiences or who find joy in life from her music. For a song partially produced and written by Timbaland, the beat does not exactly accentuate Glo’s unique sound but she does what she can with a lackluster semi-trap beat.

The lead-up singles for the album, “TGIF” and “HOLLON,” were extremely solid and popular, especially online. They generated excitement and eagerness for the album with these new back-to-back bangers. It was becoming evident that GloRilla was going to do her thing with this album, and that meant putting in the work at that booth. “TGIF” was released as a popular, hype anthem in June and was the perfect celebratory track to initiate weekend night shenanigans in the summertime. “HOLLON” debuted in September with a vibrant vibe and energetic lyrics, solidifying itself as a Hot Girl anthem.

The list of female rapper features (and one r&b songstress) were immaculate. Latto linked up with Glo for the track “PROCEDURE” that culminated into an unapologetically empowering hit. Both their southern accents mesh well singing back and forth to each other with a call-and-response style chorus. The next collaboration was long-awaited, at least in my book, between two of the hottest, newer female rappers: Glo and Sexyy Red. There are many similarities between the artists as they received popularity as well as critique for their authentic, exuberant, and spicy lyrics alongside gaining musical traction largely due to social media. Another shared trait of unconventionality but contestation in both Glo and Sexyy is their deeper, raspier voices. Personally, I think it's refreshing to have artists that sound unique and distinctive. Their ability to generate rap after rap that becomes viral or is used for a TikTok trend is commendable. I expect “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” will be no different. Megan Thee Stallion’s influence on Glo and her music style comes through on this track’s chorus that’s reminiscent of Meg’s songs “Body” and “Her.” Their rap styles work so well to create an exquisite party smash to blast while dancing along to. 

Muni Long appeared on the song “DON’T DESERVE,” a hip-hop ballad for all the girls who hate their friends’ significant others and situationships. A few months earlier the two collaborated on the song “Leave My Baby Tonight” for Muni Long’s album Revenge. As both these songs showcase, Muni Long’s sultry vocals and GloRilla’s fierce flow match each other’s vibe for a memorable, melodious tune. I don’t think this album would have been complete without a feature from one of Glo’s best friends in the industry, Megan Thee Stallion. “HOW I LOOK” was definitely made for the GloRilla fans that are also Hotties and solidified the two rappers' prevailing presence in the rap game. Megan’s bold self-confidence and Glo’s energetic lyricism accumulate into vivacious verses that only leave you craving more than the one minute and fifty-eight seconds of play time. GloRilla released a bonus track edition of Glorious which included “NEVER FIND” featuring fellow Memphis rapper K Carbon. The track samples the old school r&b song “My Love Is the Shhh!” giving it a soulful, seductive feel layered with catchy rap lyrics.

A central motif throughout her music is Glo’s recognition and gratitude for God and all God has bestowed upon her. This specifically manifests in the songs “GLO’S PRAYER” and “RAIN DOWN ON ME.” “GLO’S PRAYER” begins with an interlude from Glo that thanks God for the blessings she has received as well as a call for one more blessing, some advice on how to handle relationship struggles. The whole length of the song is Glo addressing God in a slower, personal tone that is distinct from her usual music. “RAIN DOWN ON ME” with Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler Moore is a Church choir-esque rap hymn where Glo displays versatility by striving into the realm of gospel music. The unlikely prospect pays off in an upbeat, spiritual song reflecting on her appreciation for God. The album has more hype solo-tracks towards the end like “I AIN’T GOING” and “LET HER COOK” have lively, fun beats. The features with BossMan Dlow, T-Pain, and Fridayy did not stick with me personally but have appeal for audiences into the strong musical presence of these artists.

GloRilla’s charisma and confidence come across in her album establishing Glo’s permanence within the rap field. I think this was an extremely smart debut album. It played around with a variety of beats, themes, and styles while remaining true to the sound her fans love. I think this album unveiled GloRilla’s potential and ability within a world where Black women remain ridiculed with critique, hatred, and harassment. Misogynoir is present in hip-hop culture and is bolstered by the media. GloRilla has demonstrated she won’t let this prevent her from artistic resistance in the form of empowering, genuine music intended to uplift other people like her.

Favorite Tracks: HOLLON, WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME, PROCEDURE, DON’T DESERVE, NEVER FIND, HOW I LOOK, and GLO’S PRAYER