Glorilla’s meteoric rise in the rap scene has been electrifying. She burst onto the radar with her 2021 breakout hit “FNF” and kept the momentum going with fiery club anthems like “Yeah Glo”, and the Cardi B-assisted “Tomorrow 2,” quickly cementing her status as a certified hitmaker. Now 25, the Memphis native continues to refine her craft, reshaping modern femme rap while proudly repping the city of Rock ’n Roll. Just six months after the release of her hard-hitting mixtape Ehhthang Ehhthang, she has dropped her highly anticipated debut album, Glorious—a project that channels her trademark intensity while offering a twofold glimpse into her growth and the challenges still ahead.
The LP’s lead singles “Hollon” and “TGIF” are reminiscent of Southern hip-hop’s golden age, blending the gritty, high-energy sounds that made the Memphis scene legendary. These tracks are instant party starters, drenched in heavy bass lines, catchy hooks, and a bounce that’s impossible to resist. They showcase Glorilla’s charisma and her ability to command a beat with effortless swagger. Yet, for all the braggadocio on the album, Glorious isn’t just about posturing. Glo proves she’s not a monolithic rapper; she pivots seamlessly between hardcore bangers and introspective, heartfelt moments.
Glorilla | SUPPLIED
Take “Rain On Me,” for example—a surprising gospel-influenced track that injects some spiritual depth into the album. True to her full name, Gloria Hallelujah, she enlists the help of iconic choirmaster Kirk Franklin and powerhouse gospel voices Kierra Sheard and Chandler Moore. Together, they create a soul-stirring anthem that feels as uplifting as it is sincere. While the song’s rich choral arrangements and organ accompaniments juxtapose beautifully with Glo’s rough verses, the track itself feels all over the place, struggling to maintain a cohesive flow. Despite this, it remains a testament to Glorilla’s versatility, infusing her roots into the music in a bold attempt to expand her sonic palette.
However, this experimental streak doesn’t always pay off. “Stop Playing” stumbles in execution, with Glorilla shifting her flow awkwardly and struggling to mesh with the track’s melancholic production. The result is a disjointed effort that feels forced, lacking the cohesion that defines much of her earlier work. Refreshingly, the misstep is quickly redeemed by “Don’t Deserve,” one of the album’s standout moments, where Muni Long’ soulful hook elevates a message of empowerment for women navigating toxic relationships. This unevenness underscores one of the album’s key flaws—some tracks come off as half-formed ideas or attempts to replicate past hits rather than pushing her sound into new territory.
One area where Glorilla continues to thrive is in her collaborative efforts. On Glorious, she revisits her successful chemistry with Megan Thee Stallion on “How I Look,” a punchy, self-empowerment anthem that delivers a sharp reminder of self-worth. The track, though brief, packs a strong punch, driven by Megan and Glo’s dynamic energy. Similarly, “Whatchu Know About Me”, featuring Sexyy Red, pays homage to Lil Boosie’s 2006 classic “Wipe Me Down,” updating it with a contemporary twist that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly bold. These collaborations highlight one of Glorilla’s greatest strengths—her ability to shine among her peers without losing her individuality. But even these moments feel calculated, as if designed for mainstream appeal more than authentic artistic growth.
Watch “Watchu Kno About Me”:
Beyond the music, camaraderie is a core element of Glorilla’s brand. Her videos, performances, and lyrical content often highlight female solidarity, and this is no different on Glorious. Tracks like “Step”, featuring BossMan Flow, feel like a rallying cry for women to take control of their destinies, while “Let Her Cook” transforms Pharoahe Monch’s “Simon Says” into a menacing declaration of power. While this message of unity is commendable, the album leans heavily on familiar samples and interpolations, which at times detract from its originality. With a run time just over 40 minutes, it’s concerning how many of the tracks rely on borrowed beats and concepts, especially in an era where innovation is key to longevity.
Despite these issues, Glorilla’s undeniable talent shines through. Even when the album falters, her confidence remains sky-high. Whether she’s throwing out razor-sharp punchlines or reflecting on her journey, she does so with a commanding presence that’s hard to ignore. And for those who might underestimate her, Glo has a pointed message: “Just rolled by the cemetery / There’s plenty room for h*es.” This line, delivered with her signature venom, is a sharp reminder that Glorilla is not one to be taken lightly.
Glorious isn’t without its missteps—some tracks tread repetitive ground, and a few feel derivative. Yet, as a debut, it succeeds in its mission: cementing Glorilla’s place in the rap game. The album showcases her talent for delivering street anthems while peeling back layers to reveal moments of vulnerability, offering a deeper look into the artist beyond the bravado. If this is just the starting point, Glorilla’s trajectory promises even greater impact, with her sound destined to become sharper and more refined as she continues to evolve.
Listen to Glorious:
