Gloria Hallelujah Woods (born July 28, 1999), known professionally as GloRilla, is a prominent American rapper and songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. GloRilla first garnered attention with her 2022 single “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” a collaboration with producer Hitkidd. The track quickly went viral, peaking within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 and leading to a TikTok challenge that further amplified her popularity. In July 2022, she signed with fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti’s record label, Collective Music Group, an imprint of Interscope Records. That same month, she released the single “Tomorrow,” which was followed by a remixed sequel featuring Cardi B, titled “Tomorrow 2.” The remix peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA.
GloRilla’s rise continued with the release of her debut extended play (EP), Anyways, Life’s Great…, in November 2022. The EP, which included the gold-certified single “Blessed,” debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200. Her momentum carried into 2024 with the release of singles “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, both of which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. These tracks preceded her debut commercial mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang, released on April 5, 2024.
Born and raised in Memphis, GloRilla was home-schooled until fifth grade before attending Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School. She began rapping at the age of 16, initially aspiring to be a singer as she participated in her church choir. However, after losing her voice, she pivoted to rap, adopting the stage name “GloRilla” with the help of her cousin. She is the eighth of ten children, which has been a significant aspect of her upbringing and personal narrative.
GloRilla’s early career saw the release of the mixtape Most Likely Up Next in 2019 and the EP P Status in 2020. However, it was in 2022 that she found widespread fame with “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” leading to her first major label signing. Following this, she released the song “Just Say That” with Duke Deuce in June 2022, further cementing her presence in the rap scene. Her collaboration with Cardi B on “Tomorrow 2” in September 2022 brought her even greater acclaim and commercial success.
In November 2022, GloRilla released Anyways, Life’s Great…, and in January 2023, she teamed up with labelmate Moneybagg Yo for the single “On Wat U On.” That same year, she was featured alongside Gangsta Boo on Latto’s single “FTCU” and was recognized as part of the 2023 XXL Freshmen Class. Despite a challenging incident at a concert in Rochester, New York, in February 2023, GloRilla’s career continued to ascend.
GloRilla describes her music as “crunk and dominant,” characterized by her deep and textured drawl. She cites Chief Keef as a significant influence on her style. Her artistic journey and unique sound have positioned her as a notable figure in contemporary rap, blending her Memphis roots with a distinctive voice and commanding presence. As she continues to release new music and collaborate with high-profile artists, GloRilla remains a dynamic and influential force in the music industry.
