Florida A&M University’s homecoming headliner, GloRilla, released her debut album “Glorious” on October 11, just in time for her arrival on the hill.
“Glorious” is GloRilla’s first studio album, following her 2022 EP “Anyways, Life’s Great…” and her 2024 mixtape “Ehhthang Ehhthang”.
The 15-track project features her hit single “TGIF” and collaborations with artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Muni Long, T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, and more. Across her album, GloRilla blends her iconic Memphis crunk, trap, and hints of Gospel (honoring her name – Gloria Hallelujah Woods) to give fans a diverse listening experience.
The album starts strong with “INTRO,” where GloRilla pays homage to her past and journey to become the rap game’s hottest new artist. The following four tracks: “HOLLON,” “PROCEDURE,” TGIF, and WATCHU KNO ABOUT ME are high-energy, adding to the list of songs perfect for the pregame.
Most notably, “WATCHU KNO ABOUT ME,” one of the most streamed songs on the project, samples rap classic “Wipe Me Down,” originally performed by Lil Boosie, Webbie, and Foxx in 2007. That song became an anthem known for its catchy hook and club-ready vibe.
GloRilla and her feature artist, Sexyy Red, channel this energy by incorporating the same harmony that made the original a hit. They maintained the essence of the original’s party vibe but modernized it with their own playful lyrics and energetic delivery. “WATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” is a unique spin on and tribute to the Southern rap legacy.
The album transitions from the aforementioned party vibe to more self-reflective and gospel-influenced themes before transitioning back to a high-energy record.
Songs like “RAIN DOWN ON ME” and “GLO’S PRAYER” introduce a reflective, spiritual tone that highlights GloRilla’s faith and spiritual journey. The gospel elements of the two songs are fused with trap beats, while the primary focus is resilience, spirituality, and personal growth. In her collaboration with gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Maverick City, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler Moore, Big Glo admits her path has not been one without struggle.
“I know I’m a sinner, Lord, and I know I might sin again. So thank you for not givin’ up and still givin’ me the strength to win,” GloRilla said.
GloRilla remains on the prayer line in “GLO’S PRAYER” where she opens up about her past, allowing for a vulnerable moment in an otherwise rugged, fiery project.
The album wraps up with more hard hitters such as “HOW I LOOK,” “STEP,” “LET HER COOK, and closes with softer songs like “I LUV HER” and “QUEEN OF MEMPHIS.”
GloRilla made her mark with this newest project. The album sits high on the United States Apple Music and iTunes charts at number two and four, respectively. However, the album does fall short on Spotify sitting at number 21 on the charts. Chart rankings aside, this is a really good first album for this artist. There were some misses with certain songs not being as impactful as others. Still, there’s potential for some of these songs to earn GloRilla a few more award nominations.