The beautiful Gloria Hallelujah Woods (known professionally as GloRilla) was born on July 28, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee, and she is the most influential singer of modern rap.
Gloria Hallelujah Woods rise from obscurity to a partnership with Yo Gotti’s CMG Records highlights the power of social media and talent. In just a few years, she achieved major success. Her journey shows how talent and social networks can propel an artist to the top.
With her viral hit “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” in 2022, GloRilla caused waves in the rap industry and left a mark that cannot be overlooked.
Her Early Days In Memphis
Despite her struggles growing up in Frayser, a neighborhood in North Memphis, GloRilla lived a passionate life with purpose. The youngest of ten siblings, she was raised in a Christian family where gospel music filled the air.
“Mom used to say, ‘No secular music in the house, only gospel,'” she recalls, reflecting on her childhood. Her strong Christian mother wanted the best for all her children, including GloRilla. Her mother wanted her to be a gospel rapper, but GloRilla had different plans for herself.
“I never thought I’d be rapping,” she admits. “But when I lost my voice in church one day, that was my sign to switch things up.”
At the age of 16, Gloria Hallelujah Woods started developing her voice, and singing in the church was no longer possible for what she loved doing. But instead of seeing this as a setback, she saw it as an opportunity to reinvent herself.
From there, rap became her outlet, and she soon started writing lyrics for her own rap songs. GloRilla did not live the life of a star in her early days. Struggles marked them, but she found strength in the community around her.
“People here are real. They don’t fake it,” she speaks passionately, and it is clear that she is proud to be from Memphis. “They like authenticity, and that’s what I bring.”
Her Single, “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)”, 2022
While GloRilla started her music career in gospel, the transition to rap was logical. Initially, she started concealing her newfound love for rap from her family because she expected them to despise it. However, as time passed, it emerged that she had some talent and was improving with time. By the time she turned 18, GloRilla was ready to make her mark in the local Memphis rap scene.
She started performing at local clubs and open mic nights, gradually gaining attention for her unique blend of southern crunk and modern trap. But even then, the promise of a big-time breakthrough did not seem all that close. GloRilla had been grinding, carving out her niche, and it did not turn until she was on TikTok.
“I remember the first time I saw my song on TikTok,” GloRilla reflects. “It was crazy. People were dancing, lip-syncing to ‘F.N.F.’—it was like the whole world got a taste of what I was about.”
Her single, “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” featuring Hitkidd, dropped in April 2022. It was not initially a hit on the charts, but due to its lively beat, it rose to popularity when it blew up on TikTok. The song’s catchy beat and GloRilla’s unapologetically confident lyrics resonated with listeners across the globe, especially women. The song was about independence, power, and endurance.
During one of her interviews after the song’s release, GloRilla was overwhelmed by the song’s success. “I didn’t know it would blow up like this,” she admits. “But when I saw people all over the world vibing to it, I knew something special was happening.”
She Teamed Up With Cardi B And Moneybagg Yo
Unlike some who would think that “F.N.F.” was just another video that went viral online, the single officially started GloRilla’s career in the rap industry. After the release of the song, she hit the attention of Yo Gotti, who led her to be signed to CMG Records in July 2022.
It was an important step in determining the artist’s further evolution, shifting from a local level to a national one. “I wasn’t looking for a label at first,” GloRilla explains, recalling her hesitation. “But when I met Yo Gotti, I knew he was the right fit for me. He understood where I was coming from and believed in my vision.”
Finally supported by CMG, Gloria Hallelujah Woods started her career. Her music started going viral, and it was not long before she teamed up with Cardi B and Moneybagg Yo.
She would frequently perform at music festivals; one most remembered appearance was at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2023, where the young talent didn’t fail to impress her global audience.
When asked about working with Cardi B on ‘Tomorrow 2,’ GloRilla says she felt privileged to share the track with the rapper. “I was nervous, but Cardi B told me, ‘Just be yourself, Glo. They love you for you.’” That simple advice really came in handy for GloRilla to overcome the challenges of collaborations with other celebrities.
Her First Debut Album,” Glorious”
Success led to more exposure for Gloria Hallelujah Woods to further expand their musical career. Her first album was released in the early part of 2024 and is called Glorious. The song ranges from rap to many other songs to showcase her singing versatility.
Some of the well-liked songs include “Queen of Memphis” and “I Ain’t Going,” which truly defines her terrific singing and fine taste in music.
This was a major achievement in her career when she released the album. When asked about this album, she said: “This album is everything to me,” she said with pride. “It’s my story, my truth, and my dreams. I want people to know where I came from and what I’m about.”
GloRilla stays connected to where she first made music as she climbs higher with each release. With such fame, she still holds her core values and the community standard as her guiding principles.“People here don’t let you forget who you are,” she explains. “They keep you humble, and that’s something I appreciate.”
She Got Cheated in Romantic Relationships
Gloria Hallelujah Woods has been open about her music and singing profession but has been quite close-lipped regarding her private life. In interviews, she said that she had faced her own problems with dating and finding a partner. “I’ve never had a faithful boyfriend,” she confesses, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and humor. “I always got cheated on.”
When answering questions about her previous important relationship, she talked about her ex, #Dabesonearth, who, she admitted, influenced her emotions deeply. “I’m still healing from that situation,” she admits. “But I’ve learned to focus on myself and my career. Love can wait.”
She Is Motivated To Propel Her Singing Career To The Next Level
GloRilla doesn’t have plans to take the foot off the pedal in the future. At the moment, she is determined to build her music career moving to the next level. “I want to keep making music that moves people,” she says. “I want to keep telling my story and collaborating with artists from all over the world.”
Her future plans are already on schedule, and people are keenly waiting for her next performance with this stunning rapper. “I’ve got a lot of music in me,” GloRilla assures. “But right now, I’m just focusing on doing it the right way. I’m going to make sure the world knows who I am.”
Gloria Hallelujah Woods continues to rise, as evidenced by her latest album,” Glorious,” and even more upcoming collaborations. She is in the world to stay.
FAQs
What brought GloRilla into the spotlight?
GloRilla gained widespread fame in early 2022 as one of Memphis’s biggest breakout artists, thanks to her viral hits “FNF (Let’s Go)” and “Blessed,” which propelled her to national recognition. She later achieved a Top 10 Billboard hit with “Tomorrow 2,” a remix featuring hip-hop icon Cardi B.
Are GloRilla and Cardi B related?
Yes, GloRilla and Cardi B are cousins.
Does GloRilla have children?
No, GloRilla does not have any children yet.
What is GloRilla’s nationality?
GloRilla is an American rapper and songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee.
