Just like the air, I’m everywhere! While it may be a bar from her hit track, “Tomorrow”, Memphis-born rapper GloRilla is certainly all over our radios and social media streams. Breaking out with her debut hit, “FNF”, in early 2022, the 24-year-old has reintroduced us to that more hardcore sound of female rappers that women like Remy Ma, Foxy Brown and others brought in the 90s and early 2000s.
Currently on tour—and recently celebrating her 24th birthday on July 28, 2023—Big Glo is gearing up to hit the stage at the 2023 iHeartRadio Living Black! event with other talents like: Coco Jones, Miguel, Usher and more.
“I’m excited, because I really mess with iHeart like that,” she shares.
EBONY had a chance to catch up with the rapper in between shows, and she dishes on the pressure of being from Memphis, being included in the larger convo of hip hop as a genre and more.
EBONY: Being from Memphis, with rappers like Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo and others—do you feel there’s a certain pressure to be successful in this industry?
GloRilla: I feel like there’s pressure period. There’s a new artist popping up every time you blink these days. Not to mention that once you actually reach the top, there’s a certain pressure to stay at the top. So, I don’t really feel it has anything to do with being from Memphis, that’s just a part of the game right now.
Of course, this year marks the 50th anniversary of hip hop. How does it feel to also now be included in the conversations that are happening about the genre?
Man, I feel blessed! I’m appreciative because everyone doesn’t get the chance to make it, and I’m here. So yea, that’s really all I can say about that—I’m super blessed.
You came onto the scene with a more hardcore sound as far as women in rap, but you recently mentioned wanting to tap into your sexy bag. Talk to us about that moment, and if that’s something you’re moving towards?
Honestly, I was just playing around. I did want to try something different during the BET Hip Hop Awards, so I just went for it. But, I’m not on this whole “I’m trying to go into a sexy era.” As an artist, you literally just have to try stuff. That’s how you elevate; you have to step outside your comfort zone sometimes.
What’s coming next for GloRilla and what are those dream collaborations you’re hoping to lock in?
I’m working on my album right now. Just know, I’m cooking, but I don’t want to give too much away though. As far as my dream collab, definitely Beyoncé!
