Why Big GLO’s Debut Album GLORIOUS Exceeds Every Expectation!
GLORIOUS Album Review
The debut album of 25-year-old Memphis rapper GloRilla, GLORIOUS, finally arrived on October 11, 2024. The album contains 15 tracks and 8 features. Many may be surprised that this is the artist's first studio album, as it follows a breakout EP titled Anyways Life's Great, featuring hit singles “F.N.F” and “Blessed,” along with her most recent EP Ehhthang Ehhthang, released in 2024, which includes hit singles “Yeah Glo!” and “High AF.”
A Strong Album Rollout
Before the official release of GLORIOUS, she released two hit singles as part of the album rollout: “TGIF,” which quickly became a TikTok viral sensation as soon as snippets dropped before its release, along with “HOLLON.” She also opened for Megan Thee Stallion on her Hot Girl Summer Tour earlier this year.
In the week leading up to the album's release, she revealed the star-studded feature list. The list includes Latto, Sexyy Red, Muni Long, Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Megan Thee Stallion, Bossman DLow, T-Pain, and Fridayy. This is arguably one of the most anticipated albums and impressive feature lists of any project released by a female rapper in 2024. Not to mention, before the release of her debut album, GloRilla already earned three top-ten Billboard hits this year and received the key to her hometown city of Memphis.
Artistic Range and Industry Footprint
The growth seen in this project compared to her previous works, Ehhthang Ehhthang and Anyways Life's Great, is clear. Her writing and narrative skills have improved, alongside production and cohesiveness. GLORIOUS presents a well-rounded collection featuring diverse sounds that echo club music, gospel, trap, and RnB. It truly caters to various urban musical preferences.
The most reflective records are “INTRO” and “QUEEN OF MEMPHIS” (The Outro). “HOLLON,” “TGIF,” and “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” featuring Sexyy Red are party anthems, while “DON’T DESERVE” and “I LUV HER” feat T-Pain showcase melodic vibes. “I LUV HER” evokes a charming early 2000s RnB vibe, echoing the T-Pain ‘Epiphany’ era, which makes his collaboration feel just right. GLORIOUS also features a Gospel anthem, RAIN DOWN ON ME, with Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music.
GloRilla's impressive single release and EP journey throughout spring and summer, combined with her captivating charm, accent, and down-to-earth vibe, solidifies her position as one of the top femcees in Hip Hop today. In 2024 alone, she had 3 singles enter the Billboard Top 10 Hot RnB/Hip Hop Charts, including “TGIF,” “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be” feat Megan The Stallion. With her debut album, she is also on track for one of the most remarkable runs in rap history this year by any female rapper. GLORIOUS is destined to be a classic gem in her collection.
Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast.