Memphis Celebrates GloRilla: The Key to the City for a Rising Star
This weekend, the vibrant city of Memphis witnessed a historic moment as local rap sensation GloRilla, born Gloria Woods, received the esteemed key to the city during the annual 901 Day festivities on Beale Street. The 25-year-old artist stood proudly on stage, surrounded by her family and friends, as Mayor Paul Young handed her this honor amidst cheers from the lively crowd.
For GloRilla, the moment was more than just a ceremony; it was a heartfelt celebration of her roots. Following the big reveal, she took to Instagram to share her emotions, captioning photos from the event with the words, “Memphis made me, Frayser raised me.” It perfectly encapsulated her journey from the vibrant neighborhoods of Frayser to the bright lights of fame.
The Beats of 901 Day
After the key presentation, GloRilla lit up the stage with a lively performance as part of the ongoing 901 Day festivities. The event was reminiscent of a family reunion for the local hip-hop community, where past legends and emerging talents alike got to celebrate Memphis’ rich music scene. Notably, GloRilla isn’t the first rap star to receive this honor. Yo Gotti, the head of her record label, CMG, was awarded the key back in 2017, and even international star Drake received a key to Shelby County this past summer.
Chart-Topping Collaborations
The day couldn’t have come at a better time for GloRilla as her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on the track “Wanna Be” hit the No. 1 spot on Rhythmic Radio just days earlier. This accomplishment not only boosted her profile but also highlighted her growing influence in the music industry. Earlier in the month, her song also topped the Urban Radio charts, marking another milestone in her rapidly rising career.
Adding to the excitement, GloRilla made music history in August when three of her tracks—“Yeah Glo!”, “Wanna Be”, and “TGIF”—landed in the top 10 of the Urban Radio charts simultaneously. This feat made her the first artist to achieve such a milestone since Nicki Minaj in 2015.
Upcoming Appearances and Awards
As if all of this wasn’t enough, GloRilla is gearing up for her debut at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2023, in New York City, where she is nominated for three awards. These include prestigious categories like Best Hip-Hop and Best Collaboration for her viral hit “Wanna Be“, making it another noteworthy chance for her to shine on a big stage.
A Journey from Local to National Fame
Since her breakout moment in early 2022 with hits such as “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and “Blessed“, GloRilla has quickly become one of Memphis’ biggest musical ambassadors. Her 2022 remix “Tomorrow 2“, featuring hip-hop icon Cardi B, also made waves, landing in the top 10 on the Billboard charts and solidifying GloRilla’s presence in the music industry.
A Bright Future Ahead
Beyond her music, GloRilla has gained attention for her lively personality and high-profile interactions, including a recent, friendly meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House. However, her rise to stardom hasn’t been without hurdles. She also made headlines after a DUI stop in Georgia but was quick to rebound from that less favorable news.
Through it all, GloRilla’s success story is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and undeniable talent. As she continues to tour and create music, her performances this summer alongside Megan Thee Stallion in sold-out arenas have only set the stage for what’s next in her career.
Recognizing Memphis’ Brilliance
The city of Memphis has always been a cradle for music legends, and with GloRilla holding the key to this cultural treasure, it’s clear that the city’s vibrant music scene is in good hands. As she progresses in her career, one thing is certain: GloRilla is an artist to watch, embodying the spirit and culture of Memphis with every beat and lyric she shares.
