GloRilla’s Rise to Stardom: A Story of Resilience
At just 24 years old, rapper GloRilla, whose real name is Gloria Hallelujah Woods, has taken the hip-hop industry by storm.
In a few short years since starting her official rap career in 2019, she has collaborated with powerhouses like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, captivated audiences on various stages, and inspired young Black girls everywhere.
“Big Glo,” as she’s known, has already racked up impressive accolades, including BET’s 2022 Best New Artist and iHeartRadio’s 2023 Best New Artist. She’s also been nominated for a Grammy, an American Music Award, and MTV Music Video Awards.
Shedding Light on the Challenges Faced by Black Women in Music
Despite her remarkable success, GloRilla is not oblivious to the unique challenges that female artists, particularly Black women, face in the music industry. In a recent interview on the Tamron Hall Show, she candidly addressed the “pressures” that come with being a woman in hip-hop.
“It’s more pressure on us because they expect more out of us than they do with males,” the Memphis rapper said. “They can just wear anything: extremely big clothes. Nobody is going to say nothing. It might be cute to them. We have to have our hair on point, like we can’t have a toenail or nail off. They gonna have something to say.”
The Cost of Glam and Performance: An Uneven Playing Field
GloRilla further elaborated on the financial disparities between male and female performers, noting that the costs associated with maintaining a high-quality stage presence are significantly higher for women. From glam to choreography, these expenses often fall solely on the shoulders of female artists, unlike their male counterparts.
“It costs more, most definitely, for a female performer. Because we’re going to actually give a show, I feel like. So it’s more pressure on us because they expect more out of us than they do with males.”
Despite the immense pressures, GloRilla remains unfazed and determined to keep climbing, performing, and achieving. When asked if she “cracked under pressure,” she confidently responded, “No, I’m going to give them what they want.”
