GloRilla named Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at iHeartRadio Music Awards

GloRilla Wins Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at iHeartRadio Awards

In a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about her impact on the hip-hop scene, GloRilla was crowned Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Competing against some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Drake, Future, and Kendrick Lamar, GloRilla’s victory has become one of the most talked-about moments in the music industry. Moreover, Glo also performed tonight with Sexyy for their “Whatchu Kno About Me” featuring Sexyy Red and “Never Find” featuring fellow Memphis rapper K Carbon.

GloRilla’s 2024: A Year of Massive Growth and Success

The year 2024 was a pivotal one for GloRilla. She didn’t just release one project; she dropped two major releases that solidified her place in the hip-hop spotlight. First came the mixtape Ehhthang Ehhthang, followed by her debut album Glorious. Both projects showed her growth as an artist, and both received critical acclaim from fans and industry experts alike.

Ehhthang Ehhthang: Breaking Through

Ehhthang Ehhthang was GloRilla’s first major project of 2024, and it immediately captured attention. The mixtape, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcased her raw energy and versatility. The standout single Yeah Glo received a Grammy nomination, further boosting her recognition. From bangers to heartfelt tracks, Ehhthang Ehhthang was a perfect introduction to GloRilla’s unique sound and style.

Ehhthang Ehhthang laid the foundation for GloRilla’s meteoric rise, but it was her ability to blend street-smart lyrics with catchy hooks that set her apart from her peers. This mixtape proved that GloRilla wasn’t just another rapper—she was a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop industry.

Glorious: The Debut Album

In October 2024, GloRilla followed up with her debut album Glorious, a project that many considered her true introduction to the mainstream. Glorious debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart, a massive achievement for any artist, let alone one releasing their first full-length album.

Tracks like Hollon and TGIF led the charge, while collaborations with heavyweights like T-Pain, Latto, and Sexyy Red added another layer of depth to the album. Songs such as I Luv Her with T-Pain, Procedure with Latto, and Whatchu Kno About Me with Sexyy Red quickly became fan favorites, further cementing GloRilla’s place in hip-hop’s upper echelon. Glorious was more than just an album; it was a statement. GloRilla was here to stay.

How GloRilla’s Unique Sound is Changing Hip-Hop

One of the key elements behind GloRilla’s rise is her unique blend of gritty street lyrics and infectious beats. Her sound combines elements of classic Southern hip-hop with modern trap, creating a style that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This blend has resonated with audiences across the country, and GloRilla’s authenticity is a big part of her appeal.

Gritty Lyrics with a Playful Twist

Moreover, GloRilla’s lyrics are deeply rooted in her Memphis upbringing. She brings an unapologetic energy to her music, addressing topics like relationships, street life, and personal empowerment. But what sets her apart is her ability to blend grit with humor. She isn’t afraid to laugh at herself or poke fun at the chaos of life, which makes her music relatable and accessible to a wide audience.

Fans of GloRilla appreciate how she blends tough talk with clever punchlines, making her one of the most exciting voices in hip-hop today. Her lyrics often resonate with those who feel overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream music. In many ways, GloRilla is speaking for the underdog—and that message has been embraced by her fans.

Versatility in Sound

What makes GloRilla stand out in a crowded hip-hop landscape is her versatility. On one track, she can spit hard-hitting bars over a trap beat, and on the next, she’s effortlessly switching to a smoother, more melodic style. This versatility is especially evident on Glorious, where GloRilla shows her ability to experiment with different genres while still maintaining a distinct sound. Whether it’s club anthems or introspective ballads, GloRilla proves she can do it all.

The Glorious Tour: GloRilla’s Live Performances

Meanwhile, GloRilla is currently on the Glorious Tour, bringing her high-energy performances to cities across the U.S. The tour kicked off on March 9, 2025, in Oklahoma City and is set to run through April 18, culminating at the prestigious Coachella festival. Fans who have had the chance to see GloRilla perform live have been blown away by her stage presence. Her concerts are a mix of adrenaline-pumping music, crowd engagement, and a genuine connection with her fans.

The Coachella Stage: A Dream Come True

For any artist, performing at Coachella is a dream come true. It’s the ultimate platform for showcasing talent, and for GloRilla, it’s a defining moment in her career. Coachella has a long history of featuring emerging artists, and GloRilla’s performance at the festival will likely be one of the most talked-about moments of 2025.

As she continues to gain popularity, GloRilla’s ability to connect with audiences is one of her greatest strengths. Her fanbase, known for their passionate support, is growing every day, and the Glorious Tour is only adding to her ever-expanding reach.

GloRilla’s Future in Hip-Hop: What’s Next?

Therefore, with her success at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and her ongoing Glorious Tour, GloRilla is showing no signs of slowing down. Fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for the rapper, and there’s no doubt that she has more surprises in store. Whether it’s new music, collaborations, or even ventures into other industries, GloRilla is poised to take her career to new heights.

Possible Collaborations and New Music

Given GloRilla’s rise in the hip-hop world, it’s likely that we’ll see her collaborate with even more big-name artists in the future. Her collaborations with T-Pain, Latto, and Sexyy Red on Glorious proved that she’s more than capable of holding her own alongside hip-hop royalty. In the coming months, GloRilla may continue to explore different musical genres, adding even more variety to her already impressive catalog.

Expanding Her Brand

GloRilla is also an artist with a vision beyond music. Like many successful artists, she may start exploring business opportunities in fashion, branding, or even acting. As she continues to build her empire, there’s no telling how far she can go. The world is GloRilla’s oyster, and she’s just getting started.

GloRilla’s Impact on Hip-Hop

GloRilla’s victory at the iHeartRadio Music Awards is just the latest milestone in an already incredible career. From her breakout mixtape Ehhthang Ehhthang to her debut album Glorious, GloRilla has proven herself as one of the most exciting and authentic voices in hip-hop today. Her blend of raw lyrics, versatile sound, and magnetic stage presence has earned her a dedicated fanbase and respect from her peers.

As GloRilla continues to grow as an artist and expand her influence, there’s no telling how far she will go. But one thing is for sure—she’s here to stay, and the hip-hop world will be watching her every move.