GloRilla’s Musical Influences: How Beyoncé and Others Shaped Her Sound

GloRilla is an award-winning American rapper and performer who has been recording songs since 2019. After becoming an overnight success in 2022, the young rapper worked with celebrity rappers, donated $20,000 to her former middle school, and met the one and only Beyoncé. In looking at how she became successful, one must examine her musical inspirations growing up and how they influenced her own music style.

GloRilla grew up in a Christian household and was part of a family that went to church every Sunday. Along with that, came listening to several Black Christian artists such as Tasha Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, and Yolanda Adams. In addition to this, she sang in the church choir and partook in the praise and worship team too. According to an interview with Elle Magazine, her favorite song was Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs. So, it is safe to say that the talented artist started her performing career in the church.

Most young teenagers growing up in the 2010s listened and rapped along to famous and award-winning Chicago rapper, Chief Keef. GloRilla was no different and she believes his creative style and flow motivated her to stand out and offer a different element to the rap scene. He introduced a new format of musical style called, Chicago Drill, that brought a new element to the overall flow of rap. She felt like she related to what he went through and talked about in his music since they both grew up in violent communities.

Deceased business executive and American rapper, Adolph Thornton, better- known as Young Dolph was a community leader in his hometown of Memphis. Before his untimely death, the rapper was known for paying back to his community through donations, free Thanksgiving dinners, and hosting a variety of service events. It is fitting that GloRilla looks at him as an influence considering they were both raised in the same place.

Honestly, who wouldn’t want to work with the talented and multi-award-winning star, Beyoncé? GloRilla expressed how eye-awakening it was meeting Beyoncé at the 2023 Grammy Awards and how she would love to work with the artist later on in her career. “ “I hugged Beyoncé. I’m never taking a bath again,” she wrote on Facebook before adding, “I’m finna get my 15-second conversation with Beyoncé tatted. Ahh! I’m still not over it.”

The rapper is a firm believer in having faith and manifesting all dreams and aspirations — and it’s clearly working.