Memphis’ own GloRilla threw her inaugural concert, GloBash, last weekend, and it was a whole experience. The Grammy-winning rapper turned her 26th birthday into an unforgettable hometown takeover with the first-ever GloBash.
On July 25, the rapper, born Gloria Hallelujah Woods, returned to her hometown not just as a chart-topping star, but as Memphis royalty. At just 26 years old, she headlined a sold-out concert at Downtown Memphis’ FedExForum, marking the official launch of GloBash. This high-octane celebration doubled as her birthday bash.
And in true Glo fashion, she made history with a headline-grabbing moment that had fans talking long after the lights came up.
Midway through her set, GloRilla decided to turn up the heat. She brought a male fan on stage, sat on his lap, and proceeded to give what social media is now calling the first Gospel-Award-winning lap dance.
Rocking extra-long, wavy hair and a glittering, sequined outfit, GloRilla exuded confidence and full-on “big grown woman” energy. The man, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and dark beanie, looked stunned but delighted as the crowd erupted.
The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic. Just days before the show, GloRilla was arrested on felony drug charges in Georgia after police reportedly found marijuana at her Atlanta-area home. But instead of letting the controversy overshadow her moment, GloRilla turned it into a marketing win. Fans swarmed merch tables to grab limited-edition T-shirts printed with her mugshot.
But the lap dance wasn’t the only thing fans were living for.
When she brought out Sexyy Red to perform their crowd favorite, “WHATCU KNO ABOUT ME,” the building damn near exploded. The crowd, from the floor to the nosebleeds, was up. Hands in the air, lyrics on lock, and TikTok choreography flowing like a Sunday cookout line dance.
The night wasn’t just a concert. It was a homecoming full of power, pride, and a little bit of ratchet wrapped in rhinestones. GloRilla demonstrated that she can navigate through gospel, glam, and grown woman energy, all while maintaining her city’s presence and keeping her foot on the industry’s neck.
Memphis has produced legends before, but this time feels different. With one sold-out show, a viral lap dance, and a mugshot tee that’s already a collector’s item, GloRilla just reminded everyone why she’s one of the most compelling forces in rap today.
