Hip-hop star GloRilla recently opened up about her experience growing up in a strict Christian household and how she originally had plans to become a gospel singer.
GloRilla, whose real name is Gloria Hallelujah Woods — yes, Gloria Hallelujah — shared with Tamron Hall that she was raised in a Christian home that had strong gospel roots.
“Both my mom and dad were Christians, and we were in church all the time,” the Memphis-based artist said. “If church could’ve been open seven days a week, we would’ve been there every day.”
GloRilla is one of 10 kids who were all active in church. She shared that they spent most Sundays singing in the gospel choir, wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music and she was homeschooled by her mom until she got to high school. From there, things began to change. She started attending church less and listening to secular rap more. But she shared with Hall that she still holds her faith close to her, even if her music might not seem that way.
“I always have to put God first in whatever I do, you know what I’m saying?” she said. “I just don’t let too much negativity get to me.”
She also shared that she and her mom are still close and pray for one another.
“One thing about my mom is that she always asks, ‘What can I do? Do you need me to be your stylist?'” she joked. “And I’m like, ‘Mom, the only thing I need you to do is pray for me. Keep me in your prayers.'”
GloRilla’s debut album, Glorious, drops on Friday with features from fellow female rappers Latto and Megan thee Stallion as well as gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music.
You can watch her interview with Hall here:
