Memphis rapper GloRilla thrills on stage and the red carpet at MTV Video Music Awards

GloRilla may have walked away empty handed at the annual MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, but it still proved to be a big night and even better week for the acclaimed Memphis rapper.

GloRilla was one of the stars of the VMA ceremonies, held at New York City’s UBS Arena, where she was nominated for four awards, including Best Collaboration, Song of the Summer, Best Hip Hop, and Push Performance of the Year. GloRilla did not end up picking up any trophies, losing out to big names Taylor Swift & Post Malone (who won for Best Collaboration and Song of the Summer), Eminem (Best Hip Hop), and South Korean girl group Le Sserafim (Push Performance).

But GloRilla proved the hit of the red carpet, arriving in a silver lamé outfit and a styling that served as a tribute to late TLC member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, a look that had social media buzzing.

More: GloRilla receives key to Memphis during 901 Day event: 'Memphis made me, Frayser raised me'

GloRilla’s rapped her hit singles “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF” – part of a lavish effects-laden production featuring a massive troupe of dancers – and deftly avoided a wardrobe malfunction, to deliver one of the night’s more electrifying performances.

GloRilla took advantage of her time in New York City ahead of the awards as well. On Monday night, she made a surprise appearance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where she performed as a special guest during a concert by R&B hitmaker Usher.

Also, earlier in the week, Beyonce, in a GQ magazine cover story, praised the new generation of female artists and rising stars, mentioning GloRilla among her current favorites.

More: What rappers grew up in Memphis? From GloRilla to Yo Gotti, it's a who's who of hip-hop stars

“I love and respect all of the female singers-songwriters who are out right now,” said Beyonce. “Raye, Victoria Monét, Sasha Keable, Chloe x Halle, and Reneé Rapp. I love Doechii and GloRilla.”  Beyonce added, however, that she mostly still listened to the “classics,” including the “artists on the Stax label,” another Memphis institution.

The VMA week capped a remarkable month for GloRilla, both nationally and locally. In early September, she was given the key to the City of Memphis by Mayor Paul Young, as part of the 901 Day festivities on Beale Street, where she also performed.

GloRilla’s collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, “Wanna Be,” reached No. 1 on Rhythmic Radio this month as well. GloRilla had already made history in August, with three of her songs — “Yeah Glo!,” “Wanna Be” and “TGIF” — landing in the top 10 of the Urban Radio charts at the same time, making her the first artist to reach that milestone since Nicki Minaj in 2015.

Since breaking out in early 2022, GloRilla has become one of Memphis' biggest acts. Her viral hits “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and “Blessed” launched her into national consciousness, and she followed with a Top 10 Billboard record in “Tomorrow 2,” a remix collaboration with hip-hop queen Cardi B.

In late ’22, GloRilla earned a surprise win at the BET Hip Hop Awards, taking home the Best Breakthrough Artist award and released her debut major label EP, “Anyways, Life Is Great,” via Yo Gotti’s CMG label.

In late 2022, GloRilla was also honored with a Grammy nomination for “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)." Though she didn’t take home the award at the ceremony, Glo continued her run on the charts with the 2024 singles “Yeah Glo!”, “Wanna Be,” as well as a new EP she released in April, “Ehhthang Ehhthang.”

GloRilla has also been teasing the release of a new full-length album. In a red-carpet interview at the VMAs with "Entertainment Tonight," GloRilla said fans could expect the record sometime in October.

In another interview with "Extra," GloRilla reflected on her recent run of success. “2024 has been a great year for me, an excellent year,” she said, “Shout out to God, shout out to my supporters.”

Bob Mehr covers music for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: GloRilla thrills on stage at the 2024 MTV VMAS