Memphis rap sensation GloRilla is having a remarkable year, marked by significant achievements in both gospel and mainstream music. At the BET Awards held on June 9, 2025, GloRilla won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for her uplifting track “Rain Down On Me,” which features notable artists including Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore, and gospel icon Kirk Franklin. This win is particularly special for GloRilla, as it is her first BET Award in the gospel category after several nominations in hip-hop categories.
During her acceptance speech, GloRilla expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s a blessing to get the Gospel Award first because I owe it all to God.” She also shared her excitement about collaborating with Kirk Franklin, admitting she was initially hesitant to ask for his involvement. “When he said yes, I was so excited; I had this song in the vault for so long,” she revealed.
While GloRilla celebrated her victory, the award did not come without controversy. Gospel artist Deitrick Haddon took to social media to voice his discontent, questioning the appropriateness of giving the award to someone outside the traditional gospel space. He criticized the recognition of artists like Kirk Franklin, suggesting that the gospel community is “tired of seeing the same people being celebrated year after year,” and felt that the award did not reflect the broader landscape of gospel music.
Despite the backlash, GloRilla seems unfazed and has quickly returned to her secular music roots. She recently collaborated with BTS member J-Hope on a new track titled “Killin’ It Girl,” which is now available on all streaming platforms. This collaboration showcases her versatility as an artist and further expands her reach in the music industry.
As GloRilla continues to make waves in both gospel and hip-hop, her ability to navigate different genres while remaining true to her roots highlights her unique position in today’s music landscape. With a successful award win and a new collaboration under her belt, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for the Memphis superstar.
