GloRilla’s ‘TGIF’ Named Best Song of the Year by TIME
GloRilla’s chart-topping single “TGIF” has been crowned the Best Song of the Year by TIME magazine in its annual year-end music roundup. Released on December 9, the list highlights outstanding tracks across genres, ensuring no artist appears on both their Top 10 Songs and Top 10 Albums lists.
Amid fierce competition from tracks like Beyoncé’s “Riiverdance”, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”, and Kehlani’s “After Hours”, GloRilla’s Friday anthem secured the No. 1 spot.
The Power Behind “TGIF”
Critic Stephen Kearse described the track as more than just an anthem — it’s a “display of power.” He writes:
“For GloRilla, being single is a supernatural experience. When the Memphis rapper isn’t in a relationship, she’s not just free from headaches and responsibilities; she’s powered up, unstoppable, glowing. She spends ‘TGIF’ toasting to this enhanced state over seismic bass kicks and a cinematic horn loop that brings to mind Godzilla ascending from the Pacific.”
The song’s bold, bullish delivery transforms its themes of self-celebration — looking good, feeling great, and owning the weekend — into a titanic flex that resonated with fans worldwide.
Viral Success with Rihanna’s Boost
Rihanna played a pivotal role in the song’s viral success. Over the summer, she posted a playful video lip-syncing to the track’s iconic hook:
“It’s 7 p.m. Friday / It’s ninety-five degrees / I ain’t got no na, and no na ain’t got me.”
The clip hilariously panned to A$AP Rocky, whose reaction — “Where my drink at, man? I’m too old for this s***” — became a meme-worthy moment, further catapulting the track’s popularity.
A Banner Year for GloRilla
2024 has been monumental for the Memphis native, solidifying her place as one of rap’s most dynamic artists. After experiencing a sophomore slump in 2023, GloRilla roared back with hits like “Yeah Glo!”, “Wanna Be” (featuring Megan Thee Stallion), and, of course, “TGIF”.
Highlights from her record-breaking year include:
Billboard naming her the hottest female rapper of 2024.
Securing the highest opening week for a female rapper with her debut album GLORIOUS, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 with 69,000 album-equivalent units.
A New Standard for Female Rappers
In an era where authenticity is currency, GloRilla shines as an artist who wears her truth unapologetically. Her 2024 breakout solidifies her as a defining voice in rap, joining the ranks of Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion as a powerhouse in the genre.
Beyond her music, GloRilla’s cultural impact is profound. She represents a new wave of female rappers who prioritize individuality and creativity over conforming to industry norms. Her meteoric rise has paved the way for other women in the industry, proving that success comes not just from talent but from staying true to oneself.
GloRilla: Rap’s New “IT” Girl
From receiving praise from Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Kamala Harris to dominating year-end lists, GloRilla’s impact on the rap scene is undeniable. As TIME noted, “TGIF” is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of empowerment, turning everyday moments into something truly monumental.
With the success of “TGIF” and GLORIOUS, GloRilla shows no signs of slowing down. 2025 is expected to bring even more milestones, with whispers of a world tour, high-profile collaborations, and potentially another album.
If 2024 was her breakout year, GloRilla is poised to use the momentum to solidify her place as one of the most influential voices in hip-hop. As she continues to inspire fans and redefine the genre, it’s clear that GloRilla’s journey is only just beginning.
