Rapper GloRilla Joins the Conversation on Universal Music Group vs. TikTok Feud

Memphis rapper GloRilla has voiced her frustration over the ongoing dispute between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok, which has seen the removal of UMG’s artists’ music from the platform. The conflict centers around royalty payments and the rising influence of artificial intelligence, leaving both artists and fans in limbo. GloRilla has added her thoughts to the myriad opinions shaping the discourse in the Universal Music Group vs. TikTok dispute.

GloRilla Speaks Out

Taking to Instagram Live on Saturday (April 6), GloRilla addressed the fallout, expressing disappointment about losing TikTok as a promotional tool: “One thing I’m mad about, y’all…I’m mad ‘cus I can’t use TikTok to promote my shit. I’m mad y’all can’t make TikToks to my music, man…I’m mad about that.”

Known for her fiery personality, Glo also humorously commented on the April 5 earthquake in the New York Tri-State area, joking: “My bad for causing them earthquakes ‘cus I hopped up out the bed…and dropped that hot shit and caused y’all two earthquakes. I apologize. New York, I love y’all.”

The UMG-TikTok Dispute: What’s at Stake?

The standoff stems from disagreements over artist compensation and TikTok’s reliance on music-driven content. As one of the world’s largest music companies, UMG represents megastars like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Minaj, whose music is also now absent from TikTok.

UMG accused TikTok of undercompensating artists, stating that the platform generates “only about 1% of our total revenue.” The company released a strongly-worded open letter, alleging TikTok is using its platform power to:

• “Undervalue music” while profiting from its vast music-based content.
• “Intimidate” them by selectively removing songs from lesser-known artists while retaining tracks from bigger names.

The letter further criticized TikTok for shortchanging artists, songwriters, and fans, claiming it prioritizes its growing advertising revenue over fair compensation.

Impact on Artists and Fans

For rising stars like GloRilla, TikTok has been instrumental in connecting with fans and promoting new music. The timing is particularly challenging for the rapper, who recently dropped her mixtape Ehhthang Ehhthang on April 5.

The project, featuring tracks like “Yeah Glo!” and “Aite”, underscores Glo’s ability to balance hard-hitting lyrics with calls for unity among female rappers. Losing TikTok as a promotional channel could impact the reach of her new material.

A Broader Trend in the Industry

The UMG-TikTok standoff is emblematic of a broader struggle between tech platforms and the music industry over how artists and creators are compensated in the digital age. As TikTok’s role in breaking new music grows, disputes like this one highlight the tension between innovation and fair payment for creative labor.

While the resolution remains uncertain, it’s clear that the stakes are high—not just for UMG and TikTok, but for the artists and fans caught in the middle.Despite the challenges, GloRilla continues to shine. Her mixtape release, coupled with her rising influence in the rap world, demonstrates her resilience. As the UMG-TikTok battle unfolds, fans will undoubtedly rally around their favorite artists, hoping for a resolution that brings their music back to the platform.