Remember the offseason when Angel Reese’s Unapologetically Angel turned into the go-to spot for viral moments on social media? How could it not, though? We already knew how unhinged Angel is – in the best way possible. And when you’re famous, well-connected, and a WNBA star with a mic in front of you, your guest list gets spicy real fast. But anytime Reese linked up with the rap girlies, it was a special moment. Especially because Angel’s always been loud about showing love to powerful women in music. And one of those women is GloRilla.

Who is GloRilla?

GloRilla, born Gloria Hallelujah Woods in the summer of 1999, comes from Frayser, a neighborhood in North Memphis that sits between I-40 and the Mississippi River. Named after her grandmother, she was raised in a large and deeply religious Christian household as the eighth of ten siblings. While she’s never been quite sure about the origin of her middle name, her upbringing was rooted in strict beliefs – her family even skipped out on traditional Christmas celebrations, viewing them as Pagan in nature.

Despite that, music was always a part of her life. Her home often echoed with the sounds of artists like Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin, laying a spiritual foundation that would later blend with her love for rap. A cousin to Cardi B and Lil Uzi Vert carved out her own identity in the music world after her big moment came in April 2022. With the release of “F.N.F (Let’s Go),” a bold, energetic track that took TikTok by storm and kicked off a viral challenge, GloRilla got her big break and became a household name.

What does GloRilla do for a living?

That viral moment catapulted GloRilla onto the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy nomination not long after. Far from a one-hit wonder, she followed up with her 2023 EP Anyways, Life’s Great, which drew praise for its bold sound and authentic storytelling.

Known for bringing crunk energy back to the spotlight, Glo has proved that Southern hip-hop still has a powerful voice in today’s mainstream. In 2024, she took another major leap with the release of her debut album Glorious. Anchored by charting tracks like “TGIF,” “Hollon,” and “Whatchu Kno About Me,” the album reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200.

And it doesn’t stop there. Fresh off a three-month tour that hit over 20 cities, GloRilla made a special stop in Indianapolis for the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game. Her halftime performance lit up Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, just ahead of her big hometown finale (tour ending on July 25) in Memphis. 

How Angel Reese and GloRilla Became Friends

Angel Reese and GloRilla first crossed paths on Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer Tour. Then in May 2024, the tour rolled into Chicago’s United Center, and when GloRilla took the stage, she brought a surprise guest with her: Reese. GloRilla introduced Reese during her set, and Reese joined in, dancing and even hugging Glo mid-performance. 

That moment went viral, capturing fans’ hearts across TikTok and Instagram. Reese later said it was one of the coolest concert experiences she’d ever had. Not long after, the duo appeared together at Lollapalooza 2024 – this time, during Megan Thee Stallion’s headlining set. Since then, Reese has publicly celebrated GloRila, wishing her a happy birthday on social media. 

Are Angel Reese and GloRilla Related?

No, the basketball star and the rapper aren’t biologically related. However, their growing friendship and frequent public appearances together have often led fans to wonder if there’s a blood connection other than just mutual admiration.

Angel Reese on Her Friendship With GloRilla

Angel Reese and GloRilla may not share blood, but their bond is the kind that fans can’t get enough of. From playful banter to bold fashion takes, everything came alive when the rapper stopped by Unapologetically Angel. The vibe was effortless, with GloRilla gushing over Reese’s height and looks, jokingly calling herself a “midget” next to the baller.

What followed was a genuine exchange filled with laughs, stories, and a sisterhood that’s only grown since. One of the episode’s standout moments was when GloRilla recounted her emotional run-in with Beyoncé at Michael Rubin’s All-White party. “She told me I could sit down and I just started crying,” she said, visibly moved. Angel, of course, took the perfect shot at a plug, saying, “Beyoncé, if you see this – Glo-Beyoncé – that’s what we need.”

Their duo energy was back on display at the Sprite Jam Fest, where they served as judges and posed for that now-iconic courtside snap. GloRilla brought the kind of loud, fun cousin energy you didn’t know Reese needed. Even when the rapper was announced for an All-Star performance and Sky star wrote on her Twitter “thank yaa,” fans couldn’t help but wonder if Angel had a hand in it? 

So, all in all, these two may come from different worlds or families, but they’re both thriving and never miss a chance to hype each other up along the way. Isn’t that what it’s all about in the end?