What happens when a North Memphis rapper named Gloria Hallelujah wins BET’s top gospel award — and suddenly the church has questions? In this episode of “The Theology of Hip-Hop,” host Chris Burton digs into the faith, controversy and unfiltered honesty that run through GloRilla’s music.
From her childhood gospel roots to her raw prayers on Glorious, Chris explores how GloRilla’s catalog reveals a longing for God’s protection, presence and favor — even in the middle of a messy, modern life.
Episode highlights
- GloRilla’s gospel upbringing and why it still shapes her flow
- Why her BET Bobby Jones Gospel Award sparked controversy
- The theology inside songs like “Glo’s Prayer,” “Queen of Memphis,” “Blessed” and “Rain Down on Me”
- Prayer as vulnerability — not performance
- God as protector in a world marked by violence, fame and distrust
- Authenticity vs. internet “fairytales”
- How GloRilla models a faith that’s honest, imperfect and still reaching for God
Resources mentioned in this episode
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Full episode transcript
Read the full transcript for GloRilla: Thankful for God’s Favor.
Credits
- “The Theology of Hip Hop” is a co-production of the Presbyterian Outlook and Shirley Goodness
- Writer, narrator, editor and producer: Chris Burton
- Guest: Aria Halliday
- Producer: Dartinia Hull
- Consultant: Jesy Littlejohn
- Editing and sound design: Colin Harden
- Graphic: Lee Catoe
If you’d like to sponsor an episode of “The Theology of Hip-Hop,” please email info@pres-outlook.org.
