GloRilla’s R-Word Use In New Song Snippet Sparks Heated Debate

BY Caroline Fisher
Link Copied to Clipboard!
2022 American Music Awards - Red Carpet
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 20: GloRilla attends the 2022 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for dcp)
Fans aren't happy about GloRilla's latest lyrics.

It's been a wildly successful year for GloRilla. Unfortunately, however, the femcee has now found herself at the center of a serious debate. Earlier this week, she took to social media to tease an upcoming track, and one lyric in particular caught the attention of listeners. "Me and my b*tch r******d," she raps.

According to the Special Olympics, the R-word is a form of hate speech, which can be extremely offensive to those with intellectual disabilities or their loved ones. Social media users are now weighing in on GloRilla's use of the word on X, revealing whether or not they believe it's acceptable. While most agree that it's not, others argue that it's not a big deal, as long as it's not used to describe someone who actually has an intellectual disability.

GloRilla Fans React To Her Latest Preview

"Why are we still using the R-word in 2024? I can't get with this one," an X user writes. "Ion like that R-word so it's a no for me," someone else says. Others are coming to GloRilla's defense, insisting she didn't have bad intentions. "Generation too damn weak and sensitive," one fan claims, a sentiment echoed by many. For those who don't recall, a similar debate was sparked back in 2022 over a lyric on Lizzo's track “Grrrls.”

Disability advocate and writer Hannah Diviney called the performer out for her use of the term "spaz," which is considered offensive in the UK to those who are disabled. Ultimately, she decided to change the lyrics and released a lengthy statement explaining why. "I never want to promote derogatory language," she said in part. "As a fat Black woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case unintentionally)." What do you think of GloRilla sparking a huge debate with her latest song preview? Do you think people need to stop using the R-word in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

About The Author
Caroline Fisher is currently a News Editor at HotNewHipHop. Her time at HotNewHipHop began in 2023 when she began writing about music and pop culture full-time. Since then, she has helped cover major stories including the YSL RICO trial, Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s explosive feud, Diddy’s ongoing legal battle, and awards shows such as the BET Awards. Being from Chicago, she also got the opportunity to attend Summer Smash 2024 and review Chief Keef’s historic homecoming show. She additionally covered sets by Flo Milli, Playboi Carti, Bktherula, and more.

Comments 2