GloRilla has found herself at the center of controversy after using an offensive term in her new song. Following an outpouring of negative feedback from fans online, the Memphis rapper quickly responded by changing the lyric in question.
GloRilla Receives Criticism for Using R-Word in Her Lyrics
The controversy began on Friday (Aug. 23) when popular Instagram blog The Shade Room uploaded a clip of GloRilla previewing an unreleased track. In the snippet, the rapper delivers an eyebrow-raising lyric that includes the r-word—a term widely regarded as offensive and derogatory toward individuals with disabilities.
The problematic lyric in question goes:
“He you must not know what you just started / Me and my bches retarded, / Give a fk about this party / We gon’ step on sht regardless.”
As the video circulated, social media users quickly took to the comment sections to express their disapproval of GloRilla’s use of the term. Many pointed out that the r-word is not only outdated but also considered hate speech, especially against individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to the Special Olympics, the word “retard” or “retarded” is a form of derogatory language that has no place in modern discourse.
Fans did not hesitate to voice their concerns. One commenter on Instagram wrote:
“Yikes. Not a good look.”
Another added:
“Words do hurt, in fact words have started wars.”
A third user expressed how hurtful such language is to people with disabilities:
“It’s hurtful to people with disabilities so just don’t use it.”
GloRilla Quickly Edits Her Song After Backlash
In response to the growing backlash, GloRilla took swift action to amend her song. On Monday (Aug. 25), just days after the controversy erupted, the rapper posted a new version of the track on Instagram with the offensive term removed.
In the updated version, GloRilla replaces the r-word with a more appropriate lyric:
“He you must not know what you just started / Me and my bches go naughty, / Give a fk about this party / We gon’ step on sht regardless.”
This quick revision appeared to be an effort to maintain the energy of the song while respecting the concerns of her fanbase. Her decision to act swiftly in addressing the issue has been viewed by many as a positive move, especially in a time where artists are increasingly held accountable for their words.
GloRilla is not the first rapper to face criticism for the use of offensive language in music. Several other artists have faced public outrage and been forced to revise their lyrics in response to backlash.
One notable example is YG, who stirred controversy in 2014 with his song “Meet the Flockers.” The track included a line that many interpreted as promoting anti-Asian sentiments, suggesting that Chinese neighborhoods were ideal targets for robbery. Following backlash, the word “Chinese” was removed from the song on digital streaming platforms.
Similarly, J. Cole found himself in hot water in 2013 after using an insulting lyric related to disabilities in Drake’s “Jodeci Freestyle.” The Dreamville rapper’s verse originally included the line, “I’m artistic, you ni**as is autistic, retarded,” which was later removed when Drake re-released the track in his *Care Package* album in 2019.
Fan Reactions to GloRilla’s Change
Although GloRilla took immediate steps to address the issue, the incident has continued to spark conversations on social media. Fans remain divided, with some appreciating her prompt action, while others believe it highlights a broader issue with certain language still being present in hip-hop lyrics.
“Her vocabulary is limited,” one user commented. “Create new languages to use for hip-hop purposes.”
Another fan wrote:
“I dislike it so much. Anytime I hear it, I cringe.”
While GloRilla has shown a willingness to adapt and respond to criticism, this incident serves as a reminder of the evolving standards in music and how language that was once common in the industry is no longer acceptable. As audiences grow more vocal about inclusivity and respect, artists must continue to evolve with them.