Gloria Woods, known globally by her stage name GloRilla, has carved a unique path from the churches of Memphis, Tennessee, to the top of the Billboard charts and the courtside seats of the NBA. Her journey is a blend of musical triumph, personal challenges, and a headline-grabbing romance with Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram.
From Gospel Roots to Hip-Hop Stardom
GloRilla's artistic foundation was laid not in a recording studio, but in church, where she began as a singer. Her pivot to rap and hip-hop proved to be a career-defining move. She exploded onto the national scene in 2022 with her hit single F.N.F. (Let's Go), which successfully landed on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. This breakthrough led to a significant milestone: a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance. She solidified her place in the industry with subsequent hits like Tomorrow 2, a collaboration with superstar Cardi B.
Beyond music, GloRilla has engaged in meaningful community work, notably giving back to her alma mater in Memphis to support educational initiatives for children. However, her rise has not been without obstacles. In 2024, she was involved in a copyright dispute initiated by rapper Plies, who alleged unauthorized use of samples from his 2008 track Me & My Goons. The case, which also named Megan Thee Stallion, was later dismissed by Plies himself.
Personal Trials and a Blossoming Romance
The rapper faced a frightening personal ordeal in July 2025 when her home was burglarized by masked intruders. While the invaders were not apprehended, the incident led to legal trouble for Woods when authorities discovered marijuana in her bedroom during the investigation. She was arrested on possession charges but was subsequently released.
Amidst these professional and personal events, a private relationship began to capture public fascination. GloRilla quietly started dating NBA star Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors. The couple managed to keep their romance away from the spotlight initially, but sightings at multiple events in early 2025, including a nightclub celebration for GloRilla's birthday, fueled media speculation. She became a regular, supportive presence at Raptors games, cheering from the courtside.
A Viral Moment and Going Public
The relationship truly entered the public consciousness in a viral moment on November 27, 2025. After Ingram scored a crucial shot against the Indiana Pacers, cameras captured a heartfelt courtside celebration between the pair. GloRilla's joyful reaction—a hug, handshake, and a kiss—quickly spread across social media, endearing them to fans.
In December 2025, GloRilla finally opened up about the romance in an interview. She revealed that they first connected during a Thanksgiving basketball game where she was cheering him on, and clarified that it was Ingram who made the first move. Despite the public displays of affection, she emphasized her preference for privacy and her desire to keep the core of their relationship away from the intense glare of the spotlight. As they continue to grow together, fans eagerly await the next chapter for the rapper and the basketball star.
