Gloss Up: “BestFrenn” [ft. Glorilla] Track Review

Gloss Up and Glorilla are so tight they have the same line from Rihanna’s “Umbrella” tattooed across their thighs: “When the sun shine we’ll shine together/Told you I’ll be here forever.” The Memphis rappers met at a local talent show in 2019 and soon started co-writing bars; in the years since, as Gloss wrote in a glowing Instagram caption, they’ve survived homelessness and pregnancy together, fighting “304s”—“hoes,” if you turn the elementary-school calculator upside-down—side by side. As Glorilla’s career skyrocketed from her massive hit “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” rumors of beef between the friends started circulating. But they want you to know their connection is stronger than ever: On “BestFrenn,” a rowdy single from Gloss Up’s upcoming debut Before the Gloss Up, they take pleasure in rising above gossip and gassing each other up.

Accompanied by a wrestling-themed video, the irresistible track is a warning to their mutual enemies. “Ain’t no E-N-D, this shit forever, we don’t break or bend,” Gloss Up raps, fired-up over the synth squeaks and pounding bass of a classic crunk beat. Across the track’s two-minute rumble, the two exude enough swagger to command the attention of an entire WWE Smackdown! arena. “Bett’ not try my best friend,” they chant in unison, two heavyweight champs rooting each other on. Big Glo’s gruff delivery gives her smack talk a rougher dimension as she cackles and roasts anyone who dare test them. Don’t get between the powerhouse pair; as they’ve promised, they’ll “smack your granny, smack your cousin, smack your auntie and her friend,” then gleefully leave to twerk on the nearest headlights together.