Memphis female rapper Gloss Up is back in the spotlight with her latest project, Inferno. The new release landed on January 9, 2026, and fans are already calling it one of her most compelling bodies of work yet. The entire project is produced by Dubba AA and also provides plenty of energetic bars to it, giving it one cohesive sonic identity from start to finish. The Florida native adds a diverse flow to the project as well, as he continues to showcase his versatility throughout Inferno.
This is Gloss Up’s first official project since her critically noticed Not Ya Girl: Act 1 from 2024—a release that helped cement her as one of hip‑hop’s most exciting voices. Inferno serves as a bold next chapter in her ever‑evolving journey.
In an era where artists often chase fleeting trends, Gloss Up focuses on depth, consistency, and atmosphere. That’s evident in Inferno, a project packed with sharp writing, immersive beats, and an understanding of both her roots and her future.
Building a Legacy: Who Is Gloss Up?
Gloss Up hails from Memphis, Tennessee, a city deeply woven into hip‑hop history. She first began making noise with underground releases before gaining wider recognition. Over the years, she’s cultivated a distinct voice that’s both personal and potent, blending gritty street sensibility with playful swagger.
Her early work includes projects like Different Shades of Gloss, her 2019 mixtape that introduced her bold style to new listeners. Following that came Before The Gloss Up and Shades of Gloss in 2023, both of which helped broaden her fan base and set the stage for more ambitious music.
In May 2024, Gloss Up released Not Ya Girl: Act 1, a seven-song EP that gained attention for its varied songwriting and strong collaborations. It featured appearances from artists like Jacquees, Hunxho, and Skilla Baby, showing her versatility and reach within the hip-hop community.
What Inferno Brings to the Table
Inferno is a 9-track release, showcasing Gloss Up’s progression both lyrically and sonically. Longtime listeners will notice how she has sharpened her focus, delivering verses that feel intentional, confident, and fully aligned with the music.
Produced entirely by Dubba AA, the beats on Inferno range from atmospheric, slow-burn moments to hard-hitting Southern hip-hop energy. The sonic cohesion gives the project a strong identity—you feel the heat of Inferno from the first beat to the last hook.
Notable among the tracks is “Hotbox”, which features YFN Lucci, adding another layer of dynamic presence to the project. Lucci, an Atlanta rapper with a deep catalogue dating back to the mid-2010s, brings his signature melodic flow and Southern sensibility to the feature, creating a standout moment within the project.
But Inferno isn’t just about one track or one guest—every song feels like part of an interconnected story. Gloss Up uses the platform to explore themes of ambition, resilience, self-worth, and the grind that got her here.
Why Inferno Matters in 2026
In 2026, hip-hop is more diverse than ever. There’s room for every sound—from drill and trap to more experimental, genre-blending styles. What makes Inferno exciting is its grounding in tradition while still sounding fresh. Gloss Up acknowledges her southern roots while pushing herself toward new artistic territory.
That balance between heritage and innovation is part of what makes Inferno resonate. Listeners can feel the influences—from the street narratives of classic Memphis rap to the melodic delivery shaping modern hip-hop—without feeling like the project is trying too hard. It simply exists, confidently and creatively.
Gloss Up’s Growth and Cultural Impact
Gloss Up isn’t just releasing music; she’s building a foundation. Inferno arrives at a point in her career where she’s already familiar to many fans yet still forging her own path. Her trajectory shows both consistency and evolution—from early mixtapes to her latest full project.
Her earlier breakout moments include collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights and peers. For instance, her work on tracks like “Shabooya” alongside Hitkidd, K Carbon, Slimeroni, and Aleza helped thrust her into broader hip-hop conversations, shining a spotlight on her lyrical personality and charisma.
Gloss Up also held a pop-up celebration for her Not Ya Girl: Act 1 EP in Atlanta in 2024, bridging her Memphis roots with one of the country’s biggest music cities. That’s more than just a show—it’s a strategic move that connects her to a wider national audience while staying true to her origins.
Evergreen Lessons From Gloss Up’s Career
Gloss Up’s rise offers a few timeless takeaways for music fans and aspiring artists alike:
1. Stay True to Your Roots
Gloss Up’s Memphis background remains central to her identity. Her music carries the grit, humor, and authenticity of her hometown—a quality that never goes out of style.
2. Evolve With Intention
Each project—from early mixtapes to Inferno—feels like a new chapter, not a repetitive retread. Growth doesn’t always mean mainstream crossover; it means refinement, focus, and artistic bravery.
3. Collaboration Builds Culture
Working with producers like Dubba AA and featuring artists like YFN Lucci expands Gloss Up’s reach while giving other artists a chance to shine too. Hip-hop has always been a communal art form, and Gloss Up keeps that spirit alive.
Dubba-AA’s Rise In The Industry
In addition to teaming up with Gloss Up on Inferno, he has his own motion in place as well. In 2025, he teamed up with another hot Memphis artist in Slimeroni, last summer. That was their “Thnx 4 Nurhin” mixtape, which contained 11 songs.
Where to Listen and What Comes Next
Inferno is available now on major streaming platforms. Fans can dive in track-by-track to experience the layered beats and polished flows that make this a stand-out release in Gloss Up’s discography.
Looking ahead, Inferno sets a high bar—not just for Gloss Up’s future releases, but for what audiences expect from a full, artistically driven project in today’s hip-hop landscape.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious newcomer, Inferno is a moment worth hearing. Its blend of style, grit, and storytelling proves that Gloss Up’s flame in the rap world is only getting hotter. - via Hip-HopVibe
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