Russell Simmons Advises GloRilla To Focus On Art, Not Money, After Signing To Yo Gotti

BY Erika Marie 26.2K Views
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Russell Simmons
Gotti gave GloRilla $500K and Simmons says, "Don't waste it all on junk... Don't let the money destroy your future."

Not every artist gets to enjoy a $500,000 signing bonus, but GloRilla is happily accepting Yo Gotti's half-million dollar gift. The rising star has found fame after her viral song "FNF (Lets Go)" not only took over social media but became her first charting record, catching the attention of the industry. Gotti has been carving out the next takeover label with CMG with GloRilla as their latest addition, and Russell Simmons has some advice for the Memphis-based rapper.

TMZ caught up with Simmons and asked if he had heard about GloRilla receiving her $500K bonus. "If it was up to me, I would always say don't waste it all on junk," Simmons advised.


"The junk, I'm not interested in it anymore. Maybe I'm older, I don't like designer stuff so much," the Def Jam icon added. "I don't want a lot of the stuff that I used to want, but, you know, kids have to experience what they do, right? I hope she saves some. You don't need it all. Operate from a place, a calm place, you're an artist. You need to be present. Operate from a place of needing nothing. A calm space and the junk that you get when you become a star takes you off course and you lose yourself."

"And so, couple years, maybe you're not as talented because you're invested in stuff that doesn't make you happy, but your art is your thing that makes you happy. And that's a very important thing that you have to remember. She has to remember that writing and performing and being an artist is what makes her happy, not the stuff. The results of her labor are just results. So, sit in the present moment and be happy and brace yourself, and don't let the money destroy your future."

Many have applauded Simmons for his sage advice. Check out his full response below.



About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.