Rod Wave Outsells GloRilla: A Battle of Styles and Sales

In the world of hip hop, few comparisons are as interesting as the one between Rod Wave and GloRilla. While both are rising stars, their music styles are worlds apart. Rod Wave blends his rap with a deep emotional, R&B-influenced sound, while GloRilla’s music leans into Southern trap anthems. Despite their differences, both artists found themselves in a head-to-head album release battle that has just wrapped up—with Rod Wave emerging as the clear victor.

On October 15, DJ Akademiks confirmed the first-week sales numbers for both artists, revealing that Rod Wave's album Last Lap sold an impressive 130,000 units, more than doubling GloRilla’s first-week sales of 60,000 for her debut album Glorious. This marks Rod Wave's second-strongest debut week, tied with his 2021 album SoulFly, while his 2023 release Nostalgia holds the top spot with 137,000 units sold in its first week.

The Numbers and the Feud

The sales figures are especially notable given the tension between the two artists leading up to the album drops. GloRilla voiced her frustration on social media when Rod Wave decided to move his release date to match hers. "Why df would you drop on my day," GloRilla tweeted, clearly unhappy with the competition. Rod Wave, however, responded nonchalantly, saying, "La twin drop same night," indicating he had no plans to change his release schedule.

The feud may have sparked extra interest in both albums, but Rod Wave’s established fanbase and proven track record helped him secure the higher sales. This is not GloRilla’s first time in the spotlight, but Glorious is her debut full-length album, whereas her previous EP Anyways, Life’s Great only sold 28,000 units in its first week. GloRilla still has room to grow in terms of fanbase and sales, but her competitor’s more extensive discography and loyal following gave Rod Wave the edge this time around.

GloRilla’s Competitive Streak

GloRilla has been outspoken about her rivals in the past, including a notable jab at JT of City Girls after JT’s mixtape City Cinderella sold just 27,000 units in its first week in July. GloRilla had mocked JT’s numbers on Twitter, writing, "No competition... Dese b*tches stale ho." But when it came time for her debut, GloRilla couldn’t match Rod Wave’s chart dominance, despite her bold claims and social media skirmishes.

What’s Next for Both Artists?

For Rod Wave, this win further solidifies his place among hip hop’s top sellers, adding to his growing legacy. His emotional storytelling continues to resonate with fans, and his ability to consistently move units shows that he’s a major force in the industry.

GloRilla, on the other hand, is just getting started. While she didn’t outsell Rod Wave this time, her debut still marks a strong start, and her potential for future success remains high. As she refines her sound and expands her discography, GloRilla may soon have the numbers to back up her competitive attitude.

Final Thoughts

Rod Wave and GloRilla may both be rappers, but their musical approaches are distinctly different. In this case, Rod Wave’s established career and emotional connection with fans gave him the advantage in first-week sales. But GloRilla’s debut shows she’s a rising star with plenty of potential to make waves in the future. The battle may be over for now, but the competition between these two artists is likely far from finished.

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