Rap fans are honing in on Flo Milli and asking an important question: why isn’t she more well-known and respected?
The 22-year-old Alabama native, who was notably included in XXL’s 2021 Freshman Class, became the subject of discussion after a Twitter user re-circulated a brief video that was made by a fan.
I don’t like how y’all be sleeping on my good sis @_FloMilli !!!!!!! She be talking her shiiiiit fr pic.twitter.com/lf6TBWgm5P
— Cleo Targaryen the first of her name (@cleotrapawest) September 15, 2022
“I need you guys to answer this today: Why is Flo Milli so underrated? Why? She doin’ what she has to do — she’s a young Black queen! Stand up,” the Flo Milli stan exclaims in the clip.
She then proceeds to shoutout a Flo Milli track called “PBC” before bumping it and dancing around, hyping up the song as a mantra for people who are “pretty, Black, cute.”
The Twitter user (who is not the person in the clip) expounded upon this video by throwing GloRilla — a lighter skin-toned Memphis rapper who initially blew up through her “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” single — into the mix, as she alleged that Flo Milli hasn’t seen similar successes due to colorism.
The user also compared GloRilla’s recent single with Cardi B, “Tomorrow 2,” to a shoutout that Cardi gave Flo Milli on social media back in 2020.
Since I’m talking about Cardi co-signs taking girls to the next level, how come her Flo Milli s/o didn’t have the same effect? Yall know I’ve been on the Glorilla train for a min and am beyond proud of her but as a DS BW it’s hard to not notice the elephant in the room…. pic.twitter.com/01hgt3Sipv
— Yall Sound Crazy (@queenveej) September 28, 2022
Other users immediately began joining the conversation, with some agreeing that Flo Milli is not getting the recognition that she deserves.
Flo Milli’s debut album was actually too good for her to not be bigger than she is right now. We need to be honest about that and the reasons why 🤨 pic.twitter.com/nW3CvjqBQf
— Marlo, Support me Bitch! (@CeeReeSpeaks) September 28, 2022
Flo milli doesn’t get enough recognition she’s so talented 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— The ASHMIRACLE SHOW (@TAshmiracleshow) September 28, 2022
Like Flo Milli is pretty af, know how to dress, SHE CAN RAP, her music is versatile, music videos be A1…she really the full package https://t.co/RUdNjb5Jor
— T (@tlamarrr) September 29, 2022
However, others tried to shut down the comparison by proclaiming that the main difference between the artists is that GloRilla garners more male fans.
Y’all throw colorism on everything when these artists both have different sounds, different genres and completely different audiences, on top Glorilla also having a huge male present audience which Flo Milli doesn’t have. It’s that simple https://t.co/fCA1NxZpQV
— The Slim Reaper 🇬🇾 (@AGForThree) September 29, 2022
I can’t believe ppl tryna say Glorilla getting amped cause she lightskin, that’s absolutely crazy. Then to compare her to Flo Milli is insane. They are both great the only reason Glorilla got the upper hand is cause niggas like her shit too. Ain’t no nigga blasting Flo Milli.
— M$B (@milliondollabre) September 29, 2022
The comparison went on to be dubbed “unfair,” because fans don’t get to see the behind-the-scenes work or deals that go on in the music industry.
I think it’s very unfair to compare Flo Milli & Glorilla to each other & somewhat place Glorilla’s growing success on her being lightskin. So unfair.
— Gabby 💕✨ (@xogabbyelle) September 28, 2022
y’all don’t know what terms Glorilla signed on for in her deal…maybe Flo Milli won’t go for the same stuff. https://t.co/C3wGc5fPdW
— 🃏 (@bettercallfee) September 29, 2022
Twitter users also pointed out that Flo Milli’s sound is an “acquired taste.”
flo milli is a hard ass rapper and makes amazing music, but i do agree that the tone of her voice is an acquired taste. just like rico nasty. it took me a few listens to get used to both of them but now i’m a fannnnn and imma ride for boffum til the wheels fall off 😭
— commander hange (@gl0hen) September 29, 2022
there’s no elephant people just don’t wanna hear Flo Milli rapping like she on an episode of Dora for 12 songs straight.
— Piyoncè (@LifeeeSucksPASH) September 29, 2022
Flo milli sounds like Susie Carmichael. Glorilla sound like a nigga be fr. https://t.co/Yl9wMJjwQM
— UMAMI (@st0nadee) September 29, 2022
Still, some users notably argued that Flo Milli actually does garner attention and support from Black listeners.
I see Flo Milli name on this app every day…She’s getting her flowers on here but yall want her to get validation from somewhere else and I’m not gonna elaborate https://t.co/wHkbGtnaVw
— IdrisChillba (@JcBeChillin) September 29, 2022
The complaints about Flo Milli being overlooked, are directed to who exactly?? The viral tweets, are they supposed to reach people who don’t like her music and possibly get them to change their minds? Like what’s the goal here?
— Drug Lord Griselda (@zulubarbiie) September 28, 2022
While Flo Milli hasn’t explicitly commented on the matter, she issued a pertinent tweet just over a week ago: “pressure makes diamonds, remember that whenever you get discouraged.”
pressure makes diamonds, remember that whenever you get discouraged
— SATURN’S BABY🪐 (@_FloMilli) September 22, 2022
What are your thoughts on the comparisons between the two rappers?
