Jack Harlow is an American rapper and songwriter who has gained popularity with his catchy songs, viral videos, and charismatic personality. He is best known for his 2020 hit single “What’s Poppin”, which earned him a Grammy nomination and a Billboard Music Award. In this blog post, we will explore his origins, achievements, and musical influences.
Origins
Jack Harlow was born as Jackman Thomas Harlow on March 13, 1998, in Louisville, Kentucky1. He grew up in a mixed-race family that faced discrimination and financial struggles. He developed a passion for music at an early age, and started writing songs at the age of 12. He uploaded his songs to SoundCloud and YouTube, where he gained exposure and attention from Republic Records, who signed him in 20172.
Achievements
Jack Harlow released his debut EP, The Handsome Harlow, in 2015, followed by several mixtapes, such as 18 (2016), Gazebo (2017), and Loose (2018). He then joined the record label Generation Now, owned by Don Cannon and DJ Drama, and released his second EP, Confetti, in 2019. His breakthrough came with his 2020 single “What’s Poppin”, which became a viral sensation on TikTok and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also received a remix featuring DaBaby, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne, and was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards3. He also won the Top New Artist award at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards4.
Jack Harlow released his debut studio album, That’s What They All Say, in 2020, which debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart and received positive reviews from critics and fans. The album featured singles such as “Tyler Herro”, “Way Out”, and “Already Best Friends”. He also collaborated with other artists, such as Lil Nas X, Big Sean, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber. His second studio album, Come Home the Kids Miss You, was released in 2022, and included singles such as “First Class”, “Industry Baby”, and “3D”. He also made his acting debut as Jeremy in the 2023 remake of the 1992 film White Men Can’t Jump, directed by Calmatic5.
Jack Harlow has also performed in various concerts and festivals, such as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Firefly, and Austin City Limits. He has also appeared in various TV shows and podcasts, such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Joe Rogan Experience. He has amassed a loyal fan base and a huge social media following, especially on Instagram and TikTok.
Musical Influences
Jack Harlow has cited various artists as his musical influences, such as Drake, Eminem, Outkast, and Jay-Z6. He is also inspired by his hometown, his family, his friends, and his personal experiences. He has a distinctive hip hop and pop style, blending rap, singing, and melodic hooks. He is also known for his witty and clever lyrics, as well as his vocal versatility and ability to switch between different flows.
Jack Harlow is a talented and charismatic artist who has made a name for himself in the hip hop and pop scenes. He has a unique and authentic voice that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. He is constantly evolving and experimenting with his music, and has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.