Last weekend, a humorous moment involving NBA referee Scott Foster went viral during a Celtics-Bucks playoff game. Foster, unfamiliar with the artist displayed on the Jumbotron, simply asked fellow referee Ed Malloy, “Who is that guy?”. This artist was none other than Jack Harlow, and Foster’s innocent question sparked a meme, highlighting the seemingly universal recognition Harlow has achieved in pop culture. The joke’s core premise rested on the idea that, by now, everyone should know Jack Harlow.
This Kentucky-bred rapper has indeed carved out a remarkable commercial trajectory, blending hit songs, influential endorsements, cross-genre appeal, and ventures beyond music. His ascent to superstardom feels almost undeniable, especially on the heels of his latest album, Come Home the Kids Miss You. This star-studded project, already boasting the chart-topping hit “First Class,” signals even greater success on the horizon. But before the fame, the hits, and the celebrity status, there was a place that shaped Jack Harlow. So, Where Is Jack Harlow From?
Jack Harlow hails from Louisville, Kentucky. This Midwestern city, while not traditionally considered a hip-hop epicenter like Atlanta or New York, is deeply ingrained in Harlow’s identity and artistry. Understanding Harlow’s roots in Louisville is crucial to grasping his journey and the unique perspective he brings to the music industry. His story is not just about talent and hard work; it’s also about the influence of his hometown and how it shaped the superstar we know today.
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Harlow’s rise to the top may seem unexpected, but it’s been a deliberate and stylish climb towards mainstream music’s A-list. He’s now a bona fide superstar. Let’s explore how his journey, deeply rooted in Louisville, Kentucky, unfolded in 10 key steps.
1. Louisville Laid the Foundation for Finding His Voice.
Before Jack Harlow became a household name, he was just a teenager in Louisville, Kentucky. His early days involved filming low-budget music videos around his hometown with friends. These weren’t glamorous productions, but they were formative. He rapped about everyday teenage life – skipping classes, grabbing burritos at Qdoba – embracing a relatable “cool-nerd” persona that resonated with his local audience. Listening to Harlow’s early projects, dating back to the mid-2010s, reveals glimpses of his lyrical talent and knack for punchlines. However, these early works were clearly the sound of an artist still developing, still finding his unique voice within the Louisville music scene.
His personality on the mic was engaging, even if not fully polished. He grasped melody, but his hooks weren’t yet refined. This period in Louisville was crucial for Harlow’s artistic gestation. It was in this environment that he honed his skills, experimented with different styles, and gradually molded the effortless flow that would later become his signature. When he finally broke through with “Whats Poppin” in 2020, part of its appeal was this very natural, unforced delivery – an effortlessness cultivated over years of practice and performance within his hometown.
2. “Whats Poppin” – A Killer Song Born from Honed Skills.
“This is one of the only beats I ever just like, heard, and I was like, ‘I need it right now,’” Harlow shared about “Whats Poppin” in a Genius breakdown. Producers JetsonMade and Pooh Beatz, fresh from the success of DaBaby’s “Suge,” crafted an instantly captivating beat, driven by an elegant piano loop and heavy-hitting percussion. This beat was the perfect canvas for Harlow to showcase his evolved persona and lyrical dexterity, honed in the Louisville rap scene.
He seized the opportunity, turning “Whats Poppin” into a showcase of his developed style. The track was packed with confident boasts, casual references to weed, food orders (“Eating fettuccine at Vincenzo’s!” – perhaps a nod to local Louisville spots), and the catchy phrase that became its title. Released in January 2020, the song rapidly gained traction on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, before exploding onto streaming services and radio. The original “Whats Poppin” climbed to No. 8 on the Hot 100, catapulting the 21-year-old Louisville native into the national spotlight.
3. Remixing “Whats Poppin” to Amplify His Reach.
Six months after the initial release of “Whats Poppin,” Harlow strategically amplified his hit single with an all-star remix. He enlisted DaBaby, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne, adding a new verse of his own to this updated version. The remix not only broadened the song’s appeal with established names but also enhanced its structure and length, evolving from 2:19 to 3:47 with a more conventional verse-chorus format. The guest verses were far from perfunctory; DaBaby, Lanez, and Wayne all delivered high-energy performances, lending further credibility to Harlow by sharing the track with him.
While the “Whats Poppin” remix’s legacy is now somewhat complicated by the subsequent controversies surrounding Lanez and DaBaby, its impact at the time was undeniable. The remix propelled the song to No. 2 on the Hot 100, significantly increasing Harlow’s visibility within mainstream hip-hop. These high-profile collaborations served as powerful endorsements, further validating the young artist from Louisville on a national stage.
4. Maintaining Momentum Through Consistent Collaboration.
In the period between “Whats Poppin” and his next major hit, Harlow remained actively engaged in the music scene. His major-label debut album, That’s What They All Say, reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in December 2020. Tracks like “Tyler Herro” and “Way Out” kept him on the Hot 100, although they didn’t replicate the massive success of “Whats Poppin.” Crucially, Harlow continued to build connections within hip-hop’s elite through collaborations. He featured on songs and remixes by Eminem, Ty Dolla $ign, Saweetie, and French Montana. This strategic approach ensured he remained relevant, constantly appearing on streaming playlists and solidifying his presence within the genre. While searching for his next breakout hit, Harlow avoided fading from the spotlight, making his voice a consistent presence in mainstream hip-hop.
5. “Industry Baby” – A Collaboration That Launched Him to the Top.
Harlow’s guest verse on Lil Nas X’s 2021 single “Industry Baby” proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. The anthemic pop-rap track became inescapable, granting Harlow his first No. 1 on the Hot 100 and eventually leading him to the Grammy stage. More than just chart success, “Industry Baby” significantly amplified Harlow’s public persona, paving the way for his current level of fame.
Image: Jack Harlow, a rapper originally from Louisville, Kentucky, performing live. His early career began in his hometown, shaping his unique style and flow.
His “Industry Baby” verse was packed with memorable lines, delivered with his signature swagger and charm: “I didn’t peak in high school, I’m still out here gettin’ cuter”; “OG so proud of me that he chokin’ up while he makin’ toasts.” These quotable lyrics, delivered within a concise 50 seconds, perfectly complemented Lil Nas X’s sing-song flow. The iconic “Industry Baby” music video further cemented Harlow’s image, casting him as the cool and collected foil to Nas’s protagonist. Adding to the impact, Harlow, a straight rapper, received praise from the LGBTQ community for his prominent role in a queer anthem. “Industry Baby” was a career-defining moment, arguably the most commercially transformative guest verse of the decade, elevating the artist from Louisville to a new level of stardom.
6. Kanye West’s Co-sign – Validation from a Hip-Hop Icon.
“Industry Baby” was co-produced by Kanye West, a monumental figure in hip-hop. Shortly after its release, Harlow reciprocated by appearing on “Louie Bags” from West’s Donda 2 album. Even more significantly, West publicly endorsed Harlow just days before Donda 2’s release. West posted a screenshot of Harlow’s “Nail Tech” music video on Instagram, captioning it: “This n***a can raaaaaaap bro And I’m saying n***a as a compliment Top 5 out right now.”
This endorsement from Ye, a highly respected voice in hip-hop, regardless of controversies, lent significant credibility to Harlow, particularly as a white artist in a predominantly Black genre. While “Industry Baby” broadened Harlow’s appeal on pop radio, West’s words validated his technical skills and artistry to hardcore rap fans. This co-sign from a legend further solidified the Louisville rapper’s position within the hip-hop community.
7. Landing a Lead Role in the “White Men Can’t Jump” Remake.
White Men Can’t Jump is a beloved cultural touchstone, a classic sports comedy that remains highly regarded. A remake had been in development for years, and in March, the lead was announced: Jack Harlow. This marked Harlow’s acting debut, secured solely on the strength of his first-ever screen audition.
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Image: Jack Harlow, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, announced as the lead in the “White Men Can’t Jump” remake, marking his foray into acting.
While the film’s success remains to be seen, the casting announcement underscored Harlow’s surging popularity. 20th Century Studios was willing to entrust him with a major remake, despite his lack of acting experience. This move signaled that Harlow’s appeal transcended music, positioning him for potential crossover success in Hollywood. White Men Can’t Jump 2.0 could potentially unlock a new dimension to Harlow’s career, establishing him as a double threat in both music and film.
8. “First Class” – Riding a Sample to Another Smash Hit.
“Nail Tech,” released in February, was a solid hit, reaching No. 18 on the Hot 100 and maintaining Harlow’s momentum. However, “First Class,” teased on TikTok before its release, generated an even bigger reaction, debuting at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and becoming Harlow’s biggest solo hit to date.
Harlow skillfully utilized a sample from Fergie’s 2006 chart-topper “Glamorous,” prominently featuring it in the “First Class” hook. His charisma and lyrical delivery then carried the track, creating a smooth blend of nostalgia and contemporary swagger. Listeners connected instantly with this combination, propelling Harlow to yet another level of success. This clever use of a sample, combined with Harlow’s inherent appeal, solidified his hit-making ability.
9. Strategic Album Release Timing for “Come Home the Kids Miss You”.
The release timing of Come Home the Kids Miss You, Harlow’s second major-label album, was impeccably planned. “First Class” was already a massive hit, “Industry Baby” remained ubiquitous on radio, and anticipation for his new music was at a fever pitch. Releasing the album roughly a month after “First Class” allowed his latest single to build even greater momentum, maximizing excitement for the full project.
Even casual fans were eager to hear Come Home the Kids Miss You. The album’s tracklist, featuring collaborations with Drake, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, and Lil Wayne, as well as a song titled “Dua Lipa,” further amplified the hype. While the album’s chart performance remains to be fully seen, Harlow’s elevated profile and star-studded tracklist suggested an even bigger debut than his previous album, That’s What They All Say.
10. Maintaining Confidence and Authenticity Throughout His Journey, Rooted in His Louisville Upbringing.
As a rapper from Louisville, Kentucky, with sharp punchlines, pop crossover potential, genuine respect from rap fans, and a touch of goofiness, Harlow occupies a unique space in mainstream hip-hop. This distinctiveness is precisely what has propelled him to his current platform. The constant throughout his journey, from a glasses-wearing rapping teen in Louisville to the creator of one of the year’s most anticipated albums, has been Harlow’s unwavering self-belief. This confidence, evident in his swagger and lyrical content, resonates with audiences.
People believe in Harlow as an artist because he believes in himself. This authentic perspective, nurtured in the environment of Louisville, has brought him to a potentially monumental commercial peak. Harlow undoubtedly sees no limits to his career, and if his journey so far is any indication, he may very well be right. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how talent nurtured in a hometown like Louisville, combined with hard work and self-belief, can lead to global superstardom.
