JACK HARLOW
From Hometown Hero to Hip-Hop Phenom
Jack Harlow got his start as a hometown hip-hop hero in Louisville, Kentucky. He played sold-out shows in small venues when he was in high school, then opened for high-profile acts from across the genre spectrum. Now, he’s got a certified platinum hit and is one of the hottest up-and-coming rappers of 2020.
Harlow, 22, started recording his first rhymes with a laptop and Guitar Hero mic when he was only 12 years old. He sold mixtapes to his middle school classmates and formed a rap collective with his friends during the same years. By the time Harlow reached high school, his YouTube channel had gotten him enough attention to attract offers from major record labels. Although he chose not to sign onto any, he released his first commercial EP before graduating and opened a show for Vince Staples in his home city.
The year after he graduated high school, Harlow released another mixtape and performed at both South by Southwest and Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. The following years brought more mixtape releases and a spot opening for Portugal. The Man on select dates of the band’s North American tour and a collaboration with Grammy nominee Bryson Tiller.
This year, Harlow had his mainstream breakthrough with his single “WHATS POPPIN.” The song’s punchy rhythm and cocky lyrics made it an instant hit on TikTok and beyond. It charted in nine countries and is certified RIAA platinum.
In March, Harlow also released his second EP and his first to reach the U.S. charts. He followed up his newfound success with a collaboration with G-Eazy. “Moana” is a smooth rhythmic delight and although it didn’t reach the Hot 100, it made it to number 23 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
Harlow has several solo and festival performances scheduled in late 2020. We’re also anticipating his next big-name collab track and his first full-length studio album.
