The 17-year-old rapper from Louisville is ready for his big break.
What’s a typical up-and-coming rapper look like in your opinion? How about a white 17-year-old high school senior who’s rocking curls and glasses? That’s Jack Harlow for you—a young rapping sensation straight from Louisville, KY. Last year he made his debut with the Handsome Harlow EP and just unleashed his "Never Woulda Known" single, produced by Syk Sense, who’s worked with Harlow’s idol Drake and Travi$ Scott. Looks like this kid’s not only a shoe-in for the Prom King, but also next in line as the next big thing in the hip-hop world.
Hometown/homebase: Louisville, KY
How did you get involved with music?
I guess you could say I was moved by black culture early on in my adolescence. Around 6th grade I started trying out rapping with a friend of mine just for fun. We would record into a laptop microphone and pass out burned copies of acapella recordings in our middle school. I just stuck with it and it became a passion I took very seriously...now I’m a senior in high school and it’s my main focus.
Do you remember the very first rap verse you ever wrote? Do share!
I actually don’t. That was a while ago...so nah. But I’m sure it was ass.
Does the love for music run in your family?
The love, for sure. My mom introduced me to hip-hop and my dad raised me on country. We all enjoy music, although I think most people do. But strangely enough, nobody in my family is musically inclined or plays an instrument.
What are you idols when it comes to rap?
Drake is probably the only artist I truly idolize. I take influence and study a ton of artists but he is someone I have watched extra carefully. I think he makes perfect music honestly.
Do you remember your childhood’s favorite record?
My Mom used to always play Gwen Stefani’s The Sweet Escape album in the car and I really loved that shit. I would have to go with that.
Do you wear prescription glasses? And is it a firm "no" to contact lenses?
Yes, I do wear prescription glasses. I have a lazy eye (it’s more prominent in pictures). I’ve worn glasses my whole life, so I don’t plan on getting contacts. I have an image to uphold, my glasses contribute to this whole sex-symbol thing I’ve got going.
Did music ever come in the way of studying?
Yes, it didn’t take long for that to become a conflict. I got good at cheating instead.
You released your debut EP last fall. Tell us about this body of work.
The EP was a good chance for me to flex my technical skill and show people I’m really out here rapping as a true force to be reckoned with. I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of cohesion to the project but there are definitely some dope records on it. I’m always progressing and getting better, so I’m not gonna sit here and gas up a project that came out a few months ago like I still love it. I really hate most of it. Not because it sucks, but I’m just always getting better and mastering my craft. Blessing and a curse. But yeah… Go get that shit on iTunes.
Do you write lyrics or mostly improvise in the studio?
Write lyrics. I wish I could improvise and work fast like that, something I’m definitely trying to get better at. Seems way more fun.
There’s a lot of penis talk on your EP. What’s your favorite penis joke then?
Ha... I catch a lot of flack for my genitalia references for some reason. The truth is, I think I said something about my dick literally twice the entire EP. And if we’re being honest, almost all of these rappers are CONSTANTLY talking about their dicks. This is not uncommon in the slightest. Men have always had an obsession with their dicks as a symbol of power, and it goes far beyond just hip-hop. But that’s another conversation. I think the difference is I guess I just talk about my dick differently? Maybe it’s because I said the word ‘penis’ and the hip-hop world isn’t really used to that. Oh well.
Judging by the photos on your Instagram, there are a lot of girls at your shows. Any fun-with-the-groupies stories yet?
Yes! I love girls. It’s really great. I love when I see them at the show and I know their boyfriends hate me or my music too. I’m like damn...I know that’s causing some tension in the relationship. But I don’t ever refer to the girls at my shows as groupies or even look at them like that honestly, and I’m not just trying to sound respectful. Truthfully, I don’t think I’m the guy that these girls wanna just hook up with. I think a lot of them see me as…boyfriend material. I can’t explain that though.
Syk Sense produced your latest single "Never Woulda Known." How was it like working with a Grammy nominee? Did he give any good advices you can share?
Syk is so dope. He really is on another level right now. He’s a super friendly and humble guy too, like really down-to-earth. He’s told me a few times he really believes in what I’m doing and that he thinks I will make major waves in the industry, and that’s dope to hear from someone that is really doing things at a high level.
What should we expect from you this year?
Mediocre ass music! Nah, I’m joking, but I don’t know honestly. Things have been unpredictable as of late. I’m gonna be working harder than I ever have. Moving out of my parents crib when I graduate and moving into a house with the best producer in the city, Ace Pro. We’re just gonna work, do shows, push content...It should be a wild year. I want to cement myself as a major up-and-coming artist in the industry by December.
What’s your motto?
Hmmm...I think I have a few, but I will go with my senior quote because it has applied to my life in a major way. ‘Confidence is a decision’.
5 fast fun facts about Jack Harlow. Go!
- Oatmeal raisin is my favorite type of cookie.
- I like to sleep in jeans.
- New Balance is the only brand of shoe I wear. Working towards an endorsement deal.
- I lived in a rural part of Kentucky and eventually moved to Louisville in elementary school. We had 4 acres of land and two horses.
- I pick up Little Caesar’s almost every time I’m on the way to the studio.
