Tag: Louisville

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Jack Harlow Honored By Louisville Mayor With His Own Holiday

Kentucky rapper Jack Harlow is starting 2022 with a bang. His hometown of Louisville, Kentucky will officially celebrate a holiday in his name.

Jack’s Plaque

On Monday (Jan. 3) the “What’s Poppin” artist revealed on Instagram that the Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky dubbed Dec. 28  “Jack Harlow Day.”

 

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A post shared by Jack Harlow (@jackharlow)

The Instagram post includes a photo of a gleaming plaque. The plaque reads: “For answering, once and for all, that what’s poppin’ is Louisville when it comes to talent that makes it bigger than big, but doesn’t forget the ‘home’ in hometown or homegrown.” This is a coy reference to Harlow’s 2020 hit, the first track that launched him into the public eye.

“The rapper’s way with words and beats has earned him untold fans, chart-topping releases, and an ability to give back in meaningful ways, and he does.”

The sweet message concludes, “Our city is excited and proud to observe December 28, 2021, as Jack Harlow Day in Louisville.”

Remembering His Roots

This news comes only a couple of weeks after Harlow made a stunning 250,000 donation to the American Red Cross in partnership fast-food chain KFC. The rap star and chicken chain recently partnered to aid the hundreds impacted by the deadly tornado that hit Kentucky in early December.

At the time, Harlow expounded on the personal importance he holds for his hometown. He stated:

“Growing up, I always dreamed of being that guy who would put Kentucky on the map in the music scene. But to team up with an iconic national staple like KFC, the biggest brand to come out of Kentucky, is truly an honor. I’m looking forward to all the amazing things we’re about to do together.”

Harlow had a remarkable 2021, with his debut album Thats What They All Say reaching number 5 on the US Billboard top 200. Harlow also earned his first No. 1 hit with a  feature on the Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby.”

Be sure to pay close attention to the Louisville-born rapper in 2022; it’s clear to see he has plenty in store.

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Written by Dreema Carrington

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Jack Harlow Just Wants to Make Music

Jack Harlow

Jack Harlow, the 23-year-old rapper-on-the-fast-track, makes headlines for not being the white boy in his music. While his fame rises, Harlow receives much hate for being himself, and critics want to tear him down.

 The Jack Harlow Process

According to his interview with GQ, the Louisville rapper did not have it easy; he spoke about how he got to where he is today. Harlow began writing lyrics at the age of 13 on his mother’s laptop, not knowing what he was doing. However, just because he felt uncertain, it did not stop him from writing his music; he was the best at what he was doing.

“I had no idea what I was doing but I still thought I was the best at it. I think you need that self-confidence in this game, although it might be sometimes misguided. If you won’t believe in yourself, who will?” 

Moreover, his confidence and talents are what got him to where he is today. “Whats Poppin” featuring Dababy, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne is one of his hits that won him a Grammy. Not only that, his collaboration with Lil Nax X took off and was number one on Billboard Hot 100. The rapper has skills, and he continues to show them in hit after hit.

As a result, his gain of popularity has many critics saying things about his race and music. As for white rappers, many critics believe they’re prone to fail because they don’t have the talent, or don’t know about the culture. Nevertheless, things are different with Harlow because he has skills and respects the culture. He avoids rapping about his skin color in his music, and mainly discusses life’s ups and downs. The reason for this is? He does not want to be seen as a novelty.

Above all, Harlow has a great personality that is friendly and easy-going. We see this through his music and social media posts. He is known for being himself and sharing music that resonates with his listeners. Harlow’s music does not focus on his race or trying to do a white version of the genre. His rap is made from his heart.

For more on Jack Harlow, click the link here.

By Amandine Shadia, Twitter @AmandineShadia

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Jack Harlow Keeps Hometown Promise and Continues Giving Back

Jack Harlow

Jack Harlow has kept his promise to give back to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. To demonstrate, Harlow announced plans to donate to five local organizations. These organizations are support systems for victims of rape and domestic violence, an all-girls school, and economic development for underserved urban communities.

(AMPED, Center for Women and Families, Grace M. James Academy of Excellence, Louisville Urban League and Metro United Way)

Motivation to give

Harlow definitely makes it known that Louisville is his foundation. “It’s part of my DNA. People joke about how often I reference my home, but it’s a huge part of my identity,” he said. Overall, he summarizes,

“My career feels like a mission that’s bigger than me.”

Harlow told PEOPLE magazine that he takes counsel from his mom. Her giving nature ultimately led to him taking on the task of giving back. In addition to this, the rapper makes connections daily and utilizes pivotal moments to showcase his humanitarian nature.

The Louisville rappers humanitarian past

Harlow previously donated $500,000 to Kentucky State University and Simmons College of Kentucky. Both institutions are historically Black universities.  KSU President, M. Christopher Brown II, says “…the school is thrilled to have been selected.”

With this in mind, Harlow wants to meet more people as it grounds his efforts in giving. Indeed, Harlow is mindful of his position in the culture and how to contribute to it without being the topic of criticism.

He continues his efforts and pushes past being just a “white rapper”.  In hindsight, there are bigger issues to combat. At the same time, he is providing solutions instead of problems. Harlow was involved when protests broke out for Breonna Taylor’s murder, as it took place in his hometown. 

Harlow says, “You know, not everyone likes where they grow up, or associate it positively. I had a positive experience in Louis.” Vogue(2020)

Harlow set out on the” Crème de la Crème Tour “ which is sold out. The tour set to wrap up Nov. 19.  The rapper is indeed humble and blesses others while climbing the ladder to success.