Dustin Gandof
Jack Harlow Goes Deep on Race and Rap, and 8 More New Songs: A Review
Jack Harlow, the rising rap star, has been making waves lately with his new single “First Class,” which recently hit the number one spot on the charts. Harlow’s success has sparked a race debate in hip hop, but in his latest release, he tackles the topic head-on. Along with “First Class,” Harlow has also dropped 8 other new songs that showcase his versatility as an artist.
In “First Class,” Harlow raps about his own experiences as a white rapper in a predominantly black genre. He acknowledges the privilege that comes with his whiteness and the systemic racism that permeates society. “They say I rap like a white boy, cause I do/ But I don’t see it as a white boy rap, it’s just a fact,” he raps, addressing the criticism he’s faced throughout his career.
But Harlow doesn’t stop there. He also challenges his fellow white rappers to use their platforms to address issues of race and injustice. “The white rappers that you cool with, can they vouch?/ Are they being true or they [just] firing some tweets out?,” he asks, urging his peers to go beyond performative allyship.
In addition to “First Class,” Harlow’s other new songs showcase his range as an artist. “Shadows in the Sun” is a soulful ballad that showcases his singing abilities, while “Helium” is a high-energy banger that’s perfect for the club. “Meditate” is a reflective track that showcases Harlow’s storytelling abilities, while “Paranoid” is a fast-paced rap that highlights his technical skills.
Overall, Jack Harlow’s latest release is a testament to his talent and his willingness to address important issues through his music. While “First Class” has sparked a debate about race and rap, the rest of his new songs show that he has a lot more to offer as an artist.
