Aight, let’s talk about Jack Harlow – this cat from Kentucky who’s put a new spin on the game. Dude’s got that smooth flow with beats that nod to his roots, but it’s bigger than that. He’s built for that crossover appeal, makin’ music that’s left his mark on the industry.
His first mixtapes showed the world he was hungry. He was a young MC findin’ his lane, but look how far he’s come since then. “Loose” and “Confetti” proved he could switch it up, then “Sweet Action” was his breakout hit. But his biggest flex was “Thats What They All Say” – that album right there solidified his spot. And with “Come Home The Kids Miss You,” we see how much he’s grown, lyrically and in his sound. Every album is a new vibe, a different side of his style.
Now, fan votes don’t lie. From his early work and “18,” which showcased all that raw talent, to the polished sound of “Come Home The Kids Miss You” that made him a star, we’re rankin’ every Jack Harlow album, based on what y’all think is his best work.
1 Thats What They All Say
Released: 2020
Label: Generation Now/Atlantic
Features: Lil Baby, Big Sean, Chris Brown, Adam Levine, EST Gee, Static Major, Bryson Tiller, Tory Lanez, DaBaby, Lil Wayne
Released in gritty 2020, this album solidified his stance, possessing the audaciousness of a debut with the refinement of a seasoned player. A diamond in a year of rough, Harlow masterfully combined catchy hooks, textured lyrics, and a refreshing musical approach that diverted from the mainstream course. Standout track, “WHATS POPPIN”, blew up, lighting up charts and social media algorithms with its infectious beat and razor-sharp bars. Harlow’s confident delivery packed a one-two punch that resonated powerfully as a testament to his hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. The track’s monster of a remix – featuring Lil Wayne, DaBaby, and Tory Lanez – illustrated not just Harlow’s ear for a hit, but his ability to stand toe-to-toe with industry’s giants. As a full-on Louisville slugger, “Thats What They All Say” is Harlow’s Grand Slam, making waves in the hip-hop sea.
2 Come Home The Kids Miss You
Released: 2022
Label: Generation Now/Atlantic
Features: Pharrell Williams, Drake, Justin Timberlake, Lil Wayne
“Come Home the Kids Miss You” emerges as an ideal showcase for Jack Harlow’s artistry. Harlow can position this album as a genuine reflection of his evolution, particularly through tracks like “Side Piece” and “Lil Secret,” which aim for a mature, sensual vibe, and “State Fair,” where he contemplates his unchanged core amidst fame. The collaboration with Drake on “Churchill Downs” mirrors a quintessential late-night Drake introspection, featuring Harlow delivering a pivotal line that asserts his place in the genre: “I’m hip-hop, do you fully understand?”
3 Sweet Action
Released: 2020
Label: Generation Now/Atlantic
Features: jetsonmade
Released on his 22nd birthday in 2020, the EP saw Harlow stepping up his game, bringing some hard-hitting vibes, but never strayin’ too far from his chilled-out demeanor. This 7-track offering gifted us the banger ‘WHATS POPPIN’, which shot up to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, putting our Kentucky boy firmly on the map. Harlow’s lyrical dexterity shone on this one, spitting bars about his burgeoning fame and the tribulations that came with it. His knack for storytelling was evident on tracks like ‘ONCE MAY COME’ and ‘2STYLISH’. There’s a maturity about “Sweet Action” that showed Harlow was ready for the big leagues. He was owning his craft, pushing boundaries, but still keeping it 100 with his roots. The chart success of “Sweet Action” solidified Harlow’s position as a rising star in the hip-hop scene, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
4 Jackman.
Released: 2023
Label: Generation Now/Atlantic
In this album, Harlow’s musical style and choices echo the greats, drawing heavily from the likes of Drake and Kendrick Lamar. At 25, he boldly claims to be the most impactful white rapper since Eminem, known for his intense lyrics about life’s struggles. However, Harlow’s exploration of white male experiences doesn’t dive into aggression or excessive self-criticism, territories Eminem and Macklemore are known for. Previously, he seemed happy to play the role of a likable, chart-topping goofball. What truly sets him apart is his commitment to authenticity. While his unfiltered honesty might not win everyone over, it lends depth to what might have otherwise been a one-dimensional persona.
5 Confetti (Mixtape)
Released: 2019
Label: Generation Now/Atlantic
Features: EST Gee, 2forwOyNE, Bryson Tiller
Overflowing with top-notch production and Harlow’s undeniable lyrical prowess, this joint was a decisive step up from his earlier works. Tracks like “HEAVY HITTER” and “WARSAW” explode with vivacity, demonstrating Harlow’s dexterity with wordplay. His flow throughout the album is catchier than a summer cold, while his ability to switch between rapid-fire rhymes and languid, cool-as-ice rhymes is a testament to his versatility. “Confetti” didn’t just shimmer, it exploded, proving Harlow could rap with the best of them, busting rhymes like fireworks over the Derby City skyline.
6 Loose
Released: 2018
Label: Generation Now/Atlantic
Features: 2forwOyNE, K CAMP, CyHi, Taylor (Rapper)
With a bevy of bangers and deep dive tracks that show a maturity beyond his years, Harlow made a name for himself in the crowded hip-hop landscape. Standout cut “SUNDOWN” is a testament to his natural ability to blend infectious hooks with sharp lyrical prowess. The way he rides the beat on ‘Rainbow Kitten Surprise’ showcases a level of rhythmic dynamism that many MCs twice his age struggle to master. Additionally, his collaboration with established Kentucky rapper, K Camp on “PICKYOURPHONEUP” demonstrated a seamless interplay and solidified Harlow’s place in the game.
7 Gazebo
Released: 2017
Label: Generation Now/Atlantic
Features: Shloob, Taylor
The record is layered with slick verses, embracing Harlow’s poetic roots, dropping wisdom beyond his years. Harlow’s flow is icy cool, reminiscent of laid-back pioneers like Snoop Dogg, but he ain’t no copycat, he’s got his own unique twist, bending words with a casual swagger. Tracks like ‘Eastern Parkway’ and ‘Routine’ establish him not just as a spitter, but as a storyteller, painting vivid pictures of his Kentucky upbringing. Despite his youthful age, Harlow infused the record with a deep understanding of how solid hip-hop should sound, pointing to a promising future.
8 18 (Mixtape)
Released: 2016
Label: Private Garden Records
Features: Otis Junior, Nemo Achida, Johnny Spanish
Jack’s mixtape delves into youthful hip-hop narratives, pitting himself against the world with a bold declaration of his supremacy, eager to prove his worth. The compilation showcases his remarkable ability to maintain consistent rhymes, revealing his effort and confidence throughout.
