Released April 27th, 2023, Jack Harlow’s new album, Jackman, has received very mixed reviews.
Many believe this album, (his third full length LP released while signed to a major label) was a lame attempt at being taken seriously as a rapper by talking about more serious topics. I believe this was Harlow’s first step in a direction of a mature rapper. I also thought it was very interesting that this album has no features at all. Many think it is a way to put himself in the light as independent as he strives for a more mature look and I totally agree.
As he takes on a more mature tone and vocal stance and raps about more serious and controversial subject matter, I think he is trying to be taken more seriously. He’s showing he is his own artist and doesn’t need to feature anyone but himself on his album.
This doesn’t mean the album was perfect for me though. The song Gang Gang Gang was especially hard for me to get behind just because the message was confusing. Many couldn’t tell if he was saying he would still be friends and support pedophiles and rapists or if he was saying the support he once had for them was no longer there because of their actions.
Personally, I see the message Jack Harlow is trying to send by the end of the song. He describes how he and a friend could be like family but once they commit an action like that, it is a line that can’t be crossed making it feel like now the two friends are strangers. I understand where the confusion comes from when they describe how these people did things so morally and legally wrong and then still call them “gang”. These lyrics in the third verse are what kind of cleared up the message for me.
“Family ’til it can’t be, gang ’til it ain’t…
“I always got you,” turns into “Well, I never thought you.”
“Years of camaraderie suddenly disappear…
Almost like you never were here…
Unconditional love becomes very conditioned.”
The best song on the album for people who enjoy his other album vibes more is definitely They Don’t Love It. The track has the energy of his other songs, but you can still sense the maturity of his new style throughout the lyrics and tone.
Overall, I like the new album and think the album shows a different side to Jack Harlow that we’ve never seen before. I hope he continues to make more serious music but, I also hope we do not lose the Jack Harlow that we know and love. Hopefully, the man who made all of our favorite catchy songs with goofy and playful lyrics isn’t going anywhere either.