Jack Harlow burst onto the hip hop scene in 2020 with his breakout hit “What’s Poppin” and quickly became one of the hottest new rappers in the game. But after a meteoric rise, Harlow seemed to disappear from the spotlight, leaving many fans wondering: what happened to Jack Harlow?
Jack Harlow’s Early Life and Career
Jack Harlow was born Jackman Thomas Harlow on March 13, 1998 in Shelbyville, Kentucky. He grew up interested in hip hop and started rapping and producing beats as a teenager. In 2015 at age 17, Harlow released his first mixtape titled Extra Credit under the name Mr. Harlow. He began performing shows around Louisville and gained a local following.
In 2018, Harlow released his first EP titled Loose and began getting some buzz outside of Kentucky. The lead single “Routine” showed his potential, displaying clever wordplay and charisma. Later that year he signed with DJ Drama’s Generation Now label, home to artists like Lil Uzi Vert.
The Breakout with “What’s Poppin”
In January 2020, Harlow released his major label debut mixtape Sweet Action. The mixtape included the song “What’s Poppin” featuring DaBaby, Tory Lanez and Lil Wayne. “What’s Poppin” quickly took off, fueled by its infectious hook and Harlow’s easy-going charisma. The remix featuring DaBaby, Tory Lanez and Lil Wayne helped push it to the next level, becoming Harlow’s first top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The success of “What’s Poppin” made Harlow one of the most exciting new rappers on the scene. He became known for his laidback swagger, unique voice and fun, carefree lyrics. His profile received another boost when he was named to the XXL Freshman Class of 2020 alongside rappers like Roddy Ricch, Lil Keed and Polo G.
Debut Album Thats What They All Say
Coming off the success of “What’s Poppin,” anticipation was high for Harlow’s debut album. He delivered with December 2020’s Thats What They All Say. The album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and was generally well-received by critics.
Thats What They All Say showed impressive range for the young rapper. Along with upbeat party tracks were also more personal songs dealing with relationships and his quick come-up in the industry. While the album didn’t produce any major hit singles like “What’s Poppin,” tracks like “Way Out” featuring Big Sean and “Tyler Herro” still performed well.
The album showed Harlow’s potential to appeal to diverse audiences in hip hop. Thats What They All Say solidified his position as one of rap’s most promising new voices.
Acting Roles and Collaborations
In 2021, Harlow began branching out into acting roles and collaborations outside of rap. He appeared in the hit HBO show Industry, and had a voice acting role in the animated film The Mitchells Vs. The Machines. Harlow also began collaborating with EDM DJ Calvin Harris, featuring on Harris’ 2021 single “New To You” from his album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2.
These opportunities showed Harlow’s range as an artist and entertainer. Though known predominantly as a rapper, he was determined to showcase his talents across genres and mediums.
The Disappearance from the Spotlight
After a red hot 2020 and busy 2021, Harlow’s visibility and output slowed down considerably in 2022. He did not release much new music or make many headlines. After being omnipresent during his meteoric come-up, Harlow’s absence became more and more noticeable as 2022 went on.
Rumors circulated about why the rapper had seemingly disappeared from the spotlight. Some questioned if he was having trouble dealing with fame or burnout after skyrocketing to stardom so quickly. Others wondered if he was strategically taking time away to perfect his craft outside of the public eye.
Whatever the reason, after being one of the most talked about new rappers in recent years, Harlow was suddenly nowhere to be seen. He remained active on social media but was not dropping new music or otherwise capitalizing on his buzz.
Possible Explanations for His Disappearance
There are several possible explanations for why Jack Harlow stepped back from the spotlight after breaking out in such a major way:
Needed a Break from Fame
Harlow became a star incredibly fast – he went from local Kentucky rapper to national sensation within about a year. This rapid rise could easily become overwhelming. Perhaps Harlow realized he needed to take a step back from the spotlight for his mental health.
Disillusioned with the Industry
Another potential factor is Harlow becoming disillusioned with the music industry after getting his first real taste of it. The major label system isn’t for everybody. Maybe he got turned off by certain realities of the business as he tried to navigate it as a newly famous artist.
Focusing on Perfectionism
Harlow is known for having a perfectionist streak when it comes to his music. Rather than rush more music out to capitalize on fame, he may have decided to disappear and really focus on honing his craft. He likely wants to ensure his next album or mixtape is able to match the high standard he set with his debut.
Uncertainty About His Artistic Identity
Jack Harlow exploded so fast that he may still be figuring out who he is as an artist. His debut album showed range, but did not establish a definitive artistic identity. He may have stepped back to avoid getting boxed in or find out what kind of artist he really wants to be.
Regardless of the specifics, most signs point to Harlow needing some space after reaching stardom instantly with “What’s Poppin.” The pressures that come with fame likely prompted him to take time away from the spotlight.
His Anticipated Comeback
As 2022 comes to an end, anticipation is starting to build for Jack Harlow’s comeback. Fans are excitedly awaiting new music and the rapper’s return to the public eye.
Rumors have begun swirling that Harlow has been hard at work on his sophomore album. Given the time he has had away from the limelight, expectations will be high for the project. It remains to be seen if Harlow will return to his fun-loving party rap roots, or explore new artistic territory.
A comeback in 2023 seems imminent. Harlow is set to perform at several major festivals next summer, including Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. These booked appearances suggest he plans on releasing new music in time to promote during festival season.
His acting career also appears set to ramp up with a starring role in the upcoming reboot of White Men Can’t Jump alongside Sinqua Walls. After floating under the radar for over a year, Harlow is lined up for a big return to the public eye in 2023.
Questions Around His Comeback
As anticipation builds for the return of Jack Harlow, some key questions remain around what his comeback will look like:
Will He Top “What’s Poppin?”
“What’s Poppin” was such an enormous breakout hit that it may be impossible to top. But great artists evolve over time. It will be interesting to see if Harlow can capture lightning in a bottle again with another banger on the level of “What’s Poppin.”
How Has He Evolved as an Artist?
Harlow has had ample time away to develop his artistry. His sophomore album will reveal whether he has evolved sonically or found a more definitive voice. Fans are eager to see what an older, more seasoned Jack Harlow sounds like.
Can He Recapture the Magic?
Sometimes when an artist steps away at their peak, they can struggle to regain the same magic upon returning. After dominating 2020, does Harlow still have his finger on the pulse and the chops to recapture his previous heights?
His comeback will determine if the long absence provided needed perspective, or if the rapper’s best days are behind him. The most exciting comebacks happen when an artist returns evolved but with their talents fully intact. We will soon find out which direction Harlow falls in.
The Highly Anticipated Return of Jack Harlow
Jack Harlow established himself as one of music’s brightest young stars with the success of “What’s Poppin” and his smash debut album. However, his abrupt disappearance left fans puzzled and yearning for more.
After over a year away from the spotlight, Harlow is ready to make his anticipated return in 2023. The pressures of fame may have motivated his time out of the public eye. But by all accounts, he has been strategically preparing for his next chapter during the layoff.
Upcoming festival appearances, a high-profile acting gig, and rumors of a new album signal that Harlow is ready to recapture his buzz. The rapper’s return will help answer lingering questions about his development as an artist and ability to navigate stardom.
Jack Harlow took the scenic route after blowing up in 2020. But his fans are hungrier than ever to have him back as a major force in hip hop. If the anticipation is any indication, Harlow’s vanishing act seems poised to make his comeback an even bigger event than his arrival.