Harlow was born and raised in Louisville. Harlow began rapping at age 12. He and a friend used a Guitar Hero microphone and a laptop to record rhymes and songs. They made a CD entitled Rippin' and Rappin' and sold copies at their school (Highland Middle School). When he was in seventh grade, Harlow acquired a professional microphone and made his first mixtape, Extra Credit, using the moniker "Mr. Harlow".
Harlow attended Atherton High School, graduating in 2016. During his freshman year, his YouTube videos drew the attention of major labels, but he chose not to pursue any of the deals offered to him at the time. In November 2014 during his junior year, he released another mixtape, Finally Handsome.
In November 2015, Harlow released his first commercial album, an EP entitled The Handsome Harlow. It was released through Gill Holland's sonaBLAST! record label. Throughout high school, he often played sold-out shows at Louisville venues like the Mercury Ballroom, Headliners, and the Haymarket Whiskey Bar. In early 2016, he released a single, "Never Woulda Known", which featured Johnny Spanish and was produced by Syk Sense. In March of that year, he opened for Vince Staples in Louisville.
In June 2016 less than a month after graduating high school, he released the mixtape, 18, which was the first album on his label and music collective, Private Garden. The collective also features Harlow's frequent collaborators, the Homies, composed of Louisville rappers and producers Ace Pro, 2forwOyNE, Shloob, Quiiso, and Ronnie Lucciano. Over the course of the next year, Harlow performed at South by Southwest, Bonnaroo, and the Forecastle Festival. He also spent time traveling back and forth between Louisville and Atlanta to work with engineer/mixer, KY Engineering. In March 2017, he released the song "Hitchcock", produced by 2forwOyNE and J-Reid.
In the summer of 2017, he released the single "Routine". In October of that year, he released another single, "Dark Knight", with an accompanying music video. He credits CyHi the Prynce with helping him work through his writer's block and finish the song. The song would become the lead single off Harlow's mixtape Gazebo, which was released in November 2017. He went on a 14-city Gazebo Tour in support of the album. The Homies opened for Harlow, and the tour ended in January 2018. In May 2018, Harlow opened for indie rock band, Portugal. The Man on select tour dates. The following month, he was featured alongside Lil James and Sixteen on the Skeme song "Get Sumn".
In August 2018, it was announced that Harlow had signed to DJ Drama and Don Cannon's Atlantic Records imprint, Generation Now. He also released a video for his single "SUNDOWN" on the day of the announcement. On August 17, Harlow released his major label debut mixtape, Loose. The album featured guest verses from CyHi the Prynce, K Camp, 2forwOyNE, and Taylor. In September 2018, he performed at the Genius IQ/BBQ event. In November 2018, Harlow embarked on a North American tour in support of Loose that is scheduled to end in late December. That month, he also released a music video for the song, "PICKYOURPHONEUP", featuring K Camp. On August 21, 2019, Harlow released the single "Thru the Night" featuring Bryson Tiller and launched his US tour, which started in October of the same year.
In January 2020, he released "WHATS POPPIN", with a music video from video director Cole Bennett, who had also directed videos for artists such as JUICE WRLD, Lil Tecca, Lil Skies, and Blueface. The music video has surpassed one-hundred-fifty-five million views as of May 2022.
In 2021, Harlow released a collaboration with Lil Nas X, "Industry Baby", which reached number one on the Hot 100, becoming Harlow's first chart-topper. Harlow released his second album Come Home the Kids Miss You in 2022, and its single, "First Class", became his second number-one on the Hot 100 and first to debut atop the chart.
On August 3, 2021, he released a collaboration with Pooh Shiesty, "SUVs (Black on Black)".
On February 18, 2022, Harlow released the single "Nail Tech", the lead single from his upcoming second studio album and his first release in six-and-a-half months. The song performed well on the Hot 100 with a number 18 debut and peak and also received praise from Kanye West, who previously was involved in the production of "Industry Baby". On February 24, Harlow was featured in West's song "Louie Bags" on his album, Donda 2.
On March 16, 2022, Harlow announced that his second studio album is titled Come Home the Kids Miss You. The album was released on May 6. It debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, earning 113,000 album-equivalent units (including 8,000 in pure album sales) in its first week. It became Harlow's second US top-five debut on the chart. The album also accumulated a total of 137.05 million on-demand official streams for the album's songs. The album also peaked at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, Harlow's highest debut, and first top ten entry. The second single, "First Class", became his second number-one on the Billboard Hot 100, and the year's first hip-hop song to reach that position.
Harlow's third studio album, Jackman., was released on April 28, 2023, by Generation Now and Atlantic. The album was announced two days prior to its release and was speculated by fans to be a more lyrical project that was a return to his older musical roots.
In March 2022, it was announced that Harlow will make his acting debut in a reboot of the 1992 film White Men Can't Jump directed by Calmatic. On September 3, 2022, Harlow was the College GameDay guest picker and performer for Ohio State's 2022 season opener, a 21–10 win over Notre Dame. In October 2022, Harlow appeared on Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest for the Halloween episode. In April 2023, Harlow joined the cast of the Apple TV+ film The Instigators, co-starring alongside Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.
Harlow cites a range of influences across multiple genres, including Eminem, Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Outkast, Paul Wall, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Hall & Oates, Fergie, and Jesse McCartney, among others. Harlow has also identified cinema as an influence, aiming for his songs to be "like short films". His favorite filmmakers are Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Alfred Hitchcock.
Magazine
Jack Harlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Serve 'em up with that top spin
Young boy I've been taking off
And might pull up in that cockpit
And I got hits
Don't ask for shit cause we not friends
I spits verses I been working
You muhfuckers just clocked in
My potential that's Ben Simmons
Like blue jeans at the state fair
I might cut you off straight mid-sentence
She love the way that I'm quick with it
We have sex and I'm quick with it
If I put it in with no condom on
Then I might last like 10 minutes
On a good day
But baby it's cool we can do it again
This is the moment and this is the year
I'm predicting that I'll prolly be losing some friends
Please do not tell me about all of the bullshit
That y'all have been doing and who has been with
I feel like I should have been famous a year ago
I ain't got interest into just shooting the shits (woo)
When are we doing it big?
They made it cool and you ruined it quick
I got a hit's I don't usually miss
All of the shit you'll be shooting the bricks
It's crazy to me that you think this shits working
We don't give a fuck about you and your clique
All that I need is a year
And I swear the whole country gon' wonder like
"Who is this kid?"
I remember in the morning
When I take the bus to school
I wondered to myself
If this is how it has to be
I would take my finger
Write my name up on the window
Thinking one day
That's gon' be up on a magazine
I remember in the morning
When I take the bus to school
I wondered to myself
If this is how it has to be
I would take my finger
Write my name up on the window
Thinking one day
That's gon' be up on a magazine
Been about a week now
Been sleep deprived
Teachers' see me I'm easing by
C's and D's I don't need to try
But that piece of mind's what I need to find
And these people 'round me don't help
I've been dreaming like I'm still twelve
I was thinking bout what I want to be
I been redefining myself
Watch me as I break the ceiling
Watch me as I make a million
I think yo girl faking feelings
She just want to date a real one
I'm the man that got the hits
I think I should get paid to kill him
Pigment look like sour cream
They treat me like I'm Jason Williams
I'm trying to get to the top of the pyramid
Obvious to me you not really serious
You can not sit with me
Do this shit differently
If you pick Sprite Ima cop the Sierra Mist
I feel like Hell isn't as hot as my lyrics is
Tell them to give me my chops as a lyricist
All of these rappers look nervous as fuck to me
Like when your girlfriend ain't gotten her period (uh)
Yeah I can tell it's a struggle for you
Seeing this happen with me and this rapping
I'm doing just what I been wanted to do
I did not bring 'em a thing in the spring
So we gon' see now what the summer can do
Only way they get themselves into shape
Is I bring in the facts and they run from the truth
I remember in the morning
When I take the bus to school
I wondered to myself
If this is how it has to be
I would take my finger
Write my name up on the window
Thinking one day
That's gon' be up on a magazine
I remember in the morning
When I take the bus to school
I wondered to myself
If this is how it has to be
I would take my finger
Write my name up on the window
Thinking one day
That's gon' be up on a magazine
The lyrics to Jack Harlow's song "Magazine" reflect his journey and aspirations as an up-and-coming artist. He opens the song by establishing his confidence and dedication to his craft. He acknowledges that he is ahead of his peers and has been working consistently, while others are just starting to put in their time. He compares his potential to that of basketball player Ben Simmons, emphasizing his talent and skill.
In the chorus, Jack Harlow reminisces about his younger days when he used to ride the bus to school and daydream about becoming famous. He would write his name on the window, hoping that one day it would appear in a magazine. This symbolizes his desire for recognition and success.
The second verse delves deeper into the challenges he faces on his journey. Jack Harlow expresses his frustration with the people around him who don't support or understand his dreams. He mentions the pressure of school and the lack of motivation it brings. However, he maintains his determination to break barriers, achieve success, and prove himself as a talented rapper. He asserts his prowess as a lyricist, comparing his impact to that of a hot and influential NBA player, Jason Williams.
Overall, "Magazine" is a self-reflective and aspirational song that captures Jack Harlow's drive to make a name for himself in the music industry, despite the obstacles he encounters along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Locked in
Fully focused and committed to my goals
Serve 'em up with that top spin
Delivering my music with a unique and impressive style
Young boy I've been taking off
I've been experiencing significant success at a young age
And might pull up in that cockpit
I may arrive in a luxurious and exclusive vehicle
And I got hits
I have multiple popular songs
Don't ask for shit cause we not friends
Don't expect anything from me if we're not close
I spits verses I been working
I deliver impactful and well-crafted lyrics that I've been perfecting
You muhfuckers just clocked in
You've just started putting in effort while I've been doing this for a while
And you doing it but I been did it
You're trying to achieve what I've already accomplished
My potential that's Ben Simmons
I possess immense talent and skill like the basketball player Ben Simmons
Like blue jeans at the state fair
I stand out and catch attention, just like blue jeans at a popular event
I might cut you off straight mid-sentence
I have no patience for nonsense and may abruptly end a conversation
She love the way that I'm quick with it
She admires how fast I am at things, both sexually and in life
We have sex and I'm quick with it
I perform sexually with speed and proficiency
If I put it in with no condom on, then I might last like 10 minutes
I may not last long during sex if I don't use protection
On a good day, but baby it's cool we can do it again
Sometimes I may last longer, but if not, we can try again
This is the moment and this is the year
I believe this is my time to shine, and this year will be pivotal for my career
I'm predicting that I'll prolly be losing some friends
As I gain success, I anticipate losing friendships due to envy or changing dynamics
Please do not tell me about all of the bullshit
I don't want to hear about the unnecessary drama and negativity
That y'all have been doing and who has been with
I don't care about the things you've been involved in or the people around you
I feel like I should have been famous a year ago
I believe I deserved fame earlier than now
I ain't got interest into just shooting the shits (woo)
I'm not interested in engaging in meaningless conversations or activities
When are we doing it big?
When will we achieve great success?
They made it cool and you ruined it quick
You destroyed something that was once considered cool and trendy
I got a hit's I don't usually miss
I consistently produce successful songs and rarely deliver weak ones
All of the shit you'll be shooting the bricks
Everything you attempt ends up being a failure
It's crazy to me that you think this shits working
I find it ridiculous that you believe your actions are leading to success
We don't give a fuck about you and your clique
We have no interest or concern for you and your group of friends
All that I need is a year
I believe that achieving my goals will only take a year
And I swear the whole country gon' wonder like 'Who is this kid?'
If I succeed, the entire nation will be curious and intrigued by my talent
I remember in the morning When I take the bus to school
I recall my humble beginnings when I used to commute to school on the bus
I wondered to myself If this is how it has to be
I questioned whether my life would always be defined by this routine
I would take my finger Write my name up on the window
I would dream of leaving my mark and achieving recognition
Thinking one day That's gon' be up on a magazine
Believing that one day my name and accomplishments will be featured in a magazine
Been about a week now Been sleep deprived
I've been going through sleepless nights for about a week now
Teachers' see me I'm easing by
My teachers perceive me as just getting by without much effort
C's and D's I don't need to try
I'm satisfied with average grades and don't feel the need to put in more effort
But that piece of mind's what I need to find
However, finding peace of mind and fulfillment is what I truly desire
And these people 'round me don't help
The people around me aren't supportive or beneficial to my growth
I've been dreaming like I'm still twelve
I continue to dream and envision my future success, just like I did when I was younger
I was thinking bout what I want to be
I've been contemplating my aspirations and what I want to achieve
I been redefining myself
I've been reshaping and reinventing my identity
Watch me as I break the ceiling
Observe as I surpass the limitations and achieve great success
Watch me as I make a million
Witness my journey of making a significant amount of money
I think yo girl faking feelings
I believe that your girlfriend is pretending to have emotions for me
She just want to date a real one
She desires to be with someone who is genuine and authentic
I'm the man that got the hits
I am the artist responsible for creating popular songs
I think I should get paid to kill him
I believe I should be financially rewarded for outperforming other artists
Pigment look like sour cream
The color of my skin resembles the shade of sour cream
They treat me like I'm Jason Williams
People view and treat me as if I'm a famous basketball player like Jason Williams
I'm trying to get to the top of the pyramid
I'm striving to reach the pinnacle of success
Obvious to me you not really serious
It's clear to me that you lack genuine dedication and commitment
You can not sit with me
You are not welcome to be in my company
Do this shit differently
I approach things in a unique and distinctive manner
If you pick Sprite Ima cop the Sierra Mist
If you choose one thing, I'll choose something similar but better
I feel like Hell isn't as hot as my lyrics is
My lyrics are so intense and powerful that they surpass the heat of Hell
Tell them to give me my chops as a lyricist
Demanding recognition and acknowledgment of my skills as a songwriter
All of these rappers look nervous as fuck to me
Other rappers seem intimidated and anxious in my presence
Like when your girlfriend ain't gotten her period (uh)
Similar to the feeling of anxiety when your girlfriend is late on her menstrual period
Yeah I can tell it's a struggle for you
I can see that you're finding it difficult to keep up with me
Seeing this happen with me and this rapping
Witnessing my success and talent in the world of rap
I'm doing just what I been wanted to do
I'm finally pursuing and achieving what I've always desired
I did not bring 'em a thing in the spring
I didn't contribute anything significant during the earlier period
So we gon' see now what the summer can do
Now, during the summer, we'll witness my rise and accomplishments
Only way they get themselves into shape
The only way others improve themselves is when I expose the truth
Is I bring in the facts and they run from the truth
When I present them with the truth, they tend to avoid or deny it
I remember in the morning When I take the bus to school
Reflecting on my past when I used to travel to school on the bus
I wondered to myself If this is how it has to be
Questioning if this was the only path I had to follow
I would take my finger Write my name up on the window
Imagining leaving my mark and receiving recognition, even back then
Thinking one day That's gon' be up on a magazine
Believing that someday my achievements would be celebrated in a magazine
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Derek Louis Allen, Jackman Thomas Harlow
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind