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.
Young Harleezy
Jack Harlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was in the seventh grade sellin' hard CDs (that's true)
I was on stage, talent show, heart beatin'
Now I make it sound like I write the bars easy
But I'm ten years in, it took me eight to start eatin' (uh-huh)
Six to start drinkin', nine to give it up
Now the bottles in my section mark Fiji
And it's hard to find some girls that aren't freaky (mm-hmm)
Tryna turn these money trees to a lil' forest
It used to feel forced, now I got the feel for it
I know you wanna see me but I'm still tourin' (ah)
Used to be on Norris back when Twiggy was in chorus
Rockin' 990's, not Jordans
You can find my name besides "Smooth" in the thesaurus
I don't drink tequila, but for you I still p-
Oh, that's pimpin' right there
Ooh-wee
Droppin' leaves, drippin' honey on butterflies
Imagine that
Ayy, Jack
I mean, Mack
'Cause Jack is the Mack
And he's back, believe that
Ayy, this can't just be luck
It's a reason all this shit be goin' how it does
I ain't tryna hear about the past and what it was
I don't care who lookin', give you passion in the club
Who out here is passionate as us?
I'm the one they trust, we the ones that's makin' a big fuss
New school shit, I give you money for the bus
And a letter grade too, I'm thinkin' C+
And as for us, big A-listers
Pull up in that big shit, you know, the paint drippers
I got a baddie and another baddie came with her
It must be somethin' goin' on that's got my name slicker
'Cause it's rollin' off the tongue (tongue)
Summertime got these girls sprung
There was a time I wasn't the one
But now that shit's done, word to Nicki, all I got is sons
So come around and you could get somethin', for fun
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancin' enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes)
Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough, someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancin' enough?
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en-
I'm goin' back in, Weezy voice
You and me for her is one hell of a easy choice
I ain't know that she was such a freak 'cause she be coy
Trust me, where I'm sittin', I can't even see these boys
I ain't like that CD, boy, you better eat them Wheaties, boy
This is not Vanilla Ice or Beastie Boys
So much bread in my account, that shit is yeasty, boy
Snow bunnies for my dawgs, Happy Easter, boys
Said your boyfriend's a fan? Nice to meet you, boy
She a vegan, but she still try and eat ya boy
There comes a time where I reach a point where I gotta make a point
Please understand I could take your joint (ah)
Heartthrob lifestyle, I could not fake it
Top spot in my sights, might gotta take it
How can I pretend like this life not amazin'?
Trust me, it's amazin', I can't believe I used to be debatin'
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancin' enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes)
Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancin' enough?
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en-
"Young Harleezy" is a song by American rapper Jack Harlow, where he reflects on his journey to success and the challenges he faced along the way. In the first verse, Harlow highlights the contrast between his upbringing and his current status in the music industry. While his peers were playing with RPGs, he was selling CDs in the seventh grade. He then talks about his humble beginnings, performing on talent shows where his heart would race. He acknowledges that his journey to success was not easy, as it took him eight years to start earning money and six years to start drinking alcohol.
In the second verse, Harlow boasts about his current success, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that got him there. He takes pride in being a new school artist who gives back to the community, even giving money for bus fare and letter grades to his fans. He also acknowledges the power dynamics in his relationships with women, bragging about the snow bunnies (white women) he attracts. However, he takes a moment to reflect on his vulnerability, asking if he is "fancy enough" and "handsome enough" to please his partner. He concludes with a message of self-confidence, stating that he cannot believe he ever doubted his ability to succeed.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a young artist coming into his own, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry while staying true to himself.
Line by Line Meaning
Young Harleezy, y'all grew up shootin' RPG's
While others were busy shooting RPG's, Jack Harlow was in the seventh grade selling hard CDs.
Now I make it sound like I write the bars easy
After ten years of hard work, Jack has finally found his groove in writing bars.
But I'm ten years in, it took me eight to start eatin' (uh-huh)
It took Jack eight years of hard work before he was able to start earning a living through his music.
Now the bottles in my section mark Fiji
Jack's hard work has paid off and he can now afford to drink luxurious Fiji water.
The pressure keeps building but luckily, I'm built for it (tough)
Despite the pressure of fame, Jack remains resilient and is equipped to handle it.
Used to be on Norris back when Twiggy was in chorus
Jack's come a long way in his journey and used to perform in small places like Norris with little fame.
I don't drink tequila, but for you I still p-
Jack is willing to make some sacrifices for his fans, including drinking tequila.
This can't just be luck
Jack believes that his success is not just based on luck but also his hard work and dedication.
I'm the one they trust
Jack is confident in his abilities and knows that his fans trust him.
Big A-listers Pull up in that big shit, you know, the paint drippers
Jack's success has allowed him to be in the company of other A-list celebrities with luxurious cars.
It can't just be us, sure enough, someone else sees what's what
Jack knows that his success is not just his own and that others recognize his talent as well.
I ain't know that she was such a freak 'cause she be coy
Jack is surprised to learn that someone he was interested in was a freak despite acting coy.
Heartthrob lifestyle, I could not fake it
Despite the pressure, Jack stays true to himself and his heartthrob lifestyle.
How can I pretend like this life not amazin'?
Jack is grateful and amazed by his success and cannot pretend otherwise.
Tell me right now, so I can be enough
Jack is eager to please and asks for validation from his fans to know if he is enough.
Lyrics © Budde Music Publishing GmbH
Written by: Dawoyne Lawson, Douglas Ford, Edwin Turner, Jackman Harlow, Jose Velazquez, Lamont Coleman, Nathan Ward II, Nickie Jon Pabon, Roget Chahayed, Ryan Vojtesak
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Raphae
Lyrics;
[Verse 1]
Young Harleezy, y'all grew up shooting RPG's
I was in seventh grade selling hard CD's (That's true)
I was on stage, talent show, heart beating
Now I make it sound like I write the bars easy
But I'm ten years in, it took me eight to start eating (Uh-huh)
Six to start drinking, nine to give it up
Now the bottles in my section mark Fiji
And it's hard to find some girls that aren't freaky (Mmm-hmm)
The pressure keeps building but luckily, I'm built for it
Tryna turn these money trees to a lil' forest
It used to feel forced, now I got the feel for it
I know you want to see me but I'm still touring
Ah, used to be on Norris back when Twiggy was in chorus
Rocking 990's, not Jordans
You can find my name besides "Smooth" in the thesaurus
I don't drink Tequila, but for you I still pour—
[Interlude: Snoop Dogg]
Oh, that's pimpin' right there
Ooh-wee
Droppin' leaves, drippin' honey on butterflies
Imagine that
Ayy, Jack, I mean, Mack, 'cause Jack is the Mack, and he's back, believe that
[Verse 2]
Ayy, this can't just be luck
It's a reason all this shit be goin' how it does
I ain't tryna hear about the past and what it was
I don't care who lookin', get you passion in the club
Who out here is passionate as us?
I'm the one they trust, we the ones that's makin' a big fuss
New school shit, I give you money for the bus and a letter grade too, I'm thinkin' C+
And as for us, big A-listers
Pull up in that big shit, you know, the paint drippers
I got a baddie and another baddie came with her
It must be somethin' goin' on that's got my name slicker
'Cause it's rollin' off the tongue (Tongue)
Summertime got these girls sprung
There was a time I wasn't the one
But now that shit's done, word to Nicki, all I got is sons
So come around and you could get somethin', for fun
[Chorus]
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes) Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough, someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en—
[Verse 3]
I'm goin' back in, Weezy voice
You and me for her is one hell of a easy choice
I ain't know that she was such a freak 'cause she be quiet
Trust me, where I'm sittin', I can't even see these boys
I ain't like that CD boy, you better eat them Wheaties boy
This is not Vanilla Ice or Beastie Boys
So much bread in my account, that shit is yeasty, boy
Snowbunnies for my dawgs, Happy Easter, boys
Said your boyfriend's a fan? Nice to meet you, boy
She a vegan, but she still tryn' eat ya' boy
There comes a time where I reach a point where I gotta make a point
Please understand I could take your joint (Ah)
Heartthrob lifestyle, I could not fake it
Top spot in my sights, might gotta take it
How can I pretend like this life is not amazin'?
Trust me, it's amazin', I can't believe I used to be debatin'
[Chorus]
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes) Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough?
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en—
Nkn Kannadiga
Lyrics
Harleezy, y'all grew up shooting RPG's
I was in seventh grade selling hard CD's (that's true)
I was on stage, talent show, heart beating
Now I make it sound like I write the bars easy
But I'm ten years in, it took me eight to start eating (uh-huh)
Six to start drinking, nine to give it up
Now, the bottles in my section mark Fiji
And it's hard to find some girls that aren't freaky (mmm-hmm)
The pressure keeps building but luckily, I'm built for it (tough)
Tryna turn these money trees to a lil' forest
It used to feel forced, now I got the feel for it
I know you want to see me but I'm still touring
Ah, used to be on Norris back when Twiggy was in chorus
Rocking 990's, not Jordans
You can find my name besides "Smooth" in the thesaurus
I don't drink Tequila, but for you I still pour—
Oh, that's pimpin' right there
Ooh-wee
Droppin' leaves, drippin' honey on butterflies
Imagine that
Ayy, Jack, I mean, Mack
'Cause Jack is the Mack, and he's back, believe that
Ayy, this can't just be luck
It's a reason all this shit be goin' how it does
I ain't tryna hear about the past and what it was
I don't care who lookin', get you passion in the club
Who out here is passionate as us?
I'm the one they trust, we the ones that's makin' a big fuss
New school shit
I give you money for the bus and a letter grade too, I'm thinkin' C+
And as for us, big A-listers
Pull up in that big shit, you know, the paint drippers
I got a baddie and another baddie came with her
It must be somethin' goin' on that's got my name slicker
'Cause it's rollin' off the tongue (tongue)
Summertime got these girls sprung
There was a time I wasn't the one
But now that shit's done, word to Nicki, all I got is sons
So come around and you could get somethin', for fun
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes) Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough, someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en—
I'm goin' back in, Weezy voice
You and me for her is one hell of a easy choice
I ain't know that she was such a freak 'cause she be quiet
Trust me, where I'm sittin', I can't even see these boys
I ain't like that CD boy, you better eat them Wheaties boy
This is not Vanilla Ice or Beastie Boys
So much bread in my account, that shit is yeasty, boy
Snowbunnies for my dawgs, Happy Easter, boys
Said your boyfriend's a fan? Nice to meet you, boy
She a vegan, but she still tryn' eat ya' boy
There comes a time where I reach a point where I gotta make a point
Please understand, I could take your joint (ah)
Heartthrob lifestyle, I could not fake it
Top spot in my sights, might gotta take it
How can I pretend like this life is not amazin'?
Trust me, it's amazin', I can't believe I used to be debatin'
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes) Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough?
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en
Miklik Cz
LYRICS 🔥
[Verse 1]
Young Harleezy, y'all grew up shooting RPG's
I was in seventh grade selling hard CD's (That's true)
I was on stage, talent show, heart beating
Now I make it sound like I write the bars easy
But I'm ten years in, it took me eight to start eating (Uh-huh)
Six to start drinking, nine to give it up
Now the bottles in my section mark Fiji
And it's hard to find some girls that aren't freaky (Mmm-hmm)
The pressure keeps building but luckily, I'm built for it
Tryna turn these money trees to a lil' forest
It used to feel forced, now I got the feel for it
I know you want to see me but I'm still touring
Ah, used to be on Norris back when Twiggy was in chorus
Rocking 990's, not Jordans
You can find my namе besides "Smooth" in the thеsaurus
I don't drink Tequila, but for you I still pour—
[Interlude: Snoop Dogg]
Oh, that's pimpin' right there
Ooh-wee
Droppin' leaves, drippin' honey on butterflies
Imagine that
Ayy, Jack, I mean, Mack, 'cause Jack is the Mack, and he's back, believe that
[Verse 2]
Ayy, this can't just be luck
It's a reason all this shit be goin' how it does
I ain't tryna hear about the past and what it was
I don't care who lookin', get you passion in the club
Who out here is passionate as us?
I'm the one they trust, we the ones that's makin' a big fuss
New school shit, I give you money for the bus and a letter grade too, I'm thinkin' C+
And as for us, big A-listers
Pull up in that big shit, you know, the paint drippers
I got a baddie and another baddie came with her
It must be somethin' goin' on that's got my name slicker
'Cause it's rollin' off the tongue (Tongue)
Summertime got these girls sprung
There was a time I wasn't the one
But now that shit's done, word to Nicki, all I got is sons
So come around and you could get somethin', for fun
[Chorus]
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes) Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough, someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en—
[Verse 3]
I'm goin' back in, Weezy voice
You and me for her is one hell of a easy choice
I ain't know that she was such a freak 'cause she be quiet
Trust me, where I'm sittin', I can't even see these boys
I ain't like that CD boy, you better eat them Wheaties boy
This is not Vanilla Ice or Beastie Boys
So much bread in my account, that shit is yeasty, boy
Snowbunnies for my dawgs, Happy Easter, boys
Said your boyfriend's a fan? Nice to meet you, boy
She a vegan, but she still tryn' eat ya' boy
There comes a time where I reach a point where I gotta make a point
Please understand I could take your joint (Ah)
Heartthrob lifestyle, I could not fake it
Top spot in my sights, might gotta take it
How can I pretend like this life is not amazin'?
Trust me, it's amazin', I can't believe I used to be debatin'
[Chorus]
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough? (Ah)
Am I handsome enough? (Yes) Tell me right now, so I can be enough
It can't just be us, sure enough someone else sees what's what
I just wanna take you overseas, what's up?
I just wanna tell you it could be just us
Am I fancy enough? Am I dancing enough?
Am I handsome enough? Tell me right now, so I can be en—
alexandru valentin
Maan, this dude has Snoop, Pharell, Timbaland, Justim Timberlake, Drake…. All huge legends in music industry on his album. smart move!
D Loc710419
🪴
Shish
Yea I mean no shit if you're that famous its a no brainer to get every connection you have on your album..
OnlyJoinedToTroll
Yo he's got juice but he can't touch those legends, Wayne included ...calm tf down
WAYNE BALDWIN
@Bruce Rawlins Jr. Def not a industry plant. Kid been putting in work since he was like 9 yrs old. Chew glass
Genesis Orozco ♡
The beat switches on this album are 🔥 and I’m feeling the early 2000’s vibe on every track, got me feeling nostalgic
Theta HEX Hodlhands
@Quodrehh that is why we love it* :)
Quodrehh
@Nilah Thomas we still love it
Nilah Thomas
its got a modern 2000's vibe to it.
erin
It's been cool watching this dude grow into the man he is today. Good job, Jack. <3