Calliope Music Rapid Reviews
Jack Harlow - Jackman.
Louisville Rapper, Jack Harlow Redefines his Sound with Conscious Chipmunk Soul and Ripened Southern Hip-Hop.
A step away from Harlow's previous records, Jackman. centers on imperturbable instrumentals, sparked by fluttering hats and claps, and soothed by inky bass. A range of high pitched vocal samples bridge together stoic rap verses, positioning an overcast tone of honesty and reflection.
Harlow raps confidently, continuing to brag and boast of his successes as an artist. Contrary to his antecedent works, such gloating is surrounded by a candid context of relational failures and depressive realities. The Kentucky rapper also takes a stab at several societal controversies, taking stances on the appropriation of Ebonics, materialism, generational trauma and accountability in friendships.
Although the rhyme schemes and songwriting isn't particularly remarkable, Jackman. shows a much greater depth in topic and emotional maturity. The most notable verse comes in the last section of 'Gang Gang Gang,' where Harlow gives nuance to the "ride or die" mentality, saying:
"And all that talk takin' bullets suddenly feels foolish,
Pictures with him turn to ad campaigns, you gotta pull it,
Feet held to the fire,
We hold accountable the ones we hold dear out of morals, but mainly fear,
The choice becomes clear,
And years of comradery suddenly disappear,
Almost like you were never here"
This bar serves as a gut check to the "gang" mindset, where life long friends are forced apart due the poor decisions of one party. Despite years of building a bond, Jack Harlow believes self morals remain the priority, fearful of how others will think of someone loyal to a criminal. This plays a part in "Cancel Culture," as well, where those who are even an acquaintance to others deemed "canceled," are scrutinized for their loyalty, as Jack feels here.
Verses such as this are potent stepping stones to more developed lyricism, which Harlow ultimately fails to expand upon in this 24 minute LP. Nevertheless, the mellow warmth of equable production and matured rhyme prove to be a brief, but wholehearted Hip-Hop deliberation.
Best Tracks: Common Ground -- Gang Gang Gang -- Denver -- It Can't Be
5.5/10
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